TORONTO – Add the Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) to those backing Monday’s CRTC decision on new TV policy.
The WGC said that it is “optimistic” about the re-introduction of expenditure requirements, though said that it needs to do some modelling to determine if the spending requirements and drama minimums in the new policy are enough “to make a real difference”.
“The CRTC heard us”, said executive director Maureen Parker, in a statement. “This policy marks a philosophical shift. The re-introduction of expenditure requirements will help build the supply of Canadian programming, including high-quality dramas and documentaries. And expenditure requirements will apply across the board to conventional and specialty services. Additionally, the elimination of priority programming will close a loophole that has allowed broadcasters to dodge producing high-quality drama.”
The WGC said the true test of the policy’s effectiveness will come as it is applied at broadcaster licence renewal hearings which have been postponed to 2011. WGC president Rebecca Schechter expressed concern that this delay will leave the industry to “languish” for at least another 18 months.
“Broadcasters have done serious damage to the Canadian industry and a disservice to Canadian audiences”, Schechter said. “Another year or so of relying on their good intentions, and we’ll be trying to rebuild an industry from zero.”
The WGC represents 2,000 professional English-language screenwriters across Canada.
