News release

February 3^rd, 2004

CRTC releases its annual report on conventional television: private television profits doubled in one year

OTTAWA-GATINEAU - The CRTC has released its annual statistical and financial data report on the Canadian television industry for 1999 to 2003. The report shows that net profits posted by private television stations have doubled, rising from $95.6 million in 2002 to $189.8 million in 2003. Revenues also increased by 10.4 %, climbing from $1.890 billion in 2002 to $2.087 billion in 2003. This growth is significantly higher than the 2.8% average overall growth over the last five years. Expenses by private stations increased by 4.5% over 2002, reaching $1.7 billion in 2003.

Expenses on Canadian programming and production

In 2003, $117.8 million were spent on Canadian drama; a 20.8% increase over 2002. Spending on human interest programs grew an impressive 33.1%, going from $38.8 million in 2002 to $51.7 million in 2003. Spending on musical and variety programs was down significantly, however, decreasing from $24.5 million in 2002 to $11 million in 2003.

Private television stations spent $300.2 million on news programs and $56.4 million on other Canadian information programs in 2003. Compared with 2002, this is an increase of 3.3% in spending on news programs, and a 4.2% increase in spending on information programming.

Background

The data found in this report are drawn from the television annual returns that companies submit to the CRTC and are intended to facilitate reporting on progress and trends in the Canadian television industry.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

Reference document: Television - Statistical and Financial Summaries - 1999-2003 [.htm] [.pdf] [.xls]

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Media Relations:
   MediaRelations@crtc.gc.ca, Tel: (819) 997-9403, Fax: (819) 997-4245

General Inquiries:
   Tel: (819) 997-0313, TDD: (819) 994-0423, Fax: (819) 994-0218
   Toll-free # 1-877-249-CRTC (2782), eMail: info@crtc.gc.ca
   TDD - Toll-free # 1-877-909-2782

Copies of today's documents are available through our Internet site (http://www.crtc.gc.ca) or by contacting the public examination room of any CRTC office. These documents are available in alternative format upon request.

Date Modified: 2004-02-03

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