Job cuts reason enough for access to online platform contributions: CBC tells CRTC

Gatineau, Que. - CBC/Radio-Canada's decision to slash 600 jobs and leave 200 vacancies unfilled has ignited a heated discussion about the broadcaster's plea for access to base contributions from online platforms. The move, announced Monday, is part of a $125-million cost-cutting measure for fiscal 2024-25, and represents approximately 10 per cent of its full-time workforce. Dany Meloul, interim executive vice-president of Radio-Canada, expressed the gravity of the situation during the CRTC’s Broadcasting Act hearings on Tuesday, stating, "Yesterday was a really difficult day at CBC/Radio-Canada." Meloul highlighted the challenges faced by the broadcaster, emphasizing the insufficient funds available from entities like the Canada Media Fund and independent funds, leaving critical areas such as podcast financing without support. Barbara Williams, executive vice-president of CBC, acknowledged that an influx of new money from base contributions could potentially mitigate the impact of the recent cuts. She stressed that $40 million in cuts made on Monday targeted the independent production sector, with repercussions expected to extend beyond this initial figure. She noted there will be ripple effects “through all the crews up from the craft services to the marketing machine, the whole thing that is attached to an independent production.” “That all is affected and so the impact is far greater than the 40 million,” she said. The CBC is advocating for a substantial portion of contributions to go to the Canada Media Fund, with the remainder allocated to Canadian independent production funds. Williams argued that focusing on existing functional funds would facilitate easier administration and utilization. The ongoing debate extends beyond CBC, as the CRTC considers whether online streamers should access the funds to which they contribute. Monday Apple Inc. said it is still too early to set out contributions. “We believe that at this stage of the proceedings it is premature to establish your contribution,” said Roberta Westin, principal counsel for Apple Media Services. “ We understand that there are still some unknowns. It's important for us to obtain clarity and, it's a key element for example, to understand what will be the new definition of Canadian content, we understand that this is a key element to just have a sense of the outcomes of the contribution.” Westin added that the CRTC needs to review its rules relating to its funds, and give foreign streamers access to those funds. Apple laid out a set of recommendations to shape the contribution framework so that it acknowledges the multifaceted nature of contributions made by ownership groups, regardless of geographical boundaries. Central to Apple's proposal is the insistence that contributions extend beyond financial transactions and encompass both tangible and intangible aspects. While financial investments into funds remain a viable avenue, Apple contends that the framework should be broad enough to recognize the diverse ways in which ownership groups, including non-Canadian entities, contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Canadian and Indigenous content ecosystem. The emphasis on flexibility in contribution methods is a cornerstone of Apple's recommendations. The tech giant said the evolving nature of the online media is not suited for a one-size-fits-all approach and would be counterproductive. Apple advocated for a framework that provides ownership groups with the autonomy to choose from an array of options that align with their business models and strategies. This flexibility, Apple argues, is vital to fostering innovation and creativity within the industry, allowing online undertakings the freedom to tailor their contributions based on their specific strengths and priorities. Among the suggested contribution methods, Apple said payments into funds should be one avenue and could be complemented by direct investments in programming including supporting original productions to co-productions and commissioned works. Apple also proposed that marketing expenditures be recognized as a legitimate and impactful form of contribution, amplifying the visibility of Canadian content both domestically and on a global scale. – Reporting by Jenna Cocullo at jcocullo@thewirereport.ca and editing by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca

Job cuts reason enough for access to online platform contributions: CBC tells CRTC

News | December 6, 2023

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Job cuts reason enough for access to online platform contributions: CBC tells CRTC

News | December 6, 2023

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