In our view, in today's rapidly evolving broadcasting and communications environment, in which there is a constant proliferation of media choices available to Canadians, the need for a national public broadcaster that showcases almost 100% Canadian content on multiple platforms, including new media platforms, is more important than ever.
We believe the role for CBC/SRC in the 21st century should be different from commercial broadcasters. It should not simply offer programs that can achieve the largest audience in competition with private broadcasters, but instead offer high-quality, distinctive Canadian programming that would not otherwise find a broadcast outlet.
CBC television must make a greater commitment to Canadian drama, documentary, children and youth, and performance programming, as well as to Canadian theatrical feature films. CBC/SRC should also fully embrace new media.
Accordingly, we believe CBC/SRC's mandate should be more explicitly defined to reflect these requirements. We believe Canada's national public broadcaster should be subject to regular reviews of its role and mandate to ensure that it remains relevant to Canadians as the broadcasting and communications environment changes.
The CFTPA believes CBC television's commitment to high-quality Canadian content should be realized through a strengthened relationship with the independent production sector. CBC television should be a model for all other broadcasters in its dealings with independent producers. It should engage in fair and equitable business practices with respect to contract terms, such as paying adequate licence fees, not requiring unduly lengthy licence agreements, and equitably sharing in rights exploitation.
A proper funding model for the creation of independently produced Canadian programming is central to the growth and sustainability of the independent production sector. In our view, through fair and equitable terms of trade, CBC television should be playing a lead role in furthering this objective.
Thank you for your time. We would be pleased to answer any of your questions.