CMPA head optimistic about state of broadcast industry at Prime Time’s 30th edition

OTTAWA–The head of the Canadian Media Producers Association delivered an upbeat state of the industry speech to delegates at the annual Prime Time conference Thursday. President and CEO Reynolds Mastin drew attention to the fact it was the 30th edition of the gathering. He pointed out that 30 years ago, the Law & Order franchise was well-established and This Hour Has 22 Minutes was starting to draw attention on CBC/Radio-Canada. Today, Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent is the number one original scripted series on Rogers Communications Inc.’s CityTV stations, he said. This Hour Has 22 Minutes is now in its 32nd season. Mastin conceded there are challenges but feels the industry can withstand them. “It’s important to remember that even in the middle of this whirlwind, some things have changed,” he asserted. “All you have to do is look around the room and see that we’re a pretty big deal.” READ MORE: - Political strife, production cuts challenge independent producers: CMPA head Mastin said last year the production sector created 179,000 jobs, had close to $10 billion in production volume, and contributed $11 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product. “This is still the solid foundation we have built as an industry,” he continued. “It may be shaken by political tornados or floods of technology, but that foundation remains strong.” Mastin took several minutes to deliver an impassioned defence of the CBC. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has vowed to defund the public broadcaster if he becomes Prime Minister. “All of us here have a direct stake in having a strong national public broadcaster,” Mastin warned. “Among its many other roles, it is the single largest commissioner of Canadian independently produced content. Looking south of the border, Mastin worried that provisions of the Online Streaming Act will draw attention from the Trump administration, leading to contentious negotiations when the Canada-United States-Mexico (CUSMA) free trade agreement is up for review. He ran a clip from 2018 when CUSMA was signed, with Donald Trump hailing the pact. The American president’s position on the free trade agreement has changed over the years, the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) chief said. “To summarize: 2016 – worst deal ever, 2018 – best deal in the history of the world, 2025 – worse than the worst deal in history,” Mastin told the crowd. The creative community can be a key line of defence for the cultural aspects of the free trade deal, he noted. Invoking a phrase his father used to use, Mastin urged his listeners to “stand up and see what happens.” The CMPA head noted his organization is not the only one celebrating a milestone anniversary in the past year. The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network and Eagle Vision, a production company based in Manitoba, celebrated 25 years. Reelworld Screen Institute is also marking its silver anniversary. Reelworld founder Tonya Williams is getting a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame later this year. Mastin finished his speech by saying Prime Time would be shaking things up next year and that he would be in the audience for the 2026 state of the industry talk. Some delegates wondered if that meant he was stepping down from the group, which organizers quickly denied. The president had previously told The Wire Report he intends to stay in his position for as long as he is needed. ppark@thewirereport.ca

CMPA head optimistic about state of broadcast industry at Prime Time’s 30th edition

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By Paul Park
| January 30, 2025

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CMPA head optimistic about state of broadcast industry at Prime Time’s 30th edition

Broadcast | By Paul Park | January 30, 2025

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By Paul Park
| January 30, 2025