Letter
Ottawa, 5 April 2005
Édouard Trépanier
Vice-President, Regulatory Affairs
Quebecor Média inc.
300 Viger East
Montreal, Quebec H2X 3W4
Dear Mr. Trépanier:
Re: Quebecor Média inc. 2003-04 annual report on tangible benefits as required by Decision CRTC 2001-384
The Commission has received and accepts the third annual report filed by Groupe TVA inc. pursuant to Decision CRTC 2001-384 approving the transfer of effective control of TVA to Quebecor Média inc. The purpose of this report is to permit the Commission to verify the incremental nature of proposed benefits expenditures totalling $48.9 million over seven years.
The Commission has also reviewed the request for confidentiality for information on Groupe TVA's priority programming licensing costs. The request has been approved and the public version of your report will be filed on the Groupe TVA public record.
With respect to the amendments concerning interactive content development funds, the Commission approves the proposed reallocations to priority/youth programming benefits. With respect to the reinvestment of concept and screenplay development funds, the Commission reiterates the importance of targeting permanent investments for the development of new programming concepts and screenplays. However, in view of the reasons set out in your application, the Commission approves your proposal. In approving your proposals, the Commission considered, among other things, the fact that 90% of the funds directed to priority and youth programming will be invested in independent programming.
Please note that the Commission will make a detailed examination of all tangible benefits reports when analysing the application for renewal of the Groupe TVA licence, which expires 31 August 2008.
Sincerely,
Original signed by
Diane Rhéaume
Secretary General
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