CMG is urging the federal telecommunications regulator, the CRTC to support the creation of original Canadian film, TV and online content. This week, CMG appeared at the Let’s Talk TV hearing, and called for a Public Service Media Fund to help pay for Canadian programming, including local news, and other innovative, compelling Canadian content, on all platforms. This is needed to ensure Canadian television is not just dominated by distributors of cheaper, foreign non-Canadian content, and to balance the broadcasting system by asking the profitable side of the system to help pay for content creation.
CMG also urged the commission to protect the rights of all Canadians to access basic broadcasting services, even if they can’t afford to pay. Because of this, CMG opposes proposals to shut down the transmitters that allow limited free access to television, and asks the CRTC to provide a free basic alternative if its decisions require it.
We are encouraged and supportive of one of the CRTC’s proposals, to set criteria for licensed national all-news services, to ensure quality and accountability for thenews services Canadians rely on.
