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Ottawa, 15 July 1993
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Public Notice CRTC 1993-105
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PRODUCTION FUND FOR CANADIAN PROGRAMMING
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In Public Notice CRTC 1993-74 dated 3 June 1993, the Commission proposed to revise the capital expenditures provisions set out in the Cable Television Regulations, 1986, in order to permit the creation of a production fund for Canadian programming (the fund). Beginning 1 January 1995, the Commission estimates that such a fund could generate new funds for Canadian programming of up to approximately $300 million over a 5-year period, if all eligible cable licensees choose to participate.
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The Commission considers that the objective of the fund should be to support programs from the under-represented categories, such as drama and children's programming, which should be scheduled at times when the largest number of viewers is available.
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This public notice seeks comment from interested parties with regard to the most appropriate policies for program eligibility, access, investment mechanisms and administration.
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The Commission requests interested parties to address the following matters and any other relevant issues with respect to the fund. Eligible Programs
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* What priority should be given with respect to access to the fund - e.g. continuing dramatic series, family drama, children's programming, documentaries, other?
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* What criteria should be used to determine eligibility for funding?
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* What policies should be established regarding English-language, French-language, native-language or third-language projects?
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* What policies should be established with regard to regional distribution of funds?
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* Should the scope of the fund include contributions to institutions involved in education, training and professional development?
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Access to the Fund
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* What policies should be established regarding access to the fund by licensees, producers or other groups?
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Administration
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* What structure would best reflect appropriate broadcast and production interests as well as the regional, cultural and linguistic diversity of the country?
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* What administrative structure would ensure the greatest degree of independence, efficiency and accountability for the fund?
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* What types of financing would be most effective in ensuring that the fund's resources support eligible Canadian programs under the fund - e.g. development financing, equity investment, bridge financing, loans or grants? What would be an appropriate ratio of investment in these various activities?
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* Should the fund have a minimum or maximum level of investment for individual projects? If so, what should these levels be?
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* Should the fund have a policy with respect to recoupment?
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* Should a percentage of the fund's annual income be reserved as capital for the purpose of ensuring a future revenue stream? If so, what would be the appropriate percentage?
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The Commission invites comment from interested parties on the above issues. Comments should be submitted by 17 September 1993 to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2.
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Allan J. Darling
Secretary General
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