Canadian television vies for your money
Matthew Hadley
Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
If you've been watching television over the last month or so, chances are you've seen the commercials.
The first involved some random guy going around talking to individuals about a possible tax raise that would provide $10 per cable bill to local television, and suggesting that it was completely unnecessary.
The second featured Canadian television stars, such as former CityLine host Marilyn Dennis, discussing the importance of Canadian television.
Both sides are saying that they are telling you the facts about Canadian television.
STOPtheTVTAX.ca, sponsored by Bell, Telus, Rogers and Cogeco, has been attempting to dispel myths about the bill - such as how much money goes to cable and satellite providers, how little they invest into local programming, or how this bill will prevent closure of local stations - while simultaneously bashing the opposition in their television spots.
On the other side of the coin, LocalTVMatters.ca, sponsored by CTV, /A\, Global and CBC, is attempting to protect and preserve local television with their "Made in Canada Solution". They have been arguing that local television revenues have decreased and these stations now face serious threats of closure.
On Nov. 16 the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will begin proceedings to review the LocalTVMatters' proposal to impose a TV Tax that will add up to $10 to every cable and satellite subscriber's TV bill. These proceedings will take place all week, with additional proceedings in December.
Those interested have been able to follow along with the proceedings online.
As of noon Monday, members of CTV had been arguing their case - that revenues were scarce. The Local Programming Improvement Fund (LPIF) has already been brought into question. However, CTV has pointed out that the LPIF has kept stations open, not added to the amount of Canadian content.
The CRTC, responsible for the CanCon Agreement among television broadcasters - which ensures that 60 per cent of all programming on Canadian stations between 6 a.m. and midnight are of Canadian origin - has come under fire for the regulations.
STOPtheTVTAX has argued that "we need a common definition of Canadian Content but each broadcaster should do what they think is appropriate". To which the CRTC has responded, "have we come to a point where we should no longer count reruns as CanCon?".
CTV since chimed in, claiming, "we want to be able to write the cheque and be able to participate in the show outside of Canada". However, CTV refuses to agree to drop the LPIF if the TV Tax is approved, but could consider it in three years.
Other areas discussed thus far include full transmission to digital communication in mandatory markets, independent broadcasters and independent negotiations with broadcasters.
If approved, the CRTC has estimated that the TV Tax would cost at least $450 million per year.
The first involved some random guy going around talking to individuals about a possible tax raise that would provide $10 per cable bill to local television, and suggesting that it was completely unnecessary.
The second featured Canadian television stars, such as former CityLine host Marilyn Dennis, discussing the importance of Canadian television.
Both sides are saying that they are telling you the facts about Canadian television.
STOPtheTVTAX.ca, sponsored by Bell, Telus, Rogers and Cogeco, has been attempting to dispel myths about the bill - such as how much money goes to cable and satellite providers, how little they invest into local programming, or how this bill will prevent closure of local stations - while simultaneously bashing the opposition in their television spots.
On the other side of the coin, LocalTVMatters.ca, sponsored by CTV, /A\, Global and CBC, is attempting to protect and preserve local television with their "Made in Canada Solution". They have been arguing that local television revenues have decreased and these stations now face serious threats of closure.
On Nov. 16 the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will begin proceedings to review the LocalTVMatters' proposal to impose a TV Tax that will add up to $10 to every cable and satellite subscriber's TV bill. These proceedings will take place all week, with additional proceedings in December.
Those interested have been able to follow along with the proceedings online.
As of noon Monday, members of CTV had been arguing their case - that revenues were scarce. The Local Programming Improvement Fund (LPIF) has already been brought into question. However, CTV has pointed out that the LPIF has kept stations open, not added to the amount of Canadian content.
The CRTC, responsible for the CanCon Agreement among television broadcasters - which ensures that 60 per cent of all programming on Canadian stations between 6 a.m. and midnight are of Canadian origin - has come under fire for the regulations.
STOPtheTVTAX has argued that "we need a common definition of Canadian Content but each broadcaster should do what they think is appropriate". To which the CRTC has responded, "have we come to a point where we should no longer count reruns as CanCon?".
CTV since chimed in, claiming, "we want to be able to write the cheque and be able to participate in the show outside of Canada". However, CTV refuses to agree to drop the LPIF if the TV Tax is approved, but could consider it in three years.
Other areas discussed thus far include full transmission to digital communication in mandatory markets, independent broadcasters and independent negotiations with broadcasters.
If approved, the CRTC has estimated that the TV Tax would cost at least $450 million per year.
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