WINNIPEG – Canwest Global Communications said that the CRTC’s preliminary determinations relating to its 2009 conventional television licence renewal announced last week “represent a significant positive step forward for local television”.
The CRTC set an agenda and timetable for discussing issues facing local television stations, including potential solutions that provide on-going revenue support, last Friday.
“This decision demonstrates that the CRTC understands the serious issues facing local television in this country and recognizes the need to provide access to the same revenue streams afforded other broadcasters,” said Canwest president and CEO Leonard Asper, in a statement. “We are encouraged that the Commission’s determinations (Friday) not only identify the key issues but also set out a timeframe for finding solutions to rebalance Canada’s regulatory environment and we look forward to playing an active role and making a positive contribution to these discussions.”
Canwest also said that it “looks forward to working with the CRTC to establish an appropriate level of spending on Canadian programming”, and Asper pointed out that Canwest broadcast properties currently invest about $350 million a year developing Canadian and local content, including news programming.
“Canadian broadcasters already produce more national and local content than any other country in the world and we do so proudly,’’ Asper continued. “This is part of our commitment to the communities that we serve.”
