CBC/RADIO-CANADA DOES NOT receive any money from the Canadian Television Fund (see "Shaw suspends TV fund payments"). The fund goes to independent producers to help them make Canadian programs that will be broadcast on Canadian television.
The Canadian Television Fund (CTF) was created to provide financial support to independent producers who make distinctly Canadian television programs. This Fund ensures Canadians can watch programs, particularly drama programs, which reflect Canada. Contrary to Mr. Shaw’s claim that it supports programs that few watch, the CTF has made possible many highly successful Canadian programs including Shania: A Life in Eight Albums, H2O,…
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DEREGULATING LOCAL PHONE in major urban centres in 2007 seems to me to be the right thing to do.
"The idea that somehow the cable guys are at a disadvantage to the telcos has not been proven so far in the entry of the cable industry in local voice," Lawson Hunter, Bell’s chief corporate officer said to me Wednesday. I agree with him. To a point.
Setting aside the unprecedented use of the provision in the Telecom Act that let’s the government issue policy directives to the CRTC (until 2006, it just hadn’t been done), it’s time to…
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LAS VEGAS – In kicking off the session this morning on IPTV, PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Asia Pacific head Marcel Fenez outlined the changes in his city, Hong Kong, with the introduction of a serious IPTV player.
There are seven million people in the city and 130% wireless penetration. Broadband penetration is 60% and five years ago, cable had 100% of the video market, he said.
Three years ago, however, one of the five fixed line telcos, PCCW launched an IPTV service with 23 channels.
It now has over 700,000 customers (one of whom is Fenez) and 120 channels. "It’s the largest…
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A SINGLE ELEMENT ON DAY ONE of the new Sportsnet Connected typified the new programming focus of the Rogers Media-owned regional sports network.
It was Wade Belak.
It wasn’t so much the new set with its BAM ("big-ass-monitor", says Connected’s show manager Mike English) 103-inch plasma TV, lack of a traditional sports desk or that the anchors and reporters are more casual in their presentation and attire (some more comfortable than others) that hit hardest. It was Belak, and only figuratively, thank goodness.
The Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer showed up in a long-sleeved camouflage shirt and jeans. Great for…
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OTTAWA – Industry Minister Maxime Bernier’s efforts to hasten deregulation of local telephone service have come under fire from Canadian consumer groups.
At a press conference Monday, the organizations charged that the minister’s proposals and policy direction to the CRTC ignore the Commission’s roadmap to competition that took into account the largely dominant position of the established local phone companies and was aimed at permitting the creation of viable competition. Some in rural communities say the directive will stifle competition in smaller markets.
The Canadian Consumer Initiative, a coalition of six consumer organizations, accused the minister of trying…
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LAS VEGAS – When most broadcasters talk about new platforms, the discussion often centres around repurposing content or some other way of cutting up something that was meant for TV and then cramming it into an itsy bitsy screen.
According to panelists at today’s NATPE Mobile++ day in Las Vegas (which was organized by Achilles Media, the same company that produces the Banff International TV Fest), the days of producing for TV and then thinking about how it will fit, or sort of fit, on a two-inch screen (of a cell phone or other mobile device) or how best…
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OTTAWA – Canada’s hottest new music stars, along with a rock legend, will be honoured at the 10th Annual Canadian Radio Music Awards (CRMA) on Saturday, March 10th in Toronto.
Addictiv, Eva Avila, Gregory Charles, Mobile, The New Pornographers, and Joel Plaskett are among the artists nominated in nine categories. In previous years, the CRMAs introduced rookies such as Avril Lavigne, Sam Roberts, Arcade Fire and Michael Bublé.
Presented by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), the Awards will be handed out at a gala luncheon on Saturday, March 10, 2007, 12:30 p.m. at the Royal York Hotel in…
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KAMLOOPS – The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group has announced a corporate shuffle and radio station reorganization in western Canada.
The Group has created a new radio cluster for Southwestern Alberta/Southeastern B.C. and given Rob Bye and Rod Schween new responsibilities.
Bye, who has been GM and general sales manager in Lethbridge, becomes GM:/GSM for Island Radio, comprising CKWV FM/CHWF FM, CKLR FM, CJAV FM, CIBH FM/CHPQ FM, effective Feb. 19th. “I wish to thank the Lethbridge team for the tremendously fulfilling experience of working with them over the past four-and-a-half years. Now, I’m truly looking forward to working with…
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LOS ANGELES – The ACTRA strike has created a situation that could potentially have a devastating and long term impact on production in Canada, the Alliance of Motion Picture & television Producers said in a release issued Friday.
With the with the exception of British Columbia, where there is no strike thanks to a different collective agreement, the labour situation (where ACTRA members are on strike but still working on productions not yet completed) "poses a lost opportunity to the country with regard to U.S.-financed productions – pilots, series television, movies for television and feature films," said the release….
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TORONTO – A great opportunity to socialize with chapter members and learn more about CTAM Canada’s plans for 2007 will happen Wednesday January 24th in Toronto.
This is an event you don’t want to miss! Do you have a friend that’s not a member? Bring them along to see what membership in CTAM Canada is all about! Enjoy a fun filled evening with great hors d’ouvres, cocktails, prizes and friends.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 24, 2007, 6 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Flow Restaurant and Lounge www.flowrestaurant.com; 133 Yorkville Ave.; Toronto, ON
COST: Free
REGISTRATION: RSVP by e-mailing Andrea Gagliardi at…
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