News Releases

December 23, 2002

Cold Christmas for Canadian Programming

CBC/Radio-Canada opposes Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice plans to divert money from the Canadian Television Fund

Ottawa — CBC/Radio-Canada has filed an intervention with the CRTC opposing applications by Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice for licence amendments which, if granted, would have a significantly negative impact on the funds available to develop Canadian programming.

Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice have asked the CRTC for relief from the conditions of licence which are intended to protect a local broadcaster's program rights and advertising revenues. Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice are proposing to provide compensation to private broadcasters via measures which would divert public funds from the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) and, in turn, from high priority programming, such as drama.

"At a time when the need to improve the quality and quantity of Canadian drama is greatest, the Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice proposals are not in the public interest and in fact subvert the very purpose underlying the CTF, namely, to support the Canadian television production industry in the development of Canadian programming," said Robert Rabinovitch, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada. "Withdrawing cash from the program production industry tells the true story of their commitment to quality Canadian programming."

Bell ExpressVu proposes to divert 50% — an estimated $12 million — of its annual contribution to the CTF to a new Private Broadcasters Fund. If Star Choice were to participate in the new Fund, the amount diverted away from the CTF, and therefore away from the production of high priority programs, would rise to $20 million for the first year of operation. Over the course of the life of the Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice proposals, the Canadian broadcasting system could lose more than $300 million.

CBC/Radio-Canada is also vigorously opposing Bell ExpressVu's proposal to alter and delete CBC's television services in numerous small markets across Canada, denying Canadians access to their national public broadcaster.

CBC/Radio-Canada is calling on the CRTC to hold public hearings on the Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice proposals. A full public hearing process is the only way to ensure that all affected parties — including television producers, public and private broadcasters, and the Canadian public — have an opportunity to voice their concerns.

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