Independent producers cheer Bell/CTV benefits

OTTAWA - The Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) said that it is “pleased” with the CRTC’s decision to require BCE to allocate $100 million to independently-produced programs of national interest as part of its acquisition of CTV.“This decision ensures there’s new money to put new Canadian programs on our screens - programs that otherwise would not be made,” said president and CEO, Norm Bolen, in a statement. “And it means these new programs will be produced by independent, lean, entrepreneurial companies that reflect a diversity of voices from across the country.”However, the organization expressed disappointment that the Commission approved BCE’s...