CBC/Radio-Canada’s ongoing evolution into a modern public broadcaster took an important step forward today with the CRTC’s announcement of a new streamlined regulatory framework for the public broadcaster that will support the ongoing implementation of its Strategy 2015 plan. The decision also permits the public broadcaster to introduce advertising to CBC Radio 2 and Espace musique, which will help the Corporation ensure that its music services can continue to be a point of discovery for Canadian music fans.
“The endorsement of our plan by the CRTC comes at a great time for us,” said Hubert T. Lacroix, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada. “We’ve just passed the half-way point of our 2015 strategy to become more regional, more Canadian, and more digital: we’ve opened eight new regional stations since 2011, including Rimouski, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo and Kamloops; we’re offering more Canadian content today than at any other point in our history; and we’re pioneering the second screen experience and delivering online and mobile offerings that are constantly evolving. The modern framework the CRTC has given us today will help us keep our momentum.”
“The ability to generate new revenues is also key,” continued Lacroix. “Generating new revenues through these services was central to the plan we put together to address the reduction of our parliamentary appropriations last year. Advertising won’t change the programming mandate of our services. Both will remain committed to supporting and showcasing the best in Canadian music.”
In its decision, the CRTC also addressed the issue of Terms of Trade. The Corporation is very pleased that the Commission has concluded that it is unacceptable for independent television producers to ignore the significant and distinct circumstances of the public broadcaster in their negotiations with the Corporation. With the CRTC’s decision, CBC/Radio-Canada continues to be open to negotiating an agreement that reflects this unique nature while meeting the interests of independent producers.
CBC/Radio-Canada thanks the Commission for its work and all those Canadians who took the time to participate in the process.
