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Decision CRTC 2001-457
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Ottawa, 2 August 2001
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Licence renewals for the television stations controlled by CTV
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The Commission renews the licences for the television stations
controlled by CTV for a seven year term. The licence renewal applications
for these stations were considered at the 17 April 2001 public hearing
held in the National Capital Region. A list of conditions of licence
common to all stations controlled by CTV is set out in Appendix 2 to this
decision.
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Introduction
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1. |
In Public Notice CRTC 1999-97,
the Commission set out its new Television Policy, arrived at after
extensive consultation with the industry, the public and other
stakeholders. One of the basic tenets of the new policy was that the
renewal of all the conventional television licences held or controlled by
a group would be considered by the Commission at the same time. A group
was defined as more than one conventional television station owned or
controlled by the same person or entity.
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2. |
In implementing this change, the Commission stated that it wished to
consider the group's corporate strategy and the method for implementing
this strategy by individual stations, when renewing the licences of those
stations. The Commission also stated that commitments made by a group
would be applied to individual stations within the group as either
conditions of licence or expectations.
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3. |
This approach reduces the administrative and cost burden for both
broadcasters and the Commission, and provides an opportunity to make a
strategic assessment of the contribution of all aspects of a licensee's
operations to the broadcasting system.
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4. |
The public hearing held in April 2001, at which all of the licence
renewal applications for CTV's conventional television stations were
heard, is the first time the Commission has simultaneously dealt with
renewals of all the television licences of the largest private
multi-station ownership groups. Consistent with the approach set out in
the Television Policy, the Commission has today published this decision
as well as Decisions CRTC 2001-457-1 to 2001-457-13, which renew the
licences of CTV's television stations across Canada for seven years.
Conditions of licence that are common to all of the CTV stations renewed
today are set out in Appendix 2 to this decision, while those that are
unique to particular stations are set out in the individual decisions
addressing particular stations.
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5. |
The Commission recognizes that the licences of conventional
broadcasting undertakings which are before it had varying expiry dates.
In the Television Policy, the Commission stated its intention of
generally considering for renewal all of the licences for conventional
undertakings held by a multi-station group at the same time. In part, the
Commission's purpose in establishing such a process was to reduce the
administrative and regulatory burden on the licensees while increasing
the efficiency of the licence renewal process. In light of these
objectives, the Commission notes its appreciation of the actions of CTV
in bringing in some of their conventional licences early so that the new
licence term for all of these conventional licensees will run from
1 September 2001 to 31 August 2008. |
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CTV's structure
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6. |
In the Television Policy, the Commission noted that the Canadian
broadcasting industry had undergone ownership consolidation, which
resulted in efficiencies and synergies that provide increased investment
in Canadian programming and the greater likelihood of the export of that
programming. The Commission also stated its expectation that the
consolidation of broadcasting, production and communications companies
would continue, to the benefit of Canadian audiences, the broadcasting
system and the public interest.
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Broadcast holdings |
7. |
CTV Inc., through its subsidiary CTV Television Inc. (CTV), is a
leading private broadcaster in the English-speaking markets in Canada,
providing a conventional television programming service that is capable
of reaching 94.8% of the English-language population of Canada. It owns
18 stations providing CTV programming, six stations affiliated to the
CBC, one independent station and an Atlantic region satellite to cable
service. At the time of the public hearing, CKY-TV Winnipeg, CFCF-TV
Montréal, and CJON-TV St. John's were affiliates, were owned by
other parties, and were not considered for renewal as part of this
proceeding. In Decision CRTC 2001-460
released today, the Commission has approved an application by CTV to
purchase CKY-TV Winnipeg. The Commission notes that it is currently
considering an application by CTV to purchase CFCF-TV Montreal
(see Public Notice CRTC 2001-77).
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8. |
CTV Inc. also is a leading presence in the pay and specialty industry,
mainly through its controlling interest in NetStar Communications Inc.
(NetStar), which is one of the strongest groups of specialty and pay
channels in Canada. In 2000, CTV Inc., with its parent company Bell
Globemedia, received approval for five new Category 1 and 21 new Category
2 digital specialty television services. BCE, through its subsidiary,
also has an interest in two French-language specialty services Canal
Évasion, a travel channel, arTV (La Télé des Arts), as well
as the Bell ExpressVu direct-to-home (DTH) and pay-per-view services. It
is anticipated that an application to transfer control (directly or
indirectly) of ROBTv, a business news specialty service, to Bell
Globemedia Publishing Inc., will be filed shortly.
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Program production
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9. |
CTV Inc. has, as of April 2001, a 41.7% interest in Landscape
Entertainment Corp., a new Canadian production and content venture, which
will produce content for film, television and the Internet. CTV Inc. also
has 100% ownership of Agincourt Productions, as well as indirect
controlling interests in Dome Productions and Exploration Production.
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Newspapers and new media
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10. |
BCE has entered into an agreement with The Woodbridge Company Limited
and The Thomson Corporation for an interest in The Globe and Mail,
a major Canadian newspaper with both a national edition and a Toronto
edition.
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Telecommunications
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11. |
BCE, the controlling shareholder of CTV, is Canada's largest
communications company. Its subsidiary, Bell Canada, has over 12 million
telephone access lines and more than 11 million residence and
business customers in Canada. BCE also has an extensive international
presence through Teleglobe, an international telecommunications carrier.
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12. |
Through its telecommunications services, BCE provides residence and
business customers in Canada with systems integration expertise,
development of electronic commerce, Internet access and high-speed data
services. BCE also offers Sympatico, a leading Canadian Internet portal
that serves 1 million subscribers across the country. As a result of the
Woodbridge/Thomson transaction noted above, BCE also has an interest in
Globe Interactive, a leading Internet content provider.
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Distribution
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13. |
BCE owns 100% of Bell ExpressVu via a limited partnership arrangement.
Through Bell ExpressVu, BCE is involved in satellite distribution with
both national direct-to-home (DTH) and satellite relay distribution
(SRDU) undertakings. BCE's other distribution undertakings include a
number of cable distribution undertakings serving smaller communities and
the telecommunications carrier Telesat Canada, the largest wholesale
satellite service provider in Canada.
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Resulting synergies |
14. |
At the hearing, CTV discussed the benefits to its conventional
television service that result from common ownership of its various media
interests. It indicated that, as CTV now owns most stations that
broadcast CTV programming, it is able to eliminate duplication of
resources devoted to the coverage of national news. This allows
individual stations to concentrate on local news stories. Each local
station can also play a role in program development and serve as an
"on ramp" to the national program schedule. CTV stations are
also able to cooperate more fully in sales, marketing and promotion. The
licensee indicated that although doing business in some of its markets
was challenging at times, it considered that, as a large organization, it
could work to ensure its various local stations continue to exist. |
15. |
The CTV specialty channels share office space and technical facilities
with the licensee's other services, thus reducing costs. The resources of
the specialty services can also improve the quality and variety of
information programming on the television stations. For example, material
from TSN can augment sports coverage, and material from Discovery can
augment the coverage of science issues. The specialty channels also, in
some instances, develop programming that will eventually also be
broadcast on the main service. For example, the talk show Open Mike
with Mike Bullard began on the Comedy Channel, but now also
appears as part of CTV's conventional television schedule.
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16. |
CTV considered that its links with The Globe and Mail would
allow it to have access to the newspaper's network of correspondents, and
cooperation between assignment editors could also lead to more efficient
use of reporters. Issues and implications related to the cross-ownership
of television stations and newspapers are explored later in this
decision.
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Priority programming
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17. |
In the Television Policy, the Commission redefined the concept of
"under-represented programming" (drama, music and variety
programs) to include long-form documentaries, regionally-produced
programs and entertainment magazine programs. At the same time, it
renamed programming from under-represented categories as "priority
programming." Also as part of the Television Policy, the Commission
indicated that it would require major broadcasters to offer as a minimum,
in each broadcast year, an average of eight hours per week of priority
programming during peak time, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. In various decisions
issued on 6 July 2000, the Commission imposed conditions of licence to
this effect on all CTV stations.
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18. |
As part of the licence renewal process, the Commission wished to
examine the programming strategies proposed by CTV for peak time priority
programming, and whether those strategies demonstrated an appropriate
commitment to high quality Canadian programming.
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19. |
According to the block programming schedule for Fall 2000 – Spring
2001, the peak time schedule for CTV included Cold Squad, Twice
in a Lifetime, The Associates, as well as three more new
Canadian drama series, and a number of movies of the week. The drama
content of CTV's priority programming formed roughly 65% of the total. At
the hearing, CTV was asked about the scheduling of its priority programs,
since the sample schedule in its application indicated that almost half
of its Canadian priority programs would be broadcast on Saturday night,
generally the night with the smallest available television audience.
Three other nights listed no Canadian shows at all during peak time.
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20. |
In support of this strategy, CTV stated that scheduling priority
programs at times when the competition from foreign networks is not as
strong will ultimately result in more viewers to Canadian programs.
However, CTV added:
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Our approach has been to find the best possible place for every
program in our schedule and to vigorously support that scheduling
through promotion. Within prime time, CTV has used and will continue to
use every day and all time periods for scheduling priority Canadian
programming.
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Two years ago we averaged an hour of Canadian programming on
Saturday evening. This year it went up to four. Next year it will
probably go down again, depending on the make-up of the schedule.
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21. |
Some interveners requested that the Commission reinstate expenditure
requirements to ensure the production of high-quality Canadian programs
and support for the independent production sector. Other groups called
for the revision or elimination of the 125% credit for dramas attaining
between 6 and 9 points, while yet others recommended that the Commission
require that at least 70% of all priority programming be drama. In
addition, the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA)
suggested that, in order to ensure that Canadian priority programs are
available year-round, and to prevent the clustering of Canadian programs
during low-viewing summer months, the Commission could require compliance
in every six-month period.
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22. |
A number of interveners, including the Alliance of Canadian Cinema,
Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), The Writers Guild of Canada, and
the Directors Guild of Canada, called for an increase in the hours per
week of priority programming. These groups noted that further
consolidation of the major broadcast groups took place following the
publication of the Television Policy, and considered that CTV now has the
resources to do more than the minimum eight hours per week required by
that policy.
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23. |
The Commission notes that the first principle set out in the
Television Policy is to "ensure quality Canadian programs at times
when Canadians are watching." The Commission recognizes that
developing a successful television programming schedule is a complex art,
and that licensees must take many factors into account when creating one.
The Commission, however, considers that it would not be appropriate for
priority programs to be entirely absent from CTV's prime time schedule on
three nights of the week. It also considers that the audiences that
Canadian programs achieve are important. The Commission therefore
reiterates its desire that Canadian programs be available when large
numbers of Canadian could be watching, both on a weekly and on a seasonal
basis. It intends to monitor both CTV's scheduling practices for Canadian
priority programs and the audience levels that such programs obtain over
the upcoming licence term in order to ensure that the goals of the
Television Policy are achieved. |
24. |
The Commission is satisfied that the priority programming proposed by
CTV consists of a reasonable balance of programming genres, with an
emphasis on drama. In the Commission's view, it is premature to make any
substantive alterations to the Television Policy, a policy that has only
been in effect for a year. The Commission will be monitoring and
evaluating all aspects of this policy over the next several years.
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25. |
The Commission has decided, therefore, to reimpose on the licence of
each CTV station, a condition of licence that requires the
licensee to broadcast in each week, as a minimum in each broadcast year,
an average of 8 hours of Canadian programs in the priority program
categories between the hours 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. The Commission will
continue to monitor CTV's performance with respect to the provision of
priority programming, and expects that each station's schedule
will reflect a reasonable distribution of priority programming both
throughout the broadcast week and the broadcast year.
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Local reflection
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26. |
The Commission's Television Policy requires licensees to demonstrate
how they will "meet the demands and reflect the particular concerns
of their local audiences, whether through local news or other local
programming."
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27. |
As part of the renewal process, CTV filed with the Commission
commitments for each station related to local reflection and news
programming. The commitment for local programming on each of CTV's major
local stations is a minimum of 15.5 hours each week. This commitment
relates to CFTO-TV Toronto, CJOH-TV Ottawa, CKCO-TV Kitchener, ATV
Maritimes, MCTV Northern Ontario, CTV Saskatchewan, CFRN-TV Edmonton,
CFCN-TV Calgary, and CIVT-TV Vancouver.
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28. |
CTV has committed to maintain the current levels of local programming
on each of its stations in smaller markets: Lethbridge, Red Deer, Ashmont
and Whitecourt, Alberta; Oil Springs and Huntsville, Ontario; and
the Atlantic Satellite Network.
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29. |
CTV's primary local programming emphasis is on news. It noted,
however, that its local news programs include material of local interest
that would not normally qualify as "hard" news. The licensee
considered that integrating such material into its news programming,
which appears at times when viewing levels are high, increases viewing to
programming that reflects the local community. |
30. |
As well, many CTV stations offer some local programming outside of
newscasts. For example, CFQC-TV produces Indigenous Circle, a
weekly public affairs show that deals with issues that affect
Saskatchewan First Nations, and Farmgate, which addresses
agriculture. In the Atlantic region, ATV broadcasts Breakfast
Television for two and a half hours each week day. This program
promotes East Coast musicians. CFRN-TV in Edmonton produces the weekly
business magazine program Profit Line, as well as In Touch,
which features community profiles. In addition, the Commission notes that
CTV produces two programs in British Columbia, Gabereau and Mason
Lee: On the Edge, that are broadcast across the country. Although
designed for a national audience, they play a role in reflecting the
community in which they are produced. |
31. |
Most of the stations currently broadcast more local programming than
their commitment in this regard for the new term, but CTV opposed the
imposition of its current levels as conditions of each licence. In
support of this position, CTV referred to the flexibility envisioned by
the Television Policy, as well as the business realities of a constantly
evolving broadcasting environment.
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32. |
The Commission notes that there is some evidence that the local
reflection role traditionally played by conventional television is being
supplemented by other media, such as cable community channels as well as
the Internet. In view of these developments and the licensee's practice
of including material of general local interest in newscasts, the
Commission accepts and notes CTV's commitments for local programming on
all CTV stations. The Commission also notes, however, that some markets
in Canada could be better served with local non-news programming in the
information and entertainment categories (2,7,8 and 9). The Commission
therefore encourages CTV to broadcast regular local non-news programming
in those categories, on all of its major stations.
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Independent production
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33. |
Section 3(1)(i)(v) of the Broadcasting Act (the Act)
states that the programming provided by the Canadian broadcasting system
should include a significant contribution from the Canadian independent
production sector. The Commission considers that television broadcasters
have an essential role to play in the development and continued health of
the Canadian independent production industry.
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34. |
Further, the Commission notes that Section 3(1)(i)(ii) of the
Act specifies that programming should, among other things, be drawn from
regional sources. The Commission considers, therefore, that broadcasters
have a responsibility to encourage regional production and to support
such production at a level that is commensurate with their presence in
the community. In this section of this decision, the Commission deals
with two issues related to independent production that were explored at
the hearing. The first is the issue of access to CTV's program schedule
by producers who are not affiliated to the licensee. The second is the
broadcast of independently-produced programming that reflects the regions
that particular stations serve. |
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Access for unaffiliated production companies
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35. |
In the Television Policy, the Commission indicated that, where a
broadcasting licensee owns or has acquired a production company, either
in whole or in part, it would expect the licensee to address issues
arising from vertical integration at the time of licence renewal. The
Commission's concern in such situations is to ensure that production
companies that are unaffiliated to the licensee have reasonable access to
the licensee's programming schedule. Affiliated production companies are
considered by the Commission to be those in which a licensee and any
company related to the licensee, own, in aggregate a 30% or greater
equity interest. As noted earlier, CTV has a 41.7% interest in Landscape
Entertainment, 100% ownership of Agincourt Productions, as well as
indirect controlling interests in Dome Productions and Exploration
Production.
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36. |
In its application, CTV proposed that a preponderance of its priority
programming would be produced by Canadian independent producers. It
indicated that, in the last broadcast year, only eight of 126 hours per
week of total programming were produced by affiliated producers, and none
of this programming was broadcast during peak viewing hours.
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37. |
At the hearing, the Commission explored this issue further, asking the
applicant to comment on the possible imposition of conditions of licence
that would: |
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· ensure that a certain amount of Canadian priority programs
broadcast by the licensee is produced by unaffiliated production
companies;
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· guarantee access, at some determined level, by unaffiliated
producers to the time period between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.
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38. |
CTV stated that it would be comfortable with an expectation that no
more than 49% of its priority programming be produced by affiliated
production companies. It did not consider that a cap at the level of 25%
would be particularly wise or flexible. It further did not consider that
limits on programming produced by its affiliates and aired at any time
during the broadcast day would be useful, noting that important economies
of scale result when daytime programs are produced in-house. |
39. |
Interveners who addressed the issue all focused on the level of access
that independent producers should have to the licensee's prime time
schedule. The CFTPA suggested that at least 75% of priority programming
broadcast by the licensee should come from non-affiliated production
companies. The Alberta Motion Pictures Industry Association (AMPIA)
suggested a level of 95%, the Directors Guild of Canada proposed 90%, the
Independent Film and Video Alliance proposed a level of 75%, and the
Writers Guild of Canada recommended 90%. |
40. |
No intervener made a specific recommendation with respect to a level
of access by unaffiliated producers to the time period between 6 a.m. to
7 p.m. The CFTPA indicated that a flexible approach would be best for
this time period. The Commission concurs that it is not necessary to
impose any condition of licence or expectation with respect to the time
period between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. |
41. |
The Commission also considers that, given the relatively low level of
priority programming produced by affiliated producers that is currently
broadcast by CTV, significant immediate concerns in this area do not
arise. However, it is concerned that in the absence of any safeguard or
expectation, the circumstances could change substantially over the
licence term, especially if the licensee were to acquire other major
production houses or to significantly increase the amount of programming
produced by its existing affiliated companies. The amount of priority
programming in relation to the total schedule is relatively small.
However, the budgets for these programs are high so programming decisions
made by a major licensee in this area can have a huge impact on the
Canadian independent production sector. |
42. |
Therefore, the Commission expects the licensee to ensure that
at least 75% of all Canadian priority programming broadcast by the
licensee on average over the broadcast year is produced by independent
production companies. For the purpose of this expectation, an independent
production company is defined as a production company in which the
licensee, and any company related to the licensee, owns or controls,
directly or indirectly, in aggregate less than 30% of the equity.
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Regional independent production
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43. |
The Commission considers that CTV, as a national broadcaster, has a
critical role to play in ensuring that all regions of the country are
reflected in its programming. In the production of its drama, variety and
long-form documentary programs, CTV relies on Canadian independent
producers. The production industry is more mature in some parts of the
country than in others. It is important that CTV make a conscious effort
to develop Canadian talent through the licensing and broadcast of
programming from all parts of Canada.
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44. |
The Commission considers that program development expenditures are the
cornerstone of the development of creative talent for television
producers. As such, those expenditures have been characterized as the
research and development of the broadcast industry's drama and long-form
documentary production activities. The Commission was therefore
encouraged by CTV's commitment for ongoing program development
expenditures as well as its commitment made at the hearing, to obtain
programs from independent producers across Canada. |
45. |
During this proceeding, CTV stated that it places great emphasis on
the role of its program development team, and that the regional offices
in Vancouver and Halifax have real decision-making power to ensure that
programming reflects and connects the regions. In the new licence term,
CTV stated that each of these offices will have $200,000 at its disposal
each year, and six other regional stations will each control $50,000 in
annual development funds. These funds will be made available to
independent producers in the local markets, representing a total of
almost $5 million in development funding for regional programming, over a
seven-year licence term.
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46. |
CTV stated that it is "committed to maintaining (its) Atlantic
and Western development offices in the coming licence term," and is
confident that the regional offices in Vancouver and Halifax will
continue to have a significant impact on the independent production
scene. The Commission notes that CTV made the commitment to establish the
Vancouver development office during a competitive process for a new
television licence. The commitment for a similar office in Halifax was
made as part of the benefits package when CTV purchased ATV. Since its
establishment in 1997, the Western office has developed three drama
series (including Cold Squad), as well as three variety series, 30
variety specials, 40 documentaries and a documentary series. The Halifax
office, which was established in 1998, has supported the development of
15 documentaries, seven Storyteller drama programs, six movies,
four drama series and nine comedy series. The Commission encourages CTV
to continue these initiatives.
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47. |
The Commission considers that CTV's program development initiatives
are extremely important and is pleased with the funding provided to the
regional development offices. However, one of the Commission's primary
concerns is the level of programming produced in the regions that appears
on the national system. The Commission notes that the Fall 2000-Spring
2001 schedule included regional production from Vancouver but no regular
programs produced in the Prairies, Quebec or the Maritimes.
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48. |
Some interveners proposed the imposition of specific annual quotas for
regional programming, such as three out of each eight hours per week of
priority programming. Others felt that the Commission could explore the
possibility of commitments to regionally-produced programming averaged
over the licence term. CTV was opposed to any form of production quota on
a regional basis, taking the position that program production is very
cyclical in nature, and imposing regional quotas would hinder its ability
to choose the best programming available at any given time. The licensee
stated
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…if you build in a structure that makes access for all producers
part of your daily work, then that is how it happens. We have an actual
structure that gives equal access to producers from across the country.
We have people in those offices who can be strong advocates for their
region and their programming. So once you build that structure, things
move through it.
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49. |
In the Television Policy the Commission expressed the view that
audiences have a strong desire for a better reflection of Canada's
regions to the country as a whole, and set out a flexible,
incentive-based approach to achieve that goal. Given that approach, the
Commission considers that the imposition of specific regional production
quotas would not be in keeping with the spirit of the Television Policy.
The Commission is, however, of the opinion that CTV should be expected to
engage in a level of production activity that is commensurate with its
presence in its respective markets. The Commission therefore expects
CTV to commission its priority programming from all regions of Canada,
throughout the course of the new licence term.
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Reports on independent production
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50. |
In order that the Commission may monitor the licensee's success in
meeting these expectations, CTV must submit annual reports outlining all
activities related to the licensing of independent production. The
reports must include details on project budgets, the number of hours of
independently-produced programming that is produced and broadcast,
production locations and details regarding the location of the producer's
home base. The reports will be made public so that producers and other
interested parties can monitor progress in this area. The licensee will
be expected to consult with Commission staff regarding further details
with respect to the content and format of such reports.
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Cultural Diversity
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51. |
Pursuant to section 5(3) of the Act, the Commission does not regulate
or supervise matters concerning employment equity in relation to
broadcasting undertakings with more than 100 employees, as they are
subject to the Employment Equity Act. However, as indicated in
Public Notices CRTC 1994-69
and 1995-98, the Commission
continues to regulate matters such as on-screen presence. |
52. |
With respect to cultural diversity, in the Television Policy the
Commission stated that it |
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…will expect all conventional television licensees (at licensing
or licence renewal), to make specific commitments to initiatives
designed to ensure that they contribute to a system that more
accurately reflects the presence of cultural and racial minorities and
Aboriginal peoples in the communities they serve. Licensees are
expected to ensure that the on-screen portrayal of all minority groups
is accurate, fair and non-stereotypical.
|
53. |
Accordingly, the Commission explored with CTV the measures that might
be implemented to improve the portrayal and representation of Canada's
cultural diversity. At the hearing, CTV made a number of valuable
commitments in this area. These included the development and provision to
the Commission of a plan dealing with cultural diversity, submission of
annual reports on progress made in achieving the goals set out in the
plan, and participation in and financial support for an industry task
force on cultural diversity. In light of these commitments, the
Commission expects the licensee to implement the measures related
to the reflection of cultural diversity that are set out and discussed
below.
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Plan: Portrayal and representation of cultural diversity.
|
54. |
The Commission expects CTV to submit, within three months
of the date of this decision, a detailed plan that includes specific
commitments relating to corporate accountability, reflection of diversity
in programming and community involvement, as they relate to on-screen
presence and portrayal of cultural diversity. The Commission considers
that this plan should include goals whose purpose is to ensure that the
diversity of Canadian society is reflected fairly and consistently in the
programming that CTV presents.
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Corporate accountability |
55. |
The Commission considers that the elements set out below will help
ensure that the corporate culture of CTV supports the reflection of
cultural diversity in the programming that CTV presents. In this section
of its plan, the licensee should: |
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· Set goals toward creating a corporate culture that supports a
programming service reflective of Canada's cultural diversity,
including its Aboriginal reality.
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· Identify a senior executive who will be accountable for diversity
practices and ensuring that management becomes more reflective of
Canada's multicultural reality.
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· Set clear goals for station managers so that their stations
reflect the diversity that exists in their communities.
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· Ensure that all managers receive appropriate training.
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· Ensure that regular opportunities are provided for staff
assessment of progress made toward the reflection of diversity, as well
as for identification of future challenges.
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· Set out the licensee's plans for hiring and retention of visible
minorities, as well as training in this area that it will provide to
staff.
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Reflection of diversity in programming
|
56. |
The licensee's plan should address the presence of people from diverse
backgrounds, both in programming that the licensee produces and in
programming that the licensee acquires. As well, the plan should address
the way that cultural minority groups including Aboriginal peoples are
portrayed in programming. More specifically, with respect to news
programming, the licensee should identify mechanisms to assess progress
in the following areas: |
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· The use of people from minority groups as sources regardless of
whether the issue being discussed is particularly related to a minority
community.
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· Ensuring that stories about ethnic communities do not appear
solely within the context of coverage of cultural celebrations or
reporting of negative stories.
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· Ensuring that on-air personalities reflect the diversity of the
community that the station serves.
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· Ensuring that reporters and journalists from minority communities
are not assigned exclusively to covering stories of principal concern
to cultural groups.
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57. |
The plan should also address how the portrayal and presence of
cultural minorities will be incorporated into all stages of the
production and acquisition of non-news programming, including
decisions about which programs will be broadcast. For instance, the plan
should address how the licensee will ensure that:
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· Those responsible for casting make a concerted effort to hire
visible minority actors in leading and recurring roles.
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|
· Those persons responsible for script development ensure that
minorities are not portrayed in a stereotypical manner.
|
|
· Programming from independent producers reflects the presence and
accurate portrayal of visible minorities.
|
|
Community involvement |
58. |
The plan should set out mechanisms that the licensee will put in place
to ensure that it receives effective input and feedback from its
community with respect to the reflection of cultural diversity, including
Aboriginal cultures, in its programming. |
|
Annual reports |
59. |
The licensee must file annual reports on progress made to achieve the
goals with respect to the reflection of diversity that are set out in the
plan. Such reports should be filed no later than 31 December of each year
of the new licence term.
|
|
Participation in an industry and community task force |
60. |
In Public Notice CRTC 2001-88
issued today, the Commission calls for a proposal and action plan for an
industry and community task force to address matters related to the
reflection of Canada's cultural diversity in broadcasting. The task force
will identify best practices for broadcasters so that reflection of
cultural diversity is achieved, sponsor research that will serve as a
baseline for measuring progress, and help define issues and present
practical solutions. The Commission expects CTV to participate in
the work of this task force and to support the work of the task force
financially.
|
|
Service to the hearing impaired
|
61. |
In the past, closed captioning requirements for private
English-language conventional television stations have differed depending
on the level of revenues. At the hearing, the Commission explored with
the licensee the possibility of requiring all of its stations, regardless
of revenues, to meet requirements for closed captioning by September
2001, and to caption all news programming, not just local news. The
Commission notes that, at the hearing, the licensee indicated that it had
been successful in selling sponsorships for its closed captioning. |
62. |
At the hearing, CTV indicated that all of its major stations could
meet requirements related to closed captioning by September 2001. It was,
however, concerned that such an early implementation could result in
problems with respect to the quality of captioning at its smaller
stations. CTV therefore suggested that smaller stations be obligated to
reach the required levels by September 2003. The licensee agreed that
captioning requirements should apply to all news programming that is
broadcast.
|
63. |
After discussion at the hearing, and in light of commitments made by
the applicant, the Commission has decided that it is reasonable to
require all of CTV's stations, regardless of revenues, to caption 90% of
all programming that they broadcast, including all news (category 1)
programming. The Commission is imposing these requirements as a condition
of licence for each of the CTV stations being renewed today, except
stations affiliated to the CBC. The imposition of a condition of licence
emphasizes the importance that the Commission places on commitments with
respect to closed captioning and does not reflect any concerns with CTV's
performance in meeting previous requirements. The Commission reminds the
licensee that closed captioning obligations include live feeds. |
64. |
For all stations earning $10 million or more in annual advertising
revenues and network payments, the condition of licence will be effective
on 1 September 2001, the beginning of the new licence term. For CTV
stations earning less than $10 million in annual advertising revenues and
network payments, the condition of licence will come into effect starting
1 September 2003. The Commission considers that some short-term
flexibility for smaller stations is appropriate. |
65. |
In the case of CBC-affiliated stations, the Commission recognizes
that, other than local programming, most of the schedule of these
stations is provided by the CBC. The Commission notes that Decision CRTC 2000-1
requires the CBC to ensure that at least 90% of the programming
distributed nationally is closed captioned in each year of the licence
term. Consistent with the approach adopted for the CBC, the Commission
therefore expects CBC-affiliated stations owned by CTV to provide
captioning of at least 90% of all programming, including 100% of all
news. |
66. |
The Commission notes that the 90% obligation is based on the
recognition that requiring 100% captioning at all times may not be
reasonable or appropriate. Thus, the obligation is designed to provide
some flexibility to cover unforeseen circumstances (such as late delivery
of captions, technical malfunctions, or the lack of availability of
captions for programs acquired outside North America), or programming
where captioning may not be feasible, such as third language programming. |
67. |
The Commission further expects CTV to focus on improving the
quality, reliability and accuracy of captioning on each of its stations,
and to work with representatives of the deaf and hard of hearing
community to ensure that its captioning continues to meet their needs at
a consistent high quality level.
|
|
Service to the visually impaired
|
68. |
"Audio description" and "video description" or
"described video" are methods of improving the service that
television broadcasters provide to the visually impaired. Audio
description involves the provision of basic voice-overs of textual or
graphic information displayed on the screen. A broadcaster providing
audio description will, for example, not simply display sports scores on
the screen, but also read them aloud so that the visually impaired can
receive the information. |
69. |
Video description, or described video as it is also known, consists of
narrative descriptions of a program's key visual elements so that people
who are visually impaired are able to form a mental picture of what is
occurring on the screen. These descriptions can be provided on the
Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) channel. Not all broadcasters are
currently equipped to deliver a SAP signal. Thus, the introduction of
descriptive video via the SAP channel requires significant capital
expenditures to upgrade a licensee's transmission facilities. |
|
Audio description |
70. |
CTV indicated that it is committed to its general practice of
providing audio description of important graphic information. It conveys
all emergency information, such as weather warnings, in audio form as
well as in video form. The Commission notes this commitment, and expects
CTV to ensure that it provides audio description where appropriate. It
further expects the licensee to take the necessary steps to ensure
that its service responds to the needs of visually impaired audiences. |
|
Described video
|
71. |
At the hearing, CTV made a significant commitment to roll out
descriptive video programming. CTV originally proposed a seven-year plan
for upgrading the technical facilities of all of its stations so that
they could transmit described video. Roll out would begin in the largest
markets, and other markets would be upgraded over the licence term. At
the reply stage of the hearing, however, CTV committed to an accelerated
schedule, making a commitment that it would complete the process by the
end of the second year of the licence term. |
72. |
CTV also committed to a ramp up of the amount of described
programming. As they are upgraded, stations will provide two hours a week
of described Canadian priority programming within the first two years of
the licence term. This minimum level will increase to three hours per
week in the third year, and to four hours per week in year five. At least
50% of the described video programming aired each week will be original,
with the remainder consisting of program repeats. The Commission commends
CTV on this significant commitment.
|
73. |
The National Broadcast Reading Service (NBRS) recommended that
obligations with respect to described video relate to all categories of
priority programming. The Commission notes, however, that some types of
programming lend themselves more readily to video description. These
types of programming are drama, long-form documentaries and children's
programming. The Commission considers that requirements related to
described video should apply, first and foremost, to these types of
programs, aired during peak viewing time. |
74. |
In light of the above, the Commission is imposing a condition of
licence on each CTV station relating to the provision of described
video. The condition requires CTV's largest stations (in Toronto, Ottawa
and Vancouver) to broadcast, between 7:00 p.m. and 11 p.m., an
average of two hours per week of described video programming during the
first two years of the licence term. All of CTV's stations are required
to provide three hours per week in year three, and four hours per week in
year five. A minimum of 50% of the hours must be original broadcasts.
This programming must be Canadian and be from categories 2 (b) and 7. The
licensee may, however, count toward fulfilment of this condition a
maximum of one hour per week of described video programming that is
directed to children and broadcast during an appropriate children's
viewing time. |
75. |
The Commission further expects CTV, wherever possible, to
acquire and exhibit described versions of the Canadian and non-Canadian
programming that its stations broadcast. It notes that some American
programs already include descriptions in order to fulfil requirements in
this area that are in effect in the United States. Finally, the
Commission commends the licensee for making concrete proposals with
respect to the broadcast of programming that includes described video.
The Commission considers that the presence of such programming in the
Canadian broadcasting system is an important contribution.
|
|
Children's programming
|
76. |
As part of this proceeding, the Commission explored CTV's role in the
provision of children's programming. CTV stated that it "remains
dedicated to providing Canadian television that serves a broad range of
interests," and confirmed that it plans to provide two and one-half
hours of children's programming each week, in addition to programs that
could be shared by the whole family.
|
77. |
In the Television Policy, the Commission stated that the Canadian
broadcasting system as a whole offered children's programming on a
regular basis, and that a wide variety of both Canadian and foreign
children's programs of high quality were available to audiences. In
recognition of this availability, the Commission decided to maintain its
policy of not requiring conventional television licensees to broadcast
minimum quantities of programming directed to children and youth.
|
78. |
Interventions from the CFTPA and the Writers Guild of Canada both
requested that the Commission require CTV to broadcast a minimum of three
hours per week of children's programming. The CFTPA also recommended that
broadcasters be given an incentive to invest in new programs by restoring
the 150% credit for first-run Canadian children's programming.
|
79. |
The Commission considers that imposing minimum levels of children's
programming would not be in keeping with the Television Policy. At the
same time, it notes that 25% of Canadian homes receive television over
the air, and therefore do not have access to the children's programming
available from specialty and pay television services and the Commission
is concerned that they too have access to a reasonable diversity of
program genres. |
80. |
CTV is a national conventional broadcaster with significant viewership
across Canada, and its stations have priority status for cable carriage
under the Broadcasting Distribution Regulations. The Commission
considers that, given these factors, it is reasonable that CTV be
expected to provide programming that meets the needs of all age groups,
including children.
|
81. |
The Commission therefore, expects CTV to continue to provide
children's programming, and notes its commitment to provide a minimum of
2.5 hours each week.
|
|
Advertising issues
|
|
Local advertising on ASN
|
82. |
As part of this proceeding, CTV requested that the Commission delete
the condition of ASN's licence which prohibits the licensee from
soliciting local advertising in the Halifax/Dartmouth area. The
Commission denied a similar request in the context of ASN's last licence
renewal.
|
83. |
In support of its request, CTV stated that there have been significant
changes in the Halifax/Dartmouth market since the last time the ASN
licence was renewed. The changes noted were the significant growth in the
Halifax/Dartmouth economy, the fact that Global now owns the Halifax
Daily News and thus has two media outlets, and that five local radio
stations currently have a local management agreement through which they
compete for local advertising dollars with ASN. CTV further noted that
their advertising clients have been requesting combined advertising on
ASN and ATV, which have an integrated staff, studio facilities and
service for much of the day.
|
84. |
The Commission considers that the Halifax region remains unable to
support further local advertising. It therefore denies the request
to remove the condition of ASN's licence that prohibits the solicitation
of advertising in the Halifax/Dartmouth area.
|
|
Virtual advertising
|
85. |
Virtual advertising is a technique whereby commercial messages are
broadcast with no interruption to program content. This can be achieved
through the digital superimposition of advertising graphics or the
creation of "virtual" billboards carrying messages that do not
exist in reality, and can be seen only by the television audience. The
Commission discussed issues related to virtual advertising with the
licensee as a result of interventions that raised concerns about this
practice.
|
86. |
CTV stated that it has no plan to implement virtual advertising in the
new term of licence. It considered that virtual advertising implemented
using current technology does not bring benefits significant enough to
balance the disruption, annoyance or rights problems that such
advertising might cause. CTV indicated, however, that it would be
prepared to include information related to the development and use of
virtual advertising in its annual reports to the Commission.
|
87. |
The Commission considers that the use of non-traditional advertising,
including virtual advertising, is in its infancy. Revenues are relatively
low at this time, and the cost of the technology restricts its use to
events that draw very large audiences. The Commission will monitor the
development of all non-traditional forms of advertising, and continue to
assess its impact on the public and the industry as a whole. If required,
further discussion of non-traditional advertising could take place as
part of a broader review of advertising policy at some future date.
|
|
Compliance with industry codes
|
88. |
In accordance with its usual practice, the Commission is imposing conditions
of licence on each of the CTV stations requiring that they adhere to
the industry codes related to violence in television programming, gender
portrayal, and advertising to children. Application of the codes related
to gender portrayal and violence will be suspended so long as the
licensee remains a member in good standing of the Canadian Broadcast
Standards Council.
|
|
Cross-media ownership
|
89. |
In Decision CRTC 2000-747, the
Commission approved transfer of effective control of CTV Inc. to BCE Inc.
In that decision, the Commission indicated that it would examine
questions related to cross-media ownership in its consideration of
applications to renew the television licences held by CTV.
|
|
The Commission’s concerns
|
90. |
CTV is part of a corporate family with significant cross-media
holdings, as described earlier in this decision. At the hearing, issues
relating to the diversity of voices at the national level, as well as in
Toronto, were raised by the Commission and by interveners.
|
91. |
CTV, as of Fall 2000, through its broadcasting assets, has a potential
reach of 94.8% of the English-language population of Canada. |
92. |
In 1999, CTV's conventional and specialty assets accounted for close
to 20% of the English-language television market audience in Canada.
CTV's market share represents the largest portion of the market held by a
single Canadian broadcaster. |
93. |
Bell Globemedia, the parent company of CTV, also owns The Globe and
Mail newspaper. Although The Globe and Mail is primarily a
national newspaper, CTV acknowledged at the hearing that The Globe and
Mail publishes a separate Toronto edition that contains a limited
amount of content which is different from the national edition. |
94. |
The Globe and Mail, as acknowledged by CTV, is a well-known brand
both nationally and in the Toronto market specifically. Sixty percent of The
Globe and Mail's circulation is in Ontario. The remaining 40% of the
circulation is spread across the country. |
95. |
The Commission is concerned that cross ownership of television
stations and newspapers, such as is the case with Bell Globemedia, could
potentially lead to the complete integration of the owner’s television
and newspaper news operations. This integration could eventually result
in a reduction of the diversity of the information presented to the
public and of the diversity of distinct editorial voices available in the
markets served. For example, under a completely integrated structure, the
same editor could decide what matters would be investigated and what
stories would be covered by a commonly owned television station and
newspaper. Under such an integrated structure, the television station and
the newspaper may no longer compete and might present a single editorial
position and approach to the selection of stories considered relevant to
the viewers and readers.
|
|
Concerns of interveners
|
96. |
Interveners expressed a number of views regarding cross-media
ownership and its potential effects on CTV's journalistic practices.
|
97. |
The Communication, Energy and Paper Workers Union of Canada (CEP)
objected to a scenario under which a single journalist would cover the
same story for both newspapers and television stations. It referred to
the code developed by Quebecor Média Inc. (Quebecor) and imposed by the
Commission as a condition of licence in Decision 2001-384.
This code is substantially the same as the one that has been in place at
Quebecor since 1997. The code essentially ensures that the newsgathering
activities of Quebecor's newspapers and television stations are
completely separate. CEP considered that the Commission should impose the
Quebecor Code on CTV. The Newspaper Guild of Canada also emphasized the
importance of maintaining separate newsrooms rather than the approach
suggested by CTV. It considered that the Commission should ensure that
newsrooms work separately from and independent of owners' interests. It
further was of the view that any cross-media safeguards should be imposed
as a condition of licence. |
98. |
The Friends of Canadian Broadcasting (Friends) considered that, in
addition to separate news management, separate news gathering facilities
must be maintained to ensure that a diversity of voices is available to
Canadians. Friends suggested that the applicant undertake to ensure that
its television newsrooms would gather information independently from the
newsrooms of newspapers in which it has a financial interest. |
99. |
Three university professors generally considered that separation of
news management functions was sufficient and that the Commission should
not impose on CTV structural separation of newsgathering activities. They
considered that in certain cases, such as in the gathering of routine
news stories, some co-ordination of newsgathering efforts between
newspapers and televisions stations would be appropriate and could lead
to an increase in the quality of news and information made available.
They also generally considered that imposition of the Quebecor Code, or a
similar code, in the markets concerned could unnecessarily limit the
development of innovative journalistic techniques that make use of new
media such as the Internet.
|
|
The Commission’s jurisdiction
|
100. |
The Commission's concerns about cross-media ownership arise from
sections 3(1)(d)(i), 3(1)(d)(ii) and 3(1)(i)(iv) of
the Act. Section 3(1)(d)(i) states that the Canadian
broadcasting system should: |
|
serve to safeguard, enrich and strengthen the cultural, political,
social and economic fabric of Canada.
|
101. |
Section 3(1)(d)(ii) states that the programming provided by the
Canadian broadcasting system should: |
|
encourage the development of Canadian expression by providing a wide
range of programming that reflects Canadian attitudes, opinions, ideas,
values and artistic creativity, by displaying Canadian talent in
entertainment programming and by offering information and analysis
concerning Canada and other countries from a Canadian point of view.
|
102. |
Section 3(1)(i)(iv) of the Act states that the programming
provided by the Canadian broadcasting system should: |
|
provide a reasonable opportunity for the public to be exposed to the
expression of differing views on matters of public concern.
|
103. |
In light of the policy objectives set out in the Act, the Commission
considers that it has a responsibility to ensure that a sufficient
diversity of broadcasting news and information voices remains as
convergence continues to take place between broadcasters and related
industries. |
104. |
Given these concerns, the Commission discussed with the applicant
possible safeguards that might be put in place to ensure editorial
independence between the applicant's interests in the broadcast and print
media at both the national and local levels. |
|
CTV's position
|
105. |
The Statement of Principles and Practices submitted by CTV at
the hearing set out the following seven points:
|
|
· CTV adheres to the Broadcasting Act in its entirety and
specifically in this context to sub-section 3(1)(i)(iv) of the Broadcasting
Act;
|
|
· CTV will maintain its own news management structure for CTV
television operations that is separate and distinct from that of CTV
newspaper holdings. Journalistic content and presentation decisions for
CTV will be made by CTV television news management;
|
|
· CTV news managers will not sit on editorial boards of any
affiliated newspapers;
|
|
· CTV will establish an internal mechanism to deal with complaints
arising from any of the principles and practices included herein, and
will report back to the Commission on an annual basis;
|
|
· CTV will maintain its membership with the Canadian Broadcast
Standards Council (CBSC) and will continue to adhere to each of the
Codes under its purview, including the CAB Code of Ethics, and will
continue to adhere to the Radio and Television News Directors
Association (RTNDA) Code of Ethics;
|
|
· This statement shall be communicated to employees; and
|
|
· Through Public Service Announcements, our audiences shall be made
aware of this statement and the new complaints mechanism as well as the
existing complaints mechanism through the CBSC.
|
106. |
CTV noted that the Globe and Mail is essentially a national
paper while most of the journalism done by CTV stations was rooted in
local newsrooms. This fact alone, according to CTV, would serve to limit
collaboration between the newspaper and television stations. It did
consider, however, that material from The Globe and Mail's
correspondents could augment the information that its local stations have
at their disposal. CTV also indicated that some cooperation and sharing
could increase the amount of original journalism that Canadians receive.
Further, such collaboration could allow for the development of a new
generation of journalists able to work in different media.
|
107. |
As indicated earlier, CTV submitted a Statement of Principles and
Practices based on the separation of news management rather than
newsgathering. At the hearing, CTV elaborated on its focus on news
management as follows: |
|
We have laid out in our deficiency answers a fairly elaborate
approach that we think will ensure the commitment under the Broadcasting
Act. That approach is to be able to find synergies and better and
higher-quality journalism in the ability to combine some newsgathering
to make sure that the presentation of the news remains the independent
preserve of each of the news organizations. To us, diversity comes not
at the point when you are gathering what I would call the ingredients
for journalism, but when the chef prepares those ingredients; in other
words when the editor or the news director decides what items will be
selected, how those items will be played, what elements will be
included, and, of course, whether the story will appear or not. To us,
the cutting edge of diversity is the actual decisions on what news will
be presented and how it will be presented.
|
108. |
CTV further provided to the Commission its "assurances for
preserving separate news presentation structures, as well as separate
management structures and separate budgets." |
109. |
CTV, however, objected to the introduction of measures such as the
Quebecor Code that would enforce structural separation between the
newsrooms and newsgathering activities of its television stations and
newspapers. As indicated earlier, the licensee considered that the news
coverage provided by its television stations would be enhanced if they
had access to the information gathered by newspaper reporters, without
limiting diversity in the markets served.
|
110. |
CTV also indicated that it would institute "right of reply
programming", so that those with points of view different from those
expressed by CTV would be able to make them known. It further indicated
that it would spend $1 million annually to promote the Statement of
Principles and Practices and the mechanism for dealing with
complaints that would be established. |
|
The Commission's conclusions
|
111. |
The Commission considers that Bell Globemedia's position in both
newspapers and television raise concerns related to cross-media ownership
in the markets that it serves and that safeguards are required. |
112. |
Specifically, the Commission considers that CTV must, as a minimum,
maintain news management for its television stations that is separate
from news management for the newspapers controlled by Bell Globemedia.
The Commission has therefore set out, in Appendix 1, a Statement of
Principles and Practices that it is imposing on CTV as a condition
of licence. The Commission will monitor developments with respect to
news and information programming over the upcoming licence term to
determine if other action is necessary.
|
113. |
In essence, the Statement of Principles and Practices requires
the licensee to maintain separate and independent news management and
presentation structures for CTV television operations that are distinct
from those of any CTV affiliated newspapers. It thus requires separation
of news management functions, but not newsgathering activities.
Therefore, cross promotion and some cooperation between CTV’s
television stations and Bell Globemedia’s newspapers in newsgathering
would be permissible.
|
114. |
The Commission notes that, when discussing the notion of separate news
management and presentation structures at the hearing, CTV stated its
intention to maintain news directors, executive producers, assignment
editors, writers and reporters that are separate and independent from
those of its newspaper affiliates. |
115. |
Further, the Commission is requiring CTV, by condition of licence,
to establish a Monitoring Committee as set out in Appendix "A"
to the Statement of Principles and Practices. The licensee must
establish an impartial, neutral committee to receive and handle all
complaints concerning CTV's compliance with the Statement of
Principles and Practices. The Committee will, among other things,
provide an annual report to the Commission that will also be available to
the public. The Commission further notes CTV's commitment to spend
$1 million a year in announcements to publicize the Statement of
Principles and Practices, including the existence and
responsibilities of the Monitoring Committee. |
116. |
The Commission further expects the licensee to respect the Statement
of Principles and Practices in the operations of its other
broadcasting services that provide news and information.
|
117. |
The Commission will be prepared, however, to consider suspending the
application of the conditions of licence respecting cross-media issues if
the licensee is able to enter into an agreement with the CBSC resulting
in an industry-wide code approved by the Commission and while CTV is a
member in good standing of the CBSC. The CBSC code of conduct must
include an appropriate monitoring mechanism to be administered by the
CBSC. Any application by the licensee to suspend these conditions of
licence should include confirmation that the licensee supports the CBSC
code of conduct, including the monitoring mechanism, and that the
licensee is a member in good standing of the CBSC.
|
118. |
The Commission further expects CTV to implement right of reply
programming, as proposed. |
|
Other matters |
|
Reporting requirements
|
119. |
In Decision 2000-747 the
Commission approved the acquisition of CTV by BCE Inc. (BCE). This
decision included a number of conditions of approval related to the
benefits package proposed by BCE, as well as reporting requirements to
enable the Commission to ensure that BCE fulfilled its commitments. The
Commission is imposing conditions of licence on the CTV stations
designed to ensure that the licensee's benefits commitments continue to
be fulfilled during the new licence term, and that the benefits,
particularly those relating to the creation of new priority programming
and to other such "on-screen" initiatives, are incremental to
all existing and outstanding requirements. These conditions require that
CTV file a detailed audited report, concurrent with the filing of the
annual return for CTV, setting out the actual expenditures (not less than
$24.9 million in any given year) at the base level amount of eight hours
per week of priority programming. They also require, consistent with the
benefits package put forward by BCE, the broadcast of a minimum of 175
hours of original Canadian priority programming over the licence term (in
addition to the base level of eight hours per week), and a minimum total
incremental expenditure of $140 million over the licence term on the
benefits-related priority programming. |
|
Interventions |
120. |
The Commission wishes to thank all those who participated in the
process leading to this decision, either through their written
interventions or through presentations at the public hearing. |
|
Related CRTC documents:
|
|
• Decisions 2001-457-1 to 2001-457-13: Licence renewal
decisions for individual CTV stations
|
|
• Decision 2001-458: Renewal of
Global licences
|
|
• Decision 2001-459: Cable
carriage of CIVT-TV Vancouver
|
|
• Decision 2001-460: Approval of
the transfer of assets of CKY-TV Winnipeg
|
|
• Public Notice 2001-88:
Representation of cultural diversity on television - Creation of an
industry/community task force
|
|
• Decisions 2001-384 and 2001-385:
Transfer of effective control of TVA to Quebecor Média inc. and TVA
renewal
|
|
• Decision 2000-747: Transfer
of effective control of CTV to BCE Inc.
|
|
• Public Notice 2000-94
and Decisions 2000-229 and 2000-250: Implementation of TV policy -
New conditions of licence
|
|
• Public Notice 1999-205:
Definitions for new types of priority programs; revisions to the
definitions of television content categories; definitions of Canadian
dramatic programs that will qualify for time credits towards priority
programming requirements.
|
|
• Public Notice 1999-97:
Building on success - A policy framework for Canadian television
|
|
• Public Notices 1992-59,
1994-69 and 1995-98
- documents related to employment equity
|
|
Secretary General
|
|
This decision is to be appended to each licence. It is available in
alternative format upon request, and may also be examined at the
following Internet site: http://www.crtc.gc.ca
|