Sure. I'm representing the Film Producers Association of Newfoundland, PAN, as we call it.
PAN was formed in 1989 to develop the resources necessary to support film and television producers in this province. We advocate to various levels of government and to industry partners, and we provide support for our members in marketing, export development, and professional development. Many of our PAN members are also members of the CFTPA, and PAN as a group supports the paper submitted to this committee by the CFTPA. We believe it represents the vision of independent producers from a national perspective very well. We have also submitted a paper, but I won't go through that whole document. I just want to focus today on some regional issues we have here in Newfoundland.
We believe that the role for the CBC in the 21st century is to continue to provide high-quality, distinctive Canadian programming that would not otherwise find a broadcast outlet. The CBC must continue to be different from commercial private broadcasters. In the current broadcasting environment within Canada, the CBC is often forced to compete with private broadcasters. While CBC's mandate may be to offer high-quality, distinctive Canadian programming, gaining the largest audience share is increasingly becoming the benchmark by which decisions are being made. In this drive for an increased market share, programming becomes homogenized, and the first casualty is always regionally distinctive and reflective offerings.