News Releases

September 30, 1998

A Sound Investment - CBC's Access to the Canadian Television Fund

Ottawa — Thanks to the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) the CBC has provided Canadians greater access to high-quality, distinctively Canadian programming — programming that they watch.

The CBC has guaranteed access to 50% of the Canadian Television Fund's (CTF) Equity Investment Program to develop and create programming. The CBC has provided a sterling return on this investment. The facts are that the CBC has over-performed and delivered 65% of viewers to English Canadian dramas in 1997-98 with only half the money. These programs on CBC's English Television attracted an average-minute audience of 546,000 viewers, almost double that of Canadian dramas aired by private broadcasters with participation on the CTF.

Overall, CBC's English Television broadcasts eight of the top 10 drama series with Canadian themes, while French Television last year aired four out of five of the drama series.

"When viewership figures are tallied fairly, the CBC is well ahead of private broadcasters in developing and airing cost-effective high quality programming that is watched from coast to coast," said CBC President Perrin Beatty.

Taken on its own merits, the CBC's ratings and cost effectiveness are competitive with the private networks, which operate under different economic imperatives. The CBC's raison d'être does not rest on returning profits to its shareholders, it's about creating a wide range of programming for Canadians about Canadians. CBC's shareholders are the people of Canada.

"The role of the CBC in Canada is a subject worthy of on-going debate, but that debate should be based on accurate information," said Mr. Beatty. "We at the CBC are confident that Canadians receive top-quality programming option from the CBC efficiently and effectively. With the commitment of stable funding, the CBC will continue to earn its keep with Canadians every day."

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