Independent production must be key component in broadcasting policy: CFTPA

Canadian broadcasters, producers, distributors and other industry groups this week began filing submissions to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, articulating their visions of the future of the Canadian broadcasting system in general and the Broadcasting Act in particular. In its filing, the Canadian Film and Television Production Association debunks myths and calls for the creation of a stable infrastructure for cultural industries. A summary of the CFTPA’s submission to the committee follows. The government has made a commitment to Canadian content through the policy objectives established in the Act and the range of support structures that have been put in place to nurture and sustain a strong Canadian programming presence on our airwaves. It clearly recognizes that the Canadian independent production industry plays an essential role in helping broadcasters to achieve the goal of presenting high quality programming that appeals to Canadian viewers. A significant component of the committee’s agenda is consideration of the future of the Canadian broadcasting system. In this context, it has sought advice as to whether the existing Broadcasting Act and the principles it articulates are appropriate on a going forward basis. The need for government policy to continue to preserve a place for Canadian expression on our television airwaves is clear. The CRTC has, over time, developed a demonstrably successful regime for ensuring Canadian content whereby broadcasters are required to meet general regulatory requirements plus targeted Canadian exhibition and expenditure obligations, commensurate with their resources, in exchange for protected access to the marketplace. This should continue... It is essential that broadcasters continue to provide access on their channels for programs from unaffiliated producers. Measures should be put in place to ensure that less powerful voices are heard and that there are outlets for expression from all regions of the country. There is a need to have in place terms of trade agreements to establish clarity, transparency and trust in the relationships between independent producers and the broadcast community. We must ensure that the synergies afforded by horizontal and vertical integration are harnessed to meet the goals of Canadian content and cultural diversity. Foreign ownership limitations must continue to be imposed on broadcast programming undertakings if we are to be assured that the commitment to Canadian content will be upheld. Recognition must be given to the fact that only viable production companies will be in a position to create the strong indigenous programming required by the Canadian broadcasting system. Immediate action is required to ease the financial risk that is borne by producers, particularly the component attributable to lack of resources or inefficiency in administering public support programs. There is an urgent need to revise Canada’s copyright regime to ensure that intellectual property rights are protected in the face of a rapidly changing technological environment. We urge the committee to explore with the participants in this proceeding how best to ensure that the various cultural objectives that have been established for the Canadian broadcasting system and the existing support systems for program financing are integrated into a coherent framework. The CFTPA is calling on the government to ensure that there is a sense of consistency amongst the disparate components of the cultural policy framework. This requires clarity of vision, accountability and transparency. Without a strong industry, it will not be possible to sustain the creation of a wide range of quality programming that appeals to Canadian viewers. We must be in a position to tell our own stories, if we are to survive in this globalized, U.S.-dominated world...It is time to link together the distinct legislative elements that govern our industry to ensure that they work in tandem in support of the overarching objectives. This will ensure that strong Canadian cultural industries thrive and that Canadian content is seen here and abroad.

Independent production must be key component in broadcasting policy: CFTPA

News | 09/13/2001 4:00 am EDT

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