News Releases

September 28, 2006

CBC/Radio-Canada shares its views on the future of Canadian Television

Ottawa - CBC/Radio-Canada yesterday filed its submission with the CRTC for its Television Policy Review, which is a crucial part of setting out Canada's broadcast policy for the 21st century.

"CBC/Radio-Canada must be able to adapt to the realities of the fast-changing broadcasting environment," said Robert Rabinovitch, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada. "We welcome this opportunity to weigh in with our perspective and, in so doing, take part in the dialogue that will give shape to the policy and regulatory framework within which all broadcasters will evolve, thereby ensuring the Canadian broadcasting system remains as robust as it is resilient."

CBC/Radio-Canada believes that Canadians will be well-served if their broadcast system is equipped to respond to the opportunities and challenges posed by new communications technologies and shifting consumer habits.

The issues that the CRTC is dealing with in this review cut to the core of the matter. The Commission has asked conventional broadcasters about the future of over-the-air reception in a digital environment. Very few Canadians continue to rely on over-the-air signals for their television viewing. As a result, CBC/Radio-Canada has recommended a hybrid cable, satellite and over-the-air model for the CRTC's consideration that recognizes this new reception reality.

Conventional broadcasters – both public and private – are the main contributors to the Canadian broadcasting system. Unfortunately, all these broadcasters rely heavily on advertising revenues to support Canadian television programming, and this revenue source is now weakening and faces an uncertain future. Therefore, CBC/Radio-Canada is proposing that the CRTC establish conventional broadcaster eligibility for subscription revenues.

"The strength of the system depends on a healthy public broadcaster that is able to connect Canadians through compelling Canadian content," added Rabinovitch. "Some of the issues that will be discussed – over-the-air distribution and subscription revenues in particular – are fundamental to conventional broadcasters' ability to contend with the changing needs of Canadians. We look forward to the hearings in November."

About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. CBC/Radio-Canada reaches Canadians through eight national radio and television networks, its full-service Web sites, local/regional stations and affiliates, as well as the digital television channel Country Canada and the continuous music network Galaxie. In addition, CBC/Radio-Canada has forged partnerships with other broadcasters and is a partner in the satellite radio service SIRIUS Canada as well as in the specialty television services ARTV and The Documentary Channel. Through this array of activities, CBC/Radio-Canada brings diverse regional and cultural perspectives into the daily lives of Canadians in English, French and eight aboriginal languages. (2006)

For additional information, please contact:

Katherine Heath-Eves
Media Relations
CBC/Radio-Canada (Ottawa)
Tel: (613) 288-6235
heathevk@cbc.ca
www.cbc.radio-canada.ca