Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
www.crtc.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
Support for Canadian Talent
Simply put, Canadian content is about Canadian artists and Canadian stories having access to Canadian airwaves. CRTC broadcasting policies and regulations support all Canadian talent that contributes to the Canadian broadcasting system. Policies and regulations support the artists themselves as well as the industries behind them.
Definition of a Canadian Program
The CRTC defines a Canadian program by its Canadian creative contributors. Read What is a Canadian Program for details.
Incentives for Canadian Drama Programs
The CRTC provides incentives by way of time credits for Canadian drama programs. Broadcasters can claim a 125% to 150% time credit for Canadian dramas when they're aired during peak viewing hours (7PM - 11PM).
Public Benefits when Licences Change Hands
When there is a transfer of control or change in ownership, applicants must propose clear and tangible benefits that represent a financial contribution of 10% of the value of the transaction. The CRTC encourages applicants to direct a majority of that contribution for the production of new Canadian programs.
For example, read the CRTC's decision approving the transfer of effective control of CTV to BCE Inc.
The CRTC also encourages and accepts the creation of independent production funds that supplement the important work of the Canadian Television Fund.
Read the CRTC's decision regarding Global's acquisition of WIC Western International Communciations Ltd. for more information.
Pay and Specialty Television Services
Pay-tv and specialty television services are obliged, by condition of licence, to contribute to the production of Canadian programs. Expenditure requirements vary with each licence.
Direct Support from the Television Broadcasting Industry
Through their own in-house productions, primarily news, information and sports programs, television broadcasters directly employ close to 12,000 Canadians. Indirectly, through independent production houses, the industry also provides jobs for more than 16,000 Canadians.
