CRTC Relaxes Canadian Content Quotas

OTTAWA: The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has outlined a series of changes regarding the creation of content made by Canadians, including reducing the quotas on the amount of homegrown programs that local TV stations and specialty channels must broadcast.

For certain types of programs, such as drama and documentaries, broadcasters will continue to invest at least 75 percent of these funds on content created by independent producers. The CRTC is also eliminating rules under which specialty channels, such as HGTV Canada and MusiquePlus, can only broadcast certain types of programs. As a result, existing channels will be able to acquire or produce shows that better respond to their audiences' interests and needs. New specialty services will be able to enter the Canadian marketplace and compete with existing channels. Both existing and new channels will need to be innovative and creative to succeed.

The CRTC is also allowing VOD services to offer exclusive content to cable and satellite subscribers, as long as they are available to all Canadians over the internet without a television subscription.

Jean-Pierre Blais, the chairman of the CRTC, said: "Canadian television rests on a solid foundation. We have more than enough money and talent to tell our stories. But the system cannot remain frozen in time when the world around us is changing. That's why we are adopting bold and forward-looking measures to ensure that Canadians can produce and promote compelling content that attracts audiences within and beyond our borders. We know that it will not be easy for everyone to adapt to this shift. We are confident, however, that Canadian creators have the know-how and tools to succeed.

We are also asking: What makes a production Canadian? For too long, narrow criteria have prevented potentially successful content from being made by Canadians. In a world where the content's origin is secondary to its quality and desirability, we need to show more flexibility in determining which productions can benefit from financial support. We are taking the first steps in this direction with two pilot projects, and encouraging others to join us on this exciting journey. Let's give the world great content made by Canada."