The CRTC creates a Task Force on the Canadian Television Fund General News / C.R.T.C. Posted by RAD on Feb 20, 2007 - 10:35 AM |
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The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) welcomes the decision by Shaw and Quebecor to resume monthly payments to the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) contemplated by the existing CRTC Circular 1997-426. However, the longstanding concerns regarding the operation and governance of the CTF that were raised by various stakeholders, including Shaw and Quebecor, remain. As payments to the Fund are mandated by CRTC regulations, the CRTC has a role to play in the resolution of the concerns regarding the Fund. To that end, the Commission has set up a task force that will be headed by Vice-Chair of Broadcasting, Michel Arpin. The terms of reference of the Task Force and its membership are set out in the attached Annex. The aim of the Task Force is to develop a consensus to resolve the concerns raised by stakeholders or, failing that, to set out possible options to resolve any remaining issues. The Task Force will make its final report public. If it is required or deemed advisable based on this report, the Commission will then issue a public notice and hold a hearing. The work of the Task Force requires intense interaction and the utmost openness between all stakeholders, and may necessitate the sharing of confidential information. The work must therefore be conducted in confidence. Accordingly, the Commission will not comment further on this issue until the Task Forces report is released. However, the Chairman will appear before Parliament later this week to answer questions about the process the task force will be following. The CRTC The CRTC is an independent, public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada. ANNEX Task Force on the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) Mandate To investigate issues related to the funding of Canadian programming and the governance of the CTF. Specific issues will include: The most effective use of the required contributions from BDUs The most appropriate size and structure of the CTF Board The most appropriate mechanisms to deal with real or perceived conflicts of interest at the CTF Following its investigation, the Task Force will make recommendations to the Commission. CRTC Task Force Michel Arpin, Vice-Chair of Broadcasting Nick Ketchum, Senior Director, Television Policy & Applications Randy Hutson, Senior Director, Distribution Policy & Applications Bernard Montigny, General Counsel, Broadcasting Phase 1 Consultations & Fact-Finding (19 Feb. 27 April) Canadian Television Fund Shaw Communications Quebecor Media Other BDUs Heritage Canada Private Broadcasters Public and Educational Broadcasters Producers Independent TV Funds Unions (UDA ACTRA Guilds and others) Other relevant stakeholders. Phase 2 CRTC Public Process, as required Release of the Task Force report Public Notice if required Deadline for Final Report and Public Review August 31, 2007 |
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