Look to budget for government policy on CBC funding, Moore says

OTTAWA—The Conservative government will make its policy clear on multi-year funding for the CBC in the upcoming federal budget, Heritage Minister James Moore told the House heritage committee Wednesday. “I understand the concern, I understand the needs, I understand the request and ... You'll see the politics and the policy of the government when we table our budget in the near future,” he said. On Wednesday Moore appeared before the House of Commons heritage committee as part of its study on the mandate and funding of the CBC. On Tuesday CBC president and CEO Hubert T. Lacroix appeared before the committee and called on the government for multi-year funding for the corporation, arguing it would afford it more stability. Since 2001, the government has given the public broadcaster a $60-million annual envelop to support programming production. This funding is in addition to more than $1-billion in annual parliamentary appropriations. But Lacroix noted that the CBC has to wait until the federal budget every year to see if the $60 million will be released. Lacroix told the committee that not receiving the funding would be “catastrophic,” and would dampen the CBC's ability to move forward with its new five-year plan. He said he will remain concerned about the funding until an official announcement is made. On Feb. 1, the CBC unveiled a new strategy that focuses on network programming, regional services and digital platforms. Moore told the committee that he understands the CBC's concerns about stable funding, but would not go further than commit to maintaining or increasing the $60-million in annual funding. The minister said the Conservative government has respected its commitment to stable funding for the CBC every year since its election. “There's no reason for things not to go on as they have in the past," he said. Moore said the government is in constant conversation with the CBC about its budget, adding that the question of multi-year funding has been “over-simplified.” “Mr. Lacroix's request is more complex ... The work we do together is a true partnership, and things aren't as simple as how much, how many years,” he said. “We work together constantly.” Moore told the committee he is encouraged by the CBC's new five-year plan, but said he would like to see more focus on digital platforms. “They have done a good job so far, but I would encourage them to be even more aggressive in embracing digital platforms in new media,” he said. Moore said it's key for the CBC to appeal to younger audiences through digital platforms to ensure the next generation of Canadians have a strong connection to the public broadcaster. Moore also addressed questions from MPs that the Conservative government would like to privatize the CBC, affirming that this is not the case. Moore described the CBC as “essential” to Canada's cultural sector. The heritage committee agreed Wednesday to open a study on the recent appointment of Athanasios (Tom) Pentefountas to the position of vice-chair of of broadcasting at the CRTC. The motion was put forward by NDP MP Charlie Angus. Bloc Québécois MP and heritage critic Carole Lavallée raised concerns that Pentefountas is unqualified for the position. “ will appear here and you can see for yourself if you're satisfied or not of him being the new vice-chairman of the CRTC,” Moore said. “In my view, he's qualified, he's competent, and as I said, we're replacing a Quebecer with another Quebecer to ensure Canadian and linguistic diversity at the CRTC. I believe he'll do an excellent job.” Canadian Heritage deputy minister Daniel Jean, assistant deputy minister of cultural affairs Jean-Pierre Blais and executive director of portfolio affairs René Bouchard also appeared before the committee Wednesday. When Liberal MP and heritage critic Pablo Rodriguez asked whether the department had recommended Pentefountas for the position, Jean said the department cannot say publicly who it recommended. kfournier@thewirereport.ca

Look to budget for government policy on CBC funding, Moore says

Broadcast | February 17, 2011

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