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The new Canada Media Fund will officially launch on April 1, 2010. It will be the source of federal government funding for media projects, which are expected to be developed for multiple delivery platforms, such as TV and the Internet.
The CMF comes as a result of combining and rebranding the former Canadian Television Fund and the Canada New Media Fund. Its mandate is to both ensure the production of quality content, and to make it available on multiple platforms, not solely television.
The funds previously announced for the broadcasting and new media sectors in the 2009 Budget are being combined and united as a result. By adding an ongoing allocation of $20.4 million to this funding each year, the government has said it will contribute a total of $134.7 million annually to support the production of Canadian programming - and, as such, the work of Canadian producers - over the next two years.
"This change will help broadcasters and producers contribute to the Canadian economy while putting Canadians first. We are leveling the playing field at a time when the industry is undergoing structural change," said Heritage Minister James Moore. "Through this investment in the broadcasting and interactive digital media sector, we are contributing to the strength of the Canadian economy and supporting job creation."
Valerie Creighton is the President and CEO at CMF; she came from the CTF, having joined that organization in 2006 following a successful 25 year career in theatre, radio and television.
No details from the CMF application or funding process are available at present, a Heritage department representative told Broadcaster Magazine. The policies and programs of the CMF will be presented to agency staff and regional representatives during meetings and information seminars held in advance of the official opening.
The Ministry does explain that since 1996, the Canadian Television Fund had invested more than $2.7 billion, creating more than 27 000 hours of television production in English, French, and Aboriginal languages.
The Canada New Media Fund was created in 1998 to encourage the creation and development of Canadian interactive digital content products. In 2007-2008, the CNMF provided $11.5 million in financial assistance to 71 projects, the Ministry describes.
The decision to combine, reform, and rebrand the two initiatives was driven by the need for a renewed public-private partnership, a variety of Canadian choices on multiple platforms, and a more effective and relevant investment to contribute to Canada's economic well-being and benefit Canadians from all regions of the country.
Source: Broadcaster, 03/22/2010
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