CTF faces five challenges, says fund chair Barrett

At the Banff World Television Festival, Canadian Television Fund (CTF) chair Douglas Barrett outlined some challenges that he sees the fund will face. An excerpt from his speech appears below. So, where does that leave us? Five challenges stand-out: 1.We need to fine tune the envelope system to get it right. 2.We need to improve the transparency and simplicity of our eligibility and definitional rules, and the clarity and consistency of our interpretive policies. 3.We need to immediately begin a careful look at the merits and demerits of the selective and envelope systems. Should some areas now covered by selective decision-making be transferred to the envelopes? By contrast, have we overlooked the benefits of the selective system in some areas now covered by the envelopes? 4.We need to undertake a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of equity investments. 5.We need to effectively implement the new governance system established by the minister in a way that does not disrupt our service to you. It is fundamental that we get this right! In all of these discussions, we need to be mindful that – in the Canadian government ("the public side of the private/public partnership"), we have a funding partner that has its own priorities. The resources provided to this sector are not a birth right. They are an investment intended to provide benefits not only to our industry but to all Canadians. While we need to make our priorities clear in a determined way, we also need to listen to theirs. Our failure to do this will surely threaten their continued and enthusiastic support of our work. On the other hand, if we continue to perform well against their expectations, show that we understand our job and do it well, we should begin to build a case for a significant increase in support. We all believe we have a strong and compelling argument not just for stable long term funding, but for much more funding. This loops me back to my opening remark that we are seen as a famously ungrateful lot, particularly in Ottawa…If we want to create winning conditions for a greater level of investment in the CTF, we clearly need to accept this image challenge and address it. The way to do this is to focus on the homework necessary to get our work right, and to deliver the kinds of programs that we want to make, and the government wants to support. This challenge is easy to say but difficult to accomplish. Many in this room, from every part of his industry, are personally involved in this journey. We know we have the right people and the right stakeholder organizations at the table. We know that all are committed to ensuring the fund’s continuing success and moreover to making the necessary changes to get it right.

CTF faces five challenges, says fund chair Barrett

News | 06/24/2005 4:00 am EDT

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