Canadians want Cancon, and so does the rest of the world

More than three quarters of Canadians say it's important to have a choice of television programs that reflect Canadian society, values and perspectives, according to a poll released at the onset of the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) hearing on Monday. The Harris/Decima poll, commissioned by the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC), Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA), Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists and the Writers Guild of Canada (WGC), also showed that 71% of Canadians believe it is important to have access to Canadian television programming distinct from American programs. "Television has great power to communicate meaningfully and directly with Canadians and, as we've established here today, that communication runs both ways," said DGC president Alan Goluboff in a press release. "Canadians want to hear their own voices, see their own faces and share in their common experiences. With CTF support and the tremendous talent in our production community we are able to deliver that programming and offer audiences more choice."After being informed through the survey that the "federal government spends a fraction of a percent of its budget on the CTF, which is a national program that helps finance theproduction of Canadian television programs," 86% of respondents agree that the government should make this investment to help ensure Canadians have access to home-grown TV programming reflecting Canada and its people. And 82% of respondents agree with the current CTF policy requiring BDUs to contribute revenues to the fund in return for certain protections and benefits. "We have our own stories, our own perspectives, and a sense of humour that is world- renowned," said Maureen Parker, WGC executive director. "Canadian writers and Canadian programs succeed by telling stories that speak to and captivate our own national audiences. These stories also resonate with audiences internationally."CTF-funded programs seen worldwideThe CFTPA attached the chart below to its opening remarks at the CTF hearing as a demonstration of the successful international track record of CTF-funded programs. The producers association stressed that the chart "is by no means an exhaustive list." GenreShowSold in _____DramaDegrassi: The Next Generation153 countries Da Vinci's Inquest150 territories Intelligence143 countries Cold Squad132 countries Falcon Beach115 territories ReGenesis110 countries Little Mosque on the Prairie80 territories Trailer Park Boys20 countriesDocumentaryMega Builders225 countries The Family Restaurant81 countries Race to Marsmore than 50 countries Fire Within (Cirque du Soleil)20 countriesChildren's and Youth Captain Flamingo144 territories Life with Derek 138 countries Atomic Betty 125 territories Naturally Sadie90 countries This is Daniel Cook 85 countries This is Emily Yeung78 countries Instant Star121 countries

Canadians want Cancon, and so does the rest of the world

Broadcast | February 5, 2008

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