Budget finds money for CBC, public interest broadcasters

A group of public interest broadcasters is getting more money from the federal treasury, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced in the 2024 budget on Tuesday. CBC/Radio-Canada is receiving an extra $42 million above the more than one billion dollars it was allotted last year. According to its financial reports, the Crown corporation received almost $1.3 billion in government funding. A further $15 million was granted over two years to support the Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC), Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), ICI Television, TV5 Québec Canada, and other public interest specialty services. It was noted that $5 million of those funds will go towards supporting CPAC’s capital requirements. “We welcome the investments to support public interest broadcasters announced by the federal government in budget 2024,” Christa Dickensen, CPAC president and CEO, said in a statement. “This funding will ensure CPAC can provide its essential services to Canadians. In a world fractured by misinformation, we provide Canadians a clear window into the democratic decisions that shape their lives.” Canada’s only national independent Indigenous broadcaster also cheered for the announcement. “It enables us to continue sharing our impactful stories, celebrating our rich heritage and contributing to the promotion of language revitalization,” APTN CEO Monika Ille said in a statement. “Our distinctive offering, unmatched by any other broadcaster, reflects Indigenous Peoples’ past, present, and future through groundbreaking journalism and innovative programming.” Other players in the audiovisual sector will also be receiving a piece of pie, with funding set to go towards the Canada Media Fund, Telefilm Canada, the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), and the National Film Board. Solidifying last month’s announcement, the ISO will be receiving $65 million over the next five years, followed by a permanent $13 million annually. Over the next two years, $100 million will be going towards Telefilm, while $40 million will be going towards the Canada Media Fund. The Canada Music Fund will be receiving $32 million over the same period. The Toronto International Film Festival will be receiving $23 million over three years. “Today's budget is a win for creators and audiences alike,” said Canadian Media Producers Association president Reynolds Mastin. He applauded Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge and the federal government for supporting Canada’s media production sector. “These investments come at a critical time as the industry continues to find its footing, following multiple years of turbulence and uncertainty,” said Mastin. – Reporting by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca and Phalen Tynes-MacDonald at pcreed@thewirereport.ca

Budget finds money for CBC, public interest broadcasters

News | April 16, 2024

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Budget finds money for CBC, public interest broadcasters

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