TORONTO – For the sake of Canada’s broadcast industry and content producers, Internet broadcasters like Netflix cannot be exempted from broadcast regulation any longer, says the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) in its submission for Heritage Minister Joly’s Canadian Content in a Digital World consultations.
“Our system of balanced regulation has created a world-class industry – if new Internet-based broadcasters don’t have to play by the same rules, this system won’t work in the future,” said national executive director Stephen Waddell, in a statement. “Netflix hauls $620 million out of the country every year without paying a…
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French broadcasters license renewal will carry on with just two Francophone commissioners
WE HAD THOUGHT IT was government policy which said in order to run any CRTC hearing about broadcasting in the province of Quebec, at least three commissioners must be Francophone.
When former CRTC vice-chair, broadcasting, Tom Pentefountas (Greek last name, but a Francophone Quebecker), announced a year ago last Wednesday that he was leaving the Commission, the Regulator immediately postponed a hearing into the framework for French-language vocal music applicable to French-language commercial radio. It’s not part of the official paperwork explaining the reason why…
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TORONTO – Two unions representing employees at CBC/Radio-Canada used the 80th anniversary of the first public radio broadcast in Canada to call for increased “federal government supports” to strengthen the public broadcaster for future generations.
The Corporation was launched on November 2, 1936 to ensure Canadians had access to news and programming that reflected the country's values, aspirations and interests. In a joint statement Wednesday, the Canadian Media Guild (CMG) and Syndicat des Communications de Radio-Canada (SCRC) issued the following demands to the Feds:
– a new non-partisan process for selecting CBC/Radio-Canada president and board, in place prior to the end…
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OTTAWA – Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, will join Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly and CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais at next month’s International Institute of Communication – Canadian chapter conference.
Scheduled for November 16 -17 at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa, IIC Canada 2016 will bring together business and government leaders in media, communications and technology to engage on key issues affecting the future of the Canadian communications sector.
Registration is well underway and space is limited. Click here for the program agenda.
www.iic-canada.ca
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CALGARY – In an effort to celebrate people and organizations making a difference in the lives of Canadian youth, Shaw Communications will recognize and support 150 local charitable and community activities through 2017.
Through its Shaw Kids Investment Program (SKIP), Shaw said that it will provide grants to charitable and non-profit organizations planning heritage and cultural youth-focused events that celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial; charitable organizations planning Canada 150 initiatives that support children and youth; and organizations championed by outstanding Canadians going above and beyond to support our nation's youth.
Nominations are now being accepted here.
"Canada is more than just our home, it's…
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“Time to stop being defensive”
TORONTO – Newly designated with permanent residency status, Rogers Communications CEO Guy Laurence has some advice for the federal government as it begins the complex and difficult work of redefining Canada’s cultural policy.
Laurence spoke Wednesday at the Canadian Club in Toronto and said his adopted home faces a “once-in-a-lifetime” position to redefine its brand on a global stage and stake out a leadership position in culture.
Canada doesn’t have the gun culture of the U.S. (nor the ongoing electoral circus), has a stable economy and political infrastructure, fewer terrorism worries than other…
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TORONTO – The Canada Media Fund and the Italian Directorate General for Cinema of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Activities and Tourism have renewed their incentive for the co-development of documentary projects between Canadian and Italian producers.
The budget for the Canada – Italy Co-development Incentive for Documentary Projects is set at CAD $200,000, with each partner investing half of the total amount. Eligible documentary projects must be a documentary intended for theatrical release in Italy and for broadcast by an eligible Canadian broadcaster, and must involve at least one Canadian producer and one Italian producer.
The…
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OVER THE SUMMER, our shirt-challenged prime minister and national rock band reminded us that we stand unique in the world. As a country, we caught a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror. Turns out we’re not just sexy: Canadians are passionate about being Canadian. And yes, the Broadcasting Act is part of that.
With dark clouds looming over much of the world, Canadians are taking stock of who we are through the invisible web of culture. It lets us explore ideas and values, and dream our collective future. Culture connects our communities in all our glorious diversities.
Television has a vital…
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TORONTO – Globalive Capital has sold off Yak Communications, OneConnect Services, and its hospitality communications provider Canopco in two separate transactions, as it eyes new ventures and plans for expansion.
Long-distance provider Yak Communications has been scooped up by independent telecom Distributel Communications, while OneConnect Services and Canopco were acquired by Accelerated Connections Inc. (ACI), a provider of private IP connectivity and public internet services to businesses in Canada. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
"Yak Communications, OneConnect Services and Canopco have been an important part of Globalive Capital's portfolio and brands that are an integral part of our…
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THE CRTC ISSUED a decision ACTRA didn’t like and criticized it in a press release last week. CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais didn’t much care for that press release and on Wednesday sent the actor’s union a letter saying so.
Now, today we have a letter sent back to the chair from ACTRA president Ferne Downey (right) defending its position.
In his letter to ACTRA yesterday, Blais defended how the Commission reached its decision on a new policy for Certified Independent Production Funds (CIPFs), noting that the public proceedings held over the past two years made for a…
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