|
Public Notice CRTC 2000-1
|
|
Ottawa, 6 January 2000 |
|
A distinctive voice for all
Canadians: Renewal of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's licences |
|
A preamble to the Commission's
decisions on the CBC licence renewals: Decisions CRTC 2000-1, 2000-2 and 2000-3 |
|
Summary |
|
We Canadians need to remind ourselves that
we are a unique people and a unique country. The CBC as the public broadcaster and
telecaster in Canada, has a marvelous opportunity to share the aspirations and visions of
our country not only with us citizens but also with people all over the world. (Public
Consultation at Vancouver) |
|
The Commission renews for a period of seven
years, to 31 August 2007, the CBCs licences for its English- and French-language
radio and television networks, for most of the television stations it owns and operates,
and for Newsworld and the Réseau de linformation (RDI). |
|
The Commission's decisions are built on the
CBC's legislative mandate as well as previous licensing decisions. The Corporation's many
accomplishments over its various licence terms also set the context for today's decisions.
In addition, the Commission has carefully considered the oral and written comments
received from Canadians, both at the May hearing and during the public consultations held
prior to this hearing. These consultations afforded the Commission the opportunity to hear
Canadians' views about the CBC, to consider their attachment to the public broadcaster, as
well as their concerns and expectations regarding its future. Throughout this notice and
the decisions which follow, the Commission has included representative quotes from
comments made at the public consultations and the oral hearing. |
|
During the oral hearing, which began on 25
May 1999, the Commission reviewed the Corporation's own plans and objectives for the new
licence term. The Commission expects the CBC to fulfil the programming commitments made
during the public hearing for its core radio and television services. |
|
However, the Commission is of the view
that, if the CBC is to effectively carry out its mandate as a national public broadcaster,
an essential shift in focus is required. |
|
The CBC has a very particular role to play
as a voice for all Canadians, from every part of the country. Accordingly, the Commission
considers that, as a priority, the CBC should rebalance its program schedules,
particularly during the peak audience periods. Its programs must more effectively reflect
all of Canada and the experience of all Canadians. The Corporation must achieve this goal
while offering a balanced schedule of programming that meets the needs, satisfies the
interests of its English and French speaking audiences, and reflects our evolving cultural
diversity. The CBC's core radio and television services must be strengthened and made
available to Canadians in all parts of the country. The Commission has set specific
reporting requirements and conditions for each network in this respect, which must be
fulfilled during the new licence term, beginning 1 September 2000. Pursuant to section
23(1) of the Broadcasting Act, the Commission consulted with the Corporation, at
its request, with regard to the conditions that the Commission proposed to attach to the
CBC's licences.
|
|
See Appendix 1 for the specifics of the
reporting requirements. |
|
Building the Commission's decision |
|
Canadians address the future
of the CBC |
|
I have up to now considered the CBC as a
string that has kept us Canadians together from sea to sea and later the other sea for 61
years. I now regard it as it should have been regarded, as a hawser rope, ... that hold
ships to the shore. (Public Consultation at Vancouver) |
|
1. During
the oral hearing held in the National Capital Region commencing 25 May 1999, the
Commission examined the licence renewal applications submitted by the Canadian
Broadcasting Corporation (CBC or the Corporation) for its French- and English-language
radio and television networks, for most of the television stations it owns and operates,
and for Newsworld and the Réseau de linformation (RDI). Prior to the hearing, the
Commission held 11 public consultations across Canada to provide the greatest possible
number of Canadians with an opportunity to express their views on Canadas public
broadcaster. Over 625 individuals participated in the public consultation. In addition,
the Commission received some 4,000 written submissions and 87 oral presentations during
the 13 day oral hearing. (See Appendix 2). |
|
2. In words
which were eloquent, direct and often personal, participants from Newfoundland to British
Columbia, from Québec to Whitehorse, described the role of the public broadcaster as it
has been and as they hope it will be in the years ahead.
|
|
3. Many
referred to the important role the CBC plays in developing and presenting Canadian
artistic talent, in creating ground-breaking dramatic programming in both English and
French, and in maintaining world-class journalistic standards. A recurring theme was the
way the CBC links Canadians through their various stories, music and experiences, thereby
ensuring that Canadians witness, understand and appreciate the full diversity of this vast
country. |
|
4.
Canadians attach a great value to the place CBC programming has earned in Canadas
national life. Their expectations, at times high, and their criticisms, at times severe,
are an indication of their sense of attachment to their public broadcaster. Certain
messages consistently emerged. Overwhelmingly, Canadians want to see themselves reflected
in CBC programming. Many considered that the CBC's programming did not adequately reflect
the concerns of Canadians from all across the country. For these participants, the
"excellence of its regional programming is essential to the overall quality of the
CBC." They believe that this is what gives the CBC its true relevance and
distinctiveness. |
|
5. Many
Canadians emphasized a particular attachment to CBC radio, focusing on its distinctive
programming, non-commercial nature and attention to regional concerns. However, a number
of participants voiced concern that CBC television is not as clearly distinctive, and not
as sufficiently reflective of each region of Canada. Canadians want to ensure that the
"CBC provides equal service to all areas of the country." Moreover, both
listeners and viewers stated that in recent years, they have seen a marked decrease in
distinctively Canadian programs in the CBCs schedules, as well as a significant
increase in repeat programming. |
|
The CBC mandate |
|
6. The Broadcasting
Act (the Act) states that the CBC, as the national public broadcaster, should provide
radio and television services incorporating a wide range of programming that informs,
enlightens and entertains. Section 3(1)(m) of the Act specifically states that the
programming provided by the Corporation should: |
|
(i) be
predominantly and distinctively Canadian,
|
|
(ii)
reflect Canada and its regions to national and regional audiences, while serving the
special needs of those regions,
|
|
(iii)
actively contribute to the flow and exchange of cultural expression,
|
|
(iv) be in
English and in French, reflecting the different needs and circumstances of each official
language community, including the particular needs and circumstances of English and French
linguistic minorities,
|
|
(v) strive
to be of equivalent quality in English and French,
|
|
(vi)
contribute to shared national consciousness and identity,
|
|
(viii)
be made available throughout Canada by the most appropriate and efficient means and
as resources become available for the purpose, and
|
|
(viii) reflect the multicultural and
multiracial nature of Canada.
|
|
The role of the CRTC |
|
7. Under
section 5(1) of the Act, the Commission must regulate and supervise all aspects of the
Canadian broadcasting system with a view to implementing the broadcasting policy set out
in section 3(1) of the Act, having regard to the regulatory policy set out in section 5(2)
of the Act. The Act grants the Commission the authority to set the terms and conditions of
the CBC's licences. |
|
8. The
Commission wants to ensure that its policies and regulations are in harmony with the
broadcasting industry's constantly changing environment and that they enable the entire
Canadian broadcasting system to remain on the leading edge of those changes. Its
examination of the CBCs applications was closely preceded by other public
proceedings, including those relating to commercial television and radio. The purpose of
those proceedings was to update the Commissions policies and more effectively adapt
them to this changing context. Following the public proceedings, new radio and television
policies were announced in Public Notices CRTC 1998-41 and 1999-41. The new television
policy, Building on Success A Policy Framework for Canadian Television
specifically emphasizes the scheduling of Canadian programs during prime time, and
challenges broadcasters to better reflect the realities of Canadas various regions
and its people. |
|
9. The
examination of the CBCs applications is another important step in the Commission's
review of its broadcasting policies conducted over the past two years. For the first time
in many years, almost all of the Corporation licences have been considered together. As
set out in Notice of Public Hearing CRTC 1999-3, dated 24 March 1999, the Commission
wanted to explore with the CBC how it could best meet the expectations held by the public,
fulfill its mandate under the Act, and contribute to strengthening the public component of
Canadas broadcasting system. |
|
The Commission's decision |
|
CBC's unique role in
Canadas national life |
|
The glory of the CBC is to draw the country
together while representing the marvellous range of local voices that is Canada. |
|
(Public Consultation at Sydney) |
|
[Translation] From Newfoundland to British
Columbia, Anglophones and Francophones need a better knowledge and understanding of
reality, and the best tool for the job is the CBC or SRC, and we would like to see some
changes along these lines in the coming years. (Public Consultation at Moncton)
|
|
10. The
Corporation can be proud of its long tradition of excellence in broadcasting. With their
bold and innovative spirit, its architects sowed the seeds for programming that has been
marked by high quality, rigour and professionalism. |
|
11. Some of
the best examples of this success are the Corporations news and information
programs, both on television and on radio. Canadians from coast to coast want to continue
to rely on the CBCs regional, national and international information programs. This
programming, long one of the hallmarks of the English and French services, has in recent
years been enhanced by the all-news services of Newsworld and RDI. |
|
12. A
remarkable achievement of the Corporation is the emphasis on Canadian content on its
English- and French-language television networks, particularly in prime time. On the
French network, this is a tradition that is as old as the network itself and continues
until this day. During the last licence term, both the French and English networks
surpassed their commitments in this regard, reaching close to 90% Canadian content in
prime time. This focus on Canadian content is reflected particularly in the showcasing of
Canadian dramatic productions. By offering authentically Canadian, high-quality drama and
comedy programs during prime time, the Corporation was among the first to search out
creative artists that could appeal to Canadian viewers. |
|
13.
Commenting on the important role of CBC, Francophone Canadians paid particular homage to
the importance of the CBC French-language television service, which plays an essential
role in the cultural life of Quebec and of Francophones across Canada. As noted above, the
CBC's dramatic programming is one of its major achievements, and this is especially true
regarding French-language drama which has garnered enormous success with Francophone
audiences.
|
|
14. The
loyalty of the CBCs radio audience is also worthy of particular note. Many Canadians
say that it is through radio, and especially through English-language radio, that the
Corporation best fulfils its mandate as a national public broadcaster. CBC radio reaches
many Canadians, who count on the CBC for programming that reflects themselves and links
Canadians in all parts of the country in a sustained dialogue. |
|
15. In the
1994 renewal decision for the CBCs television network licences (Decision CRTC
94-437), the Commission pointed out that, in an increasingly competitive environment,
"
the need may be greater than ever for an outlet to express truly Canadian
stories, ideas and values amid these foreign voices. A strong Canadian national public
broadcaster is indispensable in this context." In its 1997 Vision Statement, the
Commission also emphasized the primary role of Canadas public broadcaster to
provide a balanced reflection of Canadas values, linguistic duality, cultural
diversity and expression of creativity. Further, in its June 1999 policy framework for
Canadian television, the Commission reiterated its support for public broadcasting as
follows: |
|
the Commission recognizes the strong
presence and essential contributions of the public broadcasting sector. Its continued
strength is imperative to ensure the economic viability and the development of high
quality programming. |
|
A shift in focus: A new balance in
programming
|
|
The CBC can help in our identification as
Canadians by letting all of us, region to region, talk to one another. (Public
Consultation at Sydney) |
|
16.
Canadians look to the CBC for a Canadian perspective on national and world issues through
a wide variety of programming that reflects their concerns and diversity. In setting out
expectations, requirements and conditions of licence for the Corporation, the Commission
is asking it to maintain this general interest role. The Commission is also asking the CBC
to undertake an essential shift in focus and to thereby provide more diversity and a truer
reflection of the whole of this country in its programming choices. |
|
17. The
Commissions decisions rest on the premise that the CBCs continued relevance
and effectiveness require a more balanced approach to its programming, particularly during
the peak audience periods. In order to address all aspects of its mandate in the coming
term, he CBC should present on its national services substantially more programming
originating from across the country. It should also establish a programming schedule that
features a balanced range of programming genres. |
|
Focus on basic services
|
|
I guess lately, of course a lot of people
must be concerned with the number of repeat shows that the CBC has to have.
It is
too bad that they are having to do that. (Public Consultation at Edmonton) |
|
18. There
were deep cuts to the CBCs budgets during the last licence term. While the
Corporation has made efforts to streamline its structures and minimize any impact on
programming, it has become obvious that the service provided to the Canadian public has
been affected. Many listeners and viewers have noticed that there are fewer new episodes
on television and more repeat programming on both radio and television. Even news and
public affairs have suffered a reduction in the quantity and quality of regional and
international coverage.
|
|
19. The
Commission considers that in a time of budgetary constraints, all available resources
should be devoted to the Corporations existing services. The focus should be on
preserving and strengthening the CBCs basic radio and television services. If the
cultural networks, Radio Two and La Chaîne culturelle, are excluded, over 95% of
Canadians can receive CBC's basic radio and television services over-the-air at no charge.
Given the desires expressed by Canadians, CBC televisions resources should be
allocated on a priority basis to rebalancing the program schedule as determined in the
decisions released today in order to provide a general interest service in each official
language that gives Canada a unique and distinctive voice.
|
|
20. With
respect to radio programming, it is important to recognize the regional and national role
of the basic services, and to reinvest in those roles. As already noted, during the
consultations, many Canadians expressed the view that the budget cuts of recent years have
resulted in a perceptible decline in the quality of CBC radio. In particular, they pointed
out that fewer resources are being allocated to production from across Canada. The
Commission therefore considers that there is an urgent need for the Corporation to
reinvest in its existing radio services and to diversify the allocation of its resources
to better serve Canadians in all parts of the country. |
|
21. The
Commission also assigns high priority to extending the CBCs existing radio services
to the majority of official language communities, as required under the Act. The
Commission notes that this has been one of its longstanding concerns. It has taken note of
the Corporations commitments in this regard and expects it to report annually on the
implementation of its service extension plan. |
|
Balance through programming
from across the country |
|
... the CBC is the sum of its parts and ...
the excellence of its regional programming is therefore essential to the overall quality
of the CBC. (Public Consultation at Winnipeg) |
|
22.
Providing a true reflection of Canada, both regionally and nationally, is at the core of
the CBCs mandate. If Canadas many voices and faces are to be represented on
the public broadcasting service, the CBC must have a strong presence in all parts of the
country and must be committed to local talent. If the CBC is more attentive to its
activities and audiences across Canada, if it gives them greater opportunity to express
themselves on the airwaves and to take part in decisions that affect them, the Corporation
will be in a better position to reflect and enrich the lives of Canadians.
|
|
23. In
particular, the Corporation must broadcast more programs from across the country during
peak audience periods. This is consistent with the clearly expressed expectations of
Canadians who want the public broadcaster to better reflect Canadian society from coast to
coast. It is also one of the Corporations basic responsibilities. The Commission
has therefore attached to the licence for the English-language television network a
condition that the CBC broadcast a minimum quantity of regionally-produced programming
during the peak viewing period. As set out in greater detail in the relevant decision,
these programs should be in the priority program categories listed in the Commission's new
television policy. This includes programming types such as Canadian drama; music and dance
and variety; long-form documentaries and entertainment magazine programs.
|
|
24. The
fact that nearly 85% of the Francophone audience lives in Quebec casts the regionalization
issue in different terms for the French-language network. The Corporation has a duty to
reflect all regions of the province of Quebec, and particularly the Québec area, in order
to meet the expectations expressed when the licence of station CBVT Québec was last
renewed (Decision CRTC 98-107). The CBCs French-language television network also has
a special responsibility to the many French-speaking Canadians living in other provinces
particularly to the large Francophone communities in Ontario and New Brunswick. The
Commission urges the Corporation to increase the presence of the regions in all types of
programming on the French network. It also expects French-language television to redouble
its efforts to make sure that all its services better meet the expectations and needs of
Francophones outside Quebec. |
|
Balance through programming
choice |
|
We want to hear a little of everything. If
we hear a broad diversity of viewpoints, musical styles and written work, we are able to
understand and embrace that broad diversity. (Public Consultation at Vancouver) |
|
[Translation] As a true showcase for the
arts including the stage, music, visual arts and literature, it is important that
Radio-Canada maintains its vital links with Quebec's artistic community and its many
festivals, and that it assures that our distinctiveness is widely communicated across
Canada.
(Public Hearing at Hull) |
|
25. To
build audience loyalty and fulfill its mandate as a public broadcaster, the CBC must
provide programming that is distinct from that available from other broadcasters. |
|
26. A new
balance in programming on the Corporations core services also involves offering the
"best of the world" as part of its programming menu. In selecting such programs,
the CBC should aim to broaden and diversify the range of programming it offers to
Canadians. Productions from the largest possible number of countries should be considered.
The Commission therefore considers that the CBC should not compete for the acquisition
and broadcasting of foreign blockbuster movies in prime time. First, such films are
available from a wide variety of other sources. Secondly, and more fundamentally, greater
competition for rights to foreign films puts an upward pressure on price, with the result
that resources that could be devoted to Canadian programming are leaving the country. The
Commission considers that this situation could be harmful to Canadian broadcasting and
runs counter to the CBCs chief responsibility. Conditions of licence to this
effect have been placed on the licences of the French and English television networks.
|
|
27. The Commission has addressed the rebalancing of programming genres on the
French-language network in light of the particular situation in the French-language
television market. Specifically, it has determined that this service must place greater
emphasis on music and dance and variety, the performing arts, and childrens
programs. This will be a condition of licence on the French-language television
network. Since its inception, French-language television has played a unique role in the
affirmation of Canadas French-speaking community. It remains a crucial element in
the cultural vitality of the countrys Francophones, particularly for communities
where those speaking French are a minority. The Corporation can make an irreplaceable
contribution to the development and promotion of artistic and musical talent in all
regions of the country by building on its proud tradition in this area. |
|
28. The
Commission also considers that CBC television network schedules should be better balanced
throughout the entire 52 weeks of the broadcast year. In recent years, the Commission has
noted a steady narrowing of the exhibition window for original new Canadian programming on
the CBC. More often than not, that window is limited to the period from October to March,
and Canadian entertainment series often have a first run of less than 13 weeks. |
|
Social and cultural diversity |
|
[Translation] Furthermore, by adapting its
programming to match the various voices and faces that now form the demographic make-up of
society, Radio-Canada will tailor itself to its target audience and will greatly fulfil
its role as a focal point and leader of cultural expression. (Public Hearing at Hull)
|
|
29. The Act stipulates that the
programming provided by the CBC must reflect Canadas multicultural and multiracial
nature and actively contribute to cultural expression. The public broadcaster should
reflect the diversity of Canadas voices and faces, both on the air and in its hiring
practices. The record shows that the Corporation has made a considerable effort to recruit
and train journalists and announcers from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
|
|
30. In its
new television policy, the Commission stressed to private broadcasters the importance of
better on-air representation of minority groups. It noted its intention to discuss their
commitments to this goal when their licences are renewed. In view of its specific mandate,
the Corporation has a heightened responsibility in this area. The Commission therefore
requires the Corporation to report annually on its progress in implementing its commitment
to "more adequately reflect the multicultural and multiracial nature of Canada and
the special place of Canadas Aboriginal Peoples, and to balance their representation
on the air and in the work force in a manner that realistically reflects their
participation in Canadian society, and that will help to counteract negative
stereotypes." The annual reports are discussed below in the section on the
Corporation's accountability.
|
|
31. The CBC
also has a special responsibility to reflect the concerns of Canadas Aboriginal
Peoples and involve them in the production of its programs. The Commission requires the
Corporation to report annually on its commitments to improve its record in this area. The
Commission commends the CBCs northern television and radio services in this regard
and encourages the Corporation to find ways to bring more northern-produced programming to
the rest of Canada.
|
|
32. The
Commission also underscores the public sectors special responsibility to promote the
values that Canadians share. In its new television policy, the Commission stated that it
is maintaining its policies on television violence, sex-role portrayal, and employment
equity. The public broadcaster has a duty to play an exemplary role in these areas and to
take the initiative if need be. In this regard, the Commission expects the CBC, at a
minimum, to comply with the industry codes mentioned in the following renewal decisions,
and to go further wherever possible.
|
|
Childrens programming
|
|
There is a lot of evidence that the CBC
still understands its responsibilities
the broadcasting of three hours of
commercial-free children's television every weekday morning is a wonderful sign of moral
strength by producers. (Public Consultation at Sydney)
|
|
33. The
English- and French-language networks of the CBC have been trailblazers in the creation
and production of childrens programs that have, among other things, served as an
excellent school for young artists. As such, the Corporation has served as an incubator
for new Canadian talent. Moreover, since childrens programs can easily be produced
across the country, they provide an effective vehicle through which the CBC can both
reflect Canadian diversity and showcase local talent. The Corporation has a special
responsibility to offer entertaining and educational programming tailored to young people.
The English-language television network of the CBC has significantly improved its
programming for young people and intends to expand its range of programming for pre-school
children. The Commission urges the Corporation to continue its efforts in this area.
|
|
34. The
French-language television network must increase its efforts with respect to
childrens programs. There are fewer programs available in the Canadian
broadcasting system for young French-speaking Canadians than there are for English
speakers. French-language television has long been recognized for the quality and
creativity of its childrens programs. Many of the performers who have appeared in
them have gone on to prominent acting careers. The financial realities surrounding
children's programming in Quebec are subject to more constraints as a result of
legislation restricting advertising aimed at children. In addition, since the penetration
of cable television is significantly lower in Quebec than in the rest of Canada,
childrens programming carried only on cable is also less available. The Commission
has placed a condition of licence on the French television network with respect to
original programming directed to children.
|
|
35. The CBC
has a responsibility to reinvest in programs for young Francophones and to develop new
ways of speaking to the younger generation. With such reinvestment, the Corporation will
not only help train a new generation of Canadian talent but may also secure the loyalty of
new audiences in the future.
|
|
Concerns about commercialization
|
|
at least part of its mandate is to
function in creative ways which require that it not pay attention to the tyranny of
numbers and to the tyranny of ratings and to the tyranny of the lowest common denominator.
(Public Consultation at Edmonton)
|
|
36.
Canadians expectations of their national public broadcasting service stem from their
keen awareness that they fund its operations. Canadians expect decisions affecting the
programming of the CBC to be dictated first and foremost by the public interest. |
|
37.
Canadians special attachment to CBC radio is due in large part to the sense that it
is a unique, non-commercial public service. This was confirmed once again by the strong
reaction of interveners against a proposal from the Corporation to broadcast messages from
sponsors during some of its radio programs. The firm and virtually unanimous opposition
to this proposal is an important factor in the Commission's denial of the CBCs
sponsorship proposal. |
|
38. During
the consultations and the oral hearing, a number of interveners argued that the CBC should
reduce or eliminate its dependence on television advertising revenue. Certain interveners
suggested that the emphasis on advertising revenue affects programming choices. Many
interveners also noted a growing similarity in programming between private and public
broadcasters, a concern which underlies the Commission's comments and decisions regarding
blockbuster films.
|
|
39. In
examining the issue of commercialization, the Commission is cognizant of the financial
constraints the CBC faces and the concerns expressed by interveners. The Commission
acknowledges that the Corporation must continue to rely on advertising revenues for its
television services. There is no doubt that these revenues provide general support for the
CBCs programming endeavors. Certain parties considered that generating commercial
revenues also serves to keep the Corporation more in tune with evolving audience trends
and interests. At the same time, however, a public broadcaster is expected to take risks;
to offer diversity, even controversy, and to venture into new innovative forms of
programming. Responding to these objectives requires programming choices that are made
with a clear understanding of the CBCs role and the public interest. Such choices
should not be unduly influenced by commercial considerations. These considerations, more
often than not, lead the CBC's services to become similar to, rather than distinct from,
the services of commercial broadcasters. This is especially true in French-language
markets. |
|
40. The
question is one of balance, and demands a careful weighing of objectives. The CBC will
remain a general interest broadcaster providing a wide array of programming choices. It
must nevertheless ensure that in the final analysis its programming choices are be founded
on its mandate as a public broadcaster. In maintaining this criterion as the overriding
rationale for programming, the CBC can fulfill its public trust by providing Canadians
with programming which is not driven solely by the demand for revenues and ratings. As
well, the CBC would demonstrate a greater concern for its mandate and for Canadian viewers
if it spread its original programs over 52 weeks rather than concentrating during the
period from October to March. |
|
41. The
Commission also encourages the CBC to explore other sources of revenue capable of reducing
its current dependence on advertising revenue. Possible alternatives include capitalizing
on its program inventory, more aggressively marketing its expertise and programs
internationally, and making optimal use of production funds that now exist or could be
created. The Commission urges the CBC to study other avenues for further diversifying its
sources of revenue in order to permit a reduced reliance on advertising revenues.
|
|
RDI/Newsworld |
|
Without the enlightened presentation of
news and views and current affairs, which is really what Newsworld and RDI embody so well,
we might as well pack it in... (Public Hearing at Hull)
|
|
42. In its
licence renewal applications, the CBC proposed to increase the basic monthly subscription
fee for its all-news specialty services, Newsworld and RDI. In approving the increases,
the Commission took into account the positive effects of the Corporations proposed
initiatives, particularly at the regional level. It took note in particular of the
collaborative projects between Newsworld and RDI designed to increase their news gathering
and dissemination capabilities in all regions of Canada and to create a network of video
journalists to serve new sectors in the Atlantic provinces, Southern Ontario, Northern
Manitoba, the B.C. interior and the Far North. The Commission considers that these
projects will appreciably improve the CBCs news coverage in all regions of the
country and enable it to offer a more balanced range of input from all Canadians. These
projects will also enhance the overall quality of information programming on the CBC, at
both the national and international levels, and are consistent with the general thrust of
the CBC licence renewal decisions published today. |
|
CBC accountability |
|
43. As a
public broadcaster, the CBC is ultimately answerable to all Canadian citizens, who pay the
greater part of its operating costs. In line with its pursuit of greater transparency,
the CBC has undertaken to report annually to the Canadian public on all the commitments it
has made in its licence renewal applications. The Commission expects the Corporation to
fulfil all the commitments it made during this proceeding. |
|
44. In the
renewal decisions that follow, the Commission has listed many of the commitments made by
the Corporation in its applications and at the public hearing. As noted in this public
notice, the Commission has also imposed requirements and specific conditions of licence in
areas that it considers to be critical. Appendix 1 to this Public Notice provides a list
of the specific information which must be included in an Annual Report to be submitted to
the Commission, in an approved format, within three months after the end of each broadcast
year.
|
|
Financial reporting |
|
45. As part
of the renewal process, the Corporation, due to improvements in its financial systems,
provided financial projection information in a much greater level of detail than in years
past. Recognizing that financial projections do not constitute budgets as such, the
Commission nonetheless appreciates this greater openness with respect to the CBCs
financial information. At the hearing, the CBC stated that these new financial systems
would facilitate faster information processing and allow the Corporation to include this
greater level of detail in its annual returns to the CRTC. |
|
46. This
improved financial reporting capacity allows the Corporation to be more financially
accountable to the public through the CRTC. The Commission therefore requires that
in addition to its regularly published Annual Reports, the Corporation file with the
Commission, on an annual basis for each fiscal year ending 31 March of the licence
term, an annual financial information return in a format approved by the Commission,
similar to that provided by the Corporation at the 25 May 1999 public hearing.
|
|
Acknowledgement |
|
47. The
Commission thanks the large number of Canadians who took the time to participate in person
or in writing during the public hearing or the public consultations. Their participation
not only reflected the high level of interest in the process but also the importance of
the issues under discussion.
|
|
Related CRTC documents:
|
|
Public
Notice CRTC 1999-97 Building on success A policy framework for Canadian
television |
|
Notice
of Public Hearing CRTC 1999-3 |
|
Public
Notice CRTC 1998-41 Commercial radio policy 1998 |
|
Decision
CRTC 98-107 Licence renewal for CBVT Québec |
|
CRTC
1997 Vision Action Calendar |
|
Decision
CRTC 94-437 Renewal of the CBC's English-language and French-language television
network licences |
|
Secretary General |
|
This notice is available in alternative
format upon request, and may also be viewed at the following Internet site: http://www.crtc.gc.ca
|
|
Appendix 1 |
|
|
|
CBC annual report |
|
At the 25 May 1999 public hearing, the Corporation made the
following commitment to provide an annual report to the public: |
|
|
|
We are determined to offer Canadians,
our shareholders, clear commitments on which we can be held to account. To this end, we
offer an on-air annual review, an annual report and regular accountability sessions
throughout the country to ensure that we get feedback from audiences. |
|
The Corporation will further enhance
its accountability through an annual Statement of Promise, which will include programming
and other elements, and set targets for the coming year. This Statement of Promise, which
is similar to the practice followed by the BBC, will involve an annual self-assessment and
report on the Corporations performance in meeting our commitments
(CBC
Strategic Plan, March 1999, p. 36) |
|
In addition to the report referred to above, the Commission
requires the Corporation to file, within three months after the end of each broadcast
year, an annual report with respect to the following requirements outlined in the
decisions released today: |
|
|
|
A. English & French television
network licences |
|
|
|
Provide, for each of the CBC English-language television
network and the CBC French-language television network, a report containing the following
information with respect to the performance by the CBC over the preceding broadcast year: |
|
|
|
Foreign feature films |
|
- The non-Canadian feature film titles broadcast in peak time (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.) on the
network during the broadcast year;
|
|
- the date those feature films were broadcast;
|
|
- the Canadian theatrical release dates of those feature films; and
|
|
- whether or not those feature films have appeared in the Variety list of the 100 top
grossing feature films in Canada and the United States in the 10 years preceding their
broadcast date.
|
|
Canadian feature films |
|
The number of Canadian feature films broadcast in the
broadcast year under review. |
|
Performing arts |
|
A list and brief description of programs consisting of
complete or substantially complete presentations of a Canadian performing arts
companys performance broadcast in peak time (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.). |
|
|
|
Childrens programming |
|
|
|
The average weekly number of hours of Canadian programming
directed to children (2-11 years), as well as the number of those program hours that
consisted of original Canadian programming, broadcast during the broadcast week. |
|
|
|
Youth programming |
|
|
|
The average weekly number of hours of programming directed to
youth (12-17 years), broadcast during the broadcast week. |
|
|
|
Independent production |
|
The number of hours of programming acquired from independent
producers that were broadcast in peak time and throughout the broadcast day, specifying
which of those were regionally produced. |
|
|
|
Long-form documentaries in peak time |
|
|
|
The number of hours of long-form documentary programming
broadcast in peak time (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.). |
|
|
|
Regional weekend news |
|
On each owned and operated station, the average weekly number
of hours of news programming broadcast during the broadcast day, Saturday and Sunday. |
|
|
|
Regional non-news programming |
|
|
|
The number of hours of non-news programming that have been
produced in the regions and that have been broadcast by a CBC owned and operated
television station on non network time and a separate list of those that have been
broadcast on the network, during the broadcast day. Regional production is defined as that
taking place outside of Montréal in the case of the French-language network, and, where
principal photography occurs more than 150 km away from Toronto, in the case of the
English-language network. |
|
|
|
Network exchange |
|
|
|
The number of hours of co-produced and/or exchanged
programming broadcast during the broadcast year on the English and French-language
television networks. |
|
|
|
Cultural and ethnic diversity |
|
|
|
A description of how the CBC is fulfilling its commitment to
more adequately reflect the multicultural and multiracial nature of Canada and to balance
their representation on the air in a manner that realistically reflects their
participation in Canadian society, and that will help to counteract negative stereotypes. |
|
|
|
Aboriginal representation and
reflection |
|
|
|
A description of how the CBC is fulfilling its commitment to
more adequately reflect the special place of Canadas Aboriginal Peoples and to
balance their representation on the air in a manner that realistically reflects their
participation in Canadian society, and that will help to counteract negative stereotypes. |
|
|
|
Portrayal of women |
|
|
|
A description of the steps taken by the CBC to fulfil the
Commissions expectation that it balance the representation and portrayal of women in
the programming seen on its television services. |
|
|
|
Closed captioning |
|
|
|
The percentage of closed captioned news and, separately,
non-news programming, broadcast by the television networks and each of its owned and
operated stations over the broadcast year. |
|
Descriptive video service |
|
|
|
A list of programs that the CBC has broadcast that have been
described for the visually impaired. |
|
|
|
B. French-language television only |
|
|
|
Music & dance and variety |
|
|
|
The weekly average number of hours of Canadian programming in
the categories of Music and Dance (Category 8) and Variety (Category 9) broadcast in peak
time (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.) during the broadcast year. |
|
|
|
French-language service outside of
Quebec |
|
|
|
A description of how the CBC has adjusted its French-language
television programming service to meet the needs of French-speaking Canadians living
outside of Quebec. |
|
|
|
C. English-language television only |
|
|
|
Regional production |
|
|
|
The number of hours of regionally-produced priority
programming broadcast on the network in peak time; |
|
- a list of the qualifying programs;
|
|
- the categories of the qualifying programs;
|
|
- the production location of the qualifying programs; and,
|
|
- the name of the production company.
|
|
|
|
Sports programming |
|
|
|
Separately, for professional and amateur sports programming
on the network: |
|
|
|
- the number of hours of original and, separately, repeat hours broadcast in peak time;s
|
|
- the number of hours of original and, separately, repeat hours broadcast in the broadcast
day.
|
|
|
|
CBUT Vancouver |
|
|
|
The extent and nature of the reflection of the Victoria
region in CBUTs news and current events programming. |
|
|
|
D. English radio network
licences |
|
|
|
Canadian content |
|
|
|
Radio One is to file quarterly self-assessment reports with
the Commission during the first year of the new licence term. These reports must list all
musical selections in category 2 and in category 3 played each broadcast week,
identify those selections that are Canadian, and the percentage of all musical selections
that the Canadian selections represent within each of category 2 and 3. If the Commission
concludes that the licensee is in compliance with the Canadian content conditions of
licence during the first year of the licence term, the Commission will only require such
reports on an annual basis for the remainder of the licence term. |
|
|
|
Extension of coverage |
|
|
|
The licensee is required to file information indicating the
additional Radio One and Radio Two transmitters that were implemented during the previous
broadcast year and the increase in the English-language population covered both in actual
numbers and in percentages in each province. |
|
|
|
E. French radio network licences |
|
|
|
Canadian content |
|
|
|
La Première Chaîne and La Chaîne culturelle are to file
quarterly self-assessment reports with the Commission during the first year of the new
licence term. These reports must list all musical selections in category 2 and in category
3 played each broadcast month, identify those selections that are Canadian, and the
percentage of all musical selections that the Canadian selections represent within each of
category 2 and 3. If the Commission concludes that the licensee is in compliance with the
Canadian content conditions of licence during the first year of the licence term, the
Commission will only require such reports on an annual basis for the remainder of the
licence term. |
|
|
|
French-language vocal music |
|
|
|
La Première Chaîne and La Chaîne culturelle are to file
quarterly self-assessment reports with the Commission during the first year of the new
licence term. These reports must list all vocal musical selections in category 2 played
each broadcast month, identify those selections that are in the French language,
and the percentage of all category 2 vocal musical selections that the French-language
selections represent. If the Commission concludes that the licensee is in compliance with
the French-language vocal music commitment during the first year of the licence term, the
Commission will only require such reports on an annual basis for the remainder of the
licence term. |
|
|
|
Extension of coverage |
|
|
|
The licensee is required to file information indicating the
additional transmitters for La Chaîne culturelle that were implemented during the
previous broadcast year, the increase in the French-language population covered both in
actual numbers and in percentages for each province. The licensee is also required to file
information with respect to the replacement of its affiliates to La Première Chaîne. |
|
|
|
F. RDI and Newsworld |
|
|
|
New programming initiatives |
|
|
|
A detailed description of the actions taken by the CBC with
respect to each programming initiative proposed in relation to the wholesale rate
increase. |
|
|
|
Appendix 2 |
|
|
|
The public
process for the CBC licence renewals |
|
|
|
Public consultations across
the country: |
|
|
|
Winnipeg, Manitoba 9 March 1999 |
|
Sydney, Nova Scotia 9 March 1999 |
|
Moncton, New Brunswick 10 March 1999 |
|
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island 11
March 1999 |
|
Regina, Saskatchewan 11 March 1999 |
|
Sudbury, Ontario 16 March 1999 |
|
St. John's, Newfoundland 16 March 1999 |
|
Vancouver, British Columbia 16-17 March
1999 |
|
Quebec, Québec 17 March 1999 |
|
Windsor, Ontario 18 March 1999 |
|
Edmonton, Alberta 18 March 1999 |
|
|
|
Call for comments on licence
renewals: |
|
447 written submissions and 3,999
interventions received |
|
|
|
The public hearing from 25 May
to 9 June 1999: |
|
87 appearing individuals/parties |