CBC to cancel 'The Lens'; CFTPA calls decision a "disturbing signal"

TORONTO and OTTAWA - CBC Newsworld is cancelling its award-winning documentary program The Lens after 16 years. Previously known as Rough Cuts, the program has showcased approximately 175 Canadian documentaries from independent filmmakers. Norm Bolen, president and CEO of the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) called the news “a very disturbing signal from Canada’s public broadcaster.”“We understand the financial constraints all broadcasters are under but the documentary genre should be better represented and funded by the broadcasting sector,” Bolen said in a statement. “Cancelling this outlet for one-off, point-of-view documentaries by independent producers will further reduce the diversity...