Possibility of New National Television Networks to be Studied by CRTC
OTTAWA, April 17, 1997 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced the Government of Canada has issued a formal request to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission(CRTC) to hold hearings, seek public comment and report back to the Government on issues and options related to the possible establishment of new national Canadian television networks.
"I hope all interested parties will take advantage of the opportunity to make their views on this subject known to the CRTC in order that they can be reflected in the Commission's report," Minister Copps said.
"The goal of the Broadcasting Act, and the goal of this Government, is to increase the quantity and quality of Canadian programming in both official languages. Television is the most powerful medium of cultural expression in this country. I want to ensure that over-the-air broadcasters, whether as parts of networks or as parts of station ownership groups, continue to provide a clear reflection of our country both on a regional and a national basis."
The Minister pointed out that the Government has acted to encourage Canadian production of television drama, children's programming, variety and documentary programming through last September's creation of a $200-million-per-year Canada Television and Cable Production Fund.
"In a world of expanding viewer choices, it is vital that quality Canadian programming remains available and attractive to Canadian audiences," Ms. Copps said. "I am looking forward to the CRTC's report to help ensure that this is achieved."
Minister Copps first announced the Government's intention to issue the request to the CRTC, under Section 15 of the Broadcasting Act, on January 28, 1997. The need for such a review was reinforced in discussions with the broadcasting industry during the Cultural Round Table, February 9-10, 1997
Information:
Janet Bax
Director of Communications
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Order in Council
P.C. 1997-592
April 15, 1997
Whereas, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (hereinafter referred to as "the Commission") is responsible for regulating and supervising all aspects of the Canadian broadcasting system to implement the broadcasting policy for Canada set out in the Broadcasting Act;
Whereas the over-the-air television sector of the Canadian broadcasting system has expanded with the licensing of broadcasting undertakings to serve local and regional areas;
Whereas, over the last several years, the licensees of these local or regional over-the-air television stations have been increasingly held or controlled by parent companies which own or control over-the-air television stations operating in other local areas or regions;
Whereas this has resulted in the emergence of a number of television station ownership groups, with each group's stations reaching substantial portions of Canadian television viewers, but not operating as a network;
Whereas the Governor in Council assigns high priority to:
. increasing the quality and quantity of Canadian programming available to Canadians on television;
. contributing to a regional and national programming presence in the Canadian broadcasting system;
. ensuring that all programming undertakings, whether as parts of networks or as parts of station ownership groups, provide equitable support for Canadian programming;
. enhancing Canada's capacity to produce and distribute domestic television programs;
. maintaining and increasing the broadcast presence of distinct Canadian programs; and
. encouraging the availability of Canadian creative productions in the international marketplace;
Whereas section15 of the BroadcastingAct provides that the Commission shall, on request of the GovernorinCouncil, hold hearings or make reports on any matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission;
Whereas the Governor in Council has determined that it would be appropriate to request the Commission:
(a)to seek comments from the public and report on the views and concerns expressed on whether the establishment of one or more additional Canadian national English-language, French-language or bilingual television networks would serve the objectives of the broadcasting policy for Canada set out in the BroadcastingAct, as well as the above-identified priorities; and
(b)to assess the comments received and propose options for addressing unresolved policy issues;
And Whereas, in accordance with subsection15(2) of the BroadcastingAct, the Minister of Canadian Heritage has consulted with the Commission with regard to this request;
Therefore, His Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, pursuant to section15 of the Broadcasting Act, hereby requests the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission:
(a) to seek comments from the public and report on the views and concerns expressed on whether the establishment of one or more additional Canadian national English-language, French-language or bilingual television networks would serve the objectives of the broadcasting policy for Canada set out in the BroadcastingAct, as well as the above-identified priorities; and
(b) to assess the comments received and propose options for addressing unresolved policy issues.
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