TORONTO – The New Democratic weighed in on the CRTC’s TV Policy Review on Monday.
According to a press release from the party, Heritage Critic Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay) and MP Peggy Nash (Parkdale High Park) held meetings with key players in Toronto’s film and television industry, although it did not say whom they met with.
"The message from industry is clear: the Federal Conservatives need to step forward with firm commitments and targets to stop the bleed off of jobs from English Canada’s television and film industry," says the press release.
Angus and Nash held meetings in Toronto to hear concerns about the Conservative government’s approach to the ongoing CRTC review of over-the-air broadcasting in Canada. The new regulatory regime "will either breathe new life into the industry or deal it a death-blow," warns the release.
“Following the last round of CRTC changes in 1999, we have seen domestic content production trashed in the English television market. Any changes in television planning must include clear targets for the creation of original Canadian drama production. The minimum expenditure requirement that was scrapped allowed broadcasters to walk away from their obligation to ensure that Canadian airwaves tell Canadian stories. Instead we have been subjected to cookie-cutter cop stories from the U.S.," says Nash in the release.
Since the CRTC changes, Canadian private broadcaster’s spending on American programming has risen from 27% of ad revenue to an all-time high of 35%, while spending on Canadian drama has dropped to 3.2% of revenue, the lowest percentage in eight years, according to CRTC’s own reports, quotes the NDP newser.
“Minister Bev Oda has been little more than an absentee landlord on the cultural front," added Nash. "The minister and all parties need to confirm permanent funding for the Canadian Television Fund. We need clear commitments for domestic content standards.”
Ira Levy, chair of the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA), said in the release: “Permanent commitments must be made to ensure that the CTF is available to meet its long-term obligations.”
