The Honourable James Moore

Canada Media Fund

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Issue

Recent media coverage about the Canada Media Fund (CMF) highlighted concerns regarding the fate of documentaries, the implications of in-house and expanded broadcaster-affiliated production, the apparent too-heavy reliance on audience success to the detriment of quality and diversity, and the independence of board members.

Facts

On documentaries

In announcing the new fund, the Government of Canada has reaffirmed the importance of drama, comedies, children's programming, variety and performing arts, and documentaries - because this is what Canadians want. A market test will ensure that CMF investments are directed where they are most needed by the documentary production sector. The documentary sector will be consulted on how best to design the test.

On implications of in-house and expanded broadcaster-affiliated production

Because the Government believes that the best ideas will come when there is a healthy level of competition, and when risk-taking is rewarded, a decision was made to encourage competition by levelling the playing field. Independent producers are well positioned to succeed in this environment, particularly given the advances and opportunities that new distribution technologies offer.
Expanding eligibility for broadcaster-affiliated and allowing broadcaster in-house production will be introduced gradually to ensure the continued success of the independent production sector.

On audience success versus quality and diversity

The Government believes that audience success and quality and diverse Canadian content go hand in hand. This is because the Government believes in Canadian content and in the talent of those who create and produce it. Like the Canadian Television Fund, the CMF will reward audience success. The CMF is about providing Canadian viewers with the content they want, when and where they want it. The Government recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to measuring success won't work if we are to ensure quality programming for Canadians. The industry will be consulted on effective measures of audience success.

On independence of Board members

With its partners, the Government is addressing the Auditor General's concerns by establishing a smaller, fully independent board for the Fund. Together, the Directors will have the knowledge and experience required to enable the Board to carry out its duties and responsibilities effectively. The Board of Directors will set strategic directions and oversee consultations with stakeholders that will be formal, ongoing, meaningful and inclusive. The Board will not have a say, for instance, in the selection of individual projects.

The independent board and the consultation mechanism are important - and necessary - changes. They reflect a commitment to good governance and accountability to Canadians.

You may also want to know that...

• The Government of Canada announced on March 9, 2009 the creation of the Canada Media Fund. By doing so, the Government renewed a $100M contribution for two years to make a total federal investment of $134.7M a year, in order to provide stability during challenging times, and make sure the creation of Canadian content is not in jeopardy. This brings the total investment to $310 millions over the next 2 years.
  
  
• This investment will bring together the established brands of the broadcasters with new forms of content to ensure that Canadians have access to the best and most creative, innovative content they can provide.
  
  
• The new Fund will reward original programming on television in prime time, and will ensure that original content is created for the Internet and mobile devices, in English and in French. The Fund will support Aboriginal and French-language minority productions and respect the particular needs of the French-language market, as well as support programs in third languages where demand and funding are present.
  
  
• The Canada Media Fund will be fully implemented and in place by April 1, 2010.