Radio / Television News

CAB applauds Frulla



OTTAWA – The day after her speech to the Banff TV Festival, promising stable funding for the Canadian Television Fund, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters publicly praised Canadian Heritage Minister Liza Frulla.

As reported by www.cartt.ca Sunday, Frulla announced that the next federal budget will include the renewal of the federal government’s contribution of $100 million for 2006-2007 to the Canadian Television Fund (CTF).

“Long term, adequate and sustainable funding is needed for this fund and the CAB is pleased to hear from the minister that this will be considered in the context of the 2006 federal budget,” said Glenn O’Farrell, CAB president and CEO in a release. “The early announcement of the $100 million is a very encouraging signal from the minister.”

“The CAB also welcomes the constructive directions provided in the minister’s announcement regarding the governance and administration of the CTF and believes this is a positive step to ensure greater efficiency of the system and, in the end, the production of homegrown programming that can attract Canadian audiences,” added O’Farrell.

The minister’s direction to give the CTF board of directors overriding responsibility for the fund reflects the success CTF has achieved over the years, having adopted simpler processes, ensured more transparency and efficiency, and rewarded broadcasters who are successful at attracting Canadian audiences.

“These funds are essential to ensure the presence and vitality of Canadian voices on screen and the proposed streamlined model will rationalize and simplify the application process,” added O’Farrell. “We also understand that the successful model that has been in place for French-language programming – dedicated broadcaster performance envelopes which provide certainty and reduce administrative burden – will be immediately implemented for English language drama. Through our representatives on the CTF Board, we will be working with our industry partners to achieve this goal.”

www.cab-acr.ca