BANFF, AB, The Canadian Television Fund (CTF) released its second report to stakeholders this morning at a public meeting at the Banff World Television Festival. The Stakeholders Report 2007 provides the latest information from the CTF, including a comprehensive summary of activities and funding results for 2006-07. It was presented by Mr. Douglas Barrett, Board Chair, Mr. Bruce Ryan, Chair, Finance and Audit Committee, Mr. Michel Carter, Independent Board member, Ms. Valerie Creighton, CTF President, and Mr. Stéphane Cardin, Vice President, Strategic Policy Planning and Stakeholder Relations.

"The CTF is dedicated to ensure maximum transparency and clarity to all our stakeholders," said Douglas Barrett, CTF Board Chair. "We have expanded the breadth of our reporting and welcome the opportunity to provide the industry with meaningful and detailed information."

Highlights of the Stakeholders Report 2007 include the following:

-  CTF revenues for 2006-07 totalled $273.5 million;
-  95.5% of funds supported CTF programs;
-  4.5% of funds went to the combined administration the CTF and the Business Unit at Telefilm;

-  370 development projects were funded, with total development budgets of more than $20 million;
-  509 production projects were funded, with total production budgets equalling $880 million;
-  Total CTF-funded programs included:
- 57 English-language dramas and 32 French-language dramas;
- 41 English-language and 26 French-language Children and Youth programs;
- 165 English-language documentaries and 119 French-language documentaries; and
- 18 English-language and 37 French-language Variety and Performing Arts programs
-  2,297 hours of new Canadian programming were generated by CTF-funded programs.

In addition, the CTF outlined priorities for 2007-08. "In the past year, the CTF invested considerable effort in stakeholder consultation to encourage more dialogue about program priorities," said CTF President, Valerie Creighton. "The CTF is committed to refining our Broadcaster Performance Envelope (BPE) allocation process, including a discussion of factor weights and the approach to measuring audience success. We will also continue with important policy work including the second phase of our Guidelines review, an examination of our Special Initiatives and a discussion on the funding of content intended for new platforms."

Maintaining Best Governance Practices At a meeting held earlier today, the CTF Board of Directors considered proposed by-law amendments intended to formalize the current administrative practices of the CTF. Amendments relating to governance and internal financial controls are part of the Board’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the governance practices of the CTF.

Given the current CRTC Task Force on the CTF and a concern raised about the timing of the by-law consideration, the Board deferred formal approval of the amendments pending the completion of the CRTC review process.
"We will continue to use practices such as the double majority for all major Board decisions to ensure independent oversight of our work," said Mr. Barrett.

Four New Members Elected to CTF Board Four new members were elected to the 2007-08 Board: Mr. Dale Taylor
(Independent member), nominated by the Department of Canadian Heritage, Mr. Dean MacDonald (Independent member) and Ms. Alison Clayton, both nominated by the CCTA, and Mr. Serge Bellerose, nominated by the CAB. In addition, 13 standing members were renewed to its 20-member Board.

Mr. Douglas Barrett, CTF Board Chair, was re-elected for another term of one year. The Chair of the CTF Board sits as an Independent member.
"The CTF Board brings together considerable industry expertise," said Mr. Barrett. "It’s one of the few national forums that represent such a wide range of sectors. I would also like to thank outgoing Board members Mr. Jean-Pierre Blais and Ms. Lori Assheton-Smith for their dedication, acumen and expertise brought to the CTF Board. Their contribution, especially through their efforts on the Independent Committee, has strengthened CTF governance and decision making," notes Mr. Barrett. "I welcome and look forward to working with the new Board members. Their expertise and proven track record will be true assets as we continue to evolve and improve our support to the Canadian television production community."

The CTF Board comprises senior representatives from Broadcast Distribution Undertakings (BDUs), Canada’s cable and direct-to-home providers, CBC/SRC, the Department of Canadian Heritage, broadcasters and producers. Each member is responsible for appointing members to Board. Five members must be independent.

The 2007-08 Board includes:
* Independent member

Douglas Barrett* (Chair of the Board)

Executive Chairman

PS Production Services Ltd.

Canadian Heritage nominates five independent members

Dale Taylor President and CEO Graystones Media Group

Bruce Ryan, CA, CFA Vice-President, Finance & CFO Ember Resources Inc.

Gail Scott Board Member, Criminal Injuries Compensation Board Anne-Marie Jean Executive Director for Culture Montreal

Vacant The Canadian Cable Telecommunications Association (CCTA) nominates a total of three members, including one independent member:

Dean MacDonald President and CEO Persona Communications Corp.

Robin Mirsky Executive Director Rogers Communications Inc.

Alison Clayton Independent Consultant

The Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) nominates two members:

Scott Garvie Senior Vice-President, Business and Legal Affairs Shaftesbury Films Inc.

Paul Pope Senior Producer Pope Productions

The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) nominates four members:

Judith Brosseau Senior Vice-President, Programming and Communications (Canal D, Historia, Séries+) Astral Media Inc.

Corrie Coe Director, Programming Administration CTV Television Inc.

Andrew Eddy Vice-President, Program Strategy and Investment Corus Specialty Television

Serge Bellerose Vice President, New Media and Business Affairs TQS Inc. and COGECO Radio-television Inc.

The Association des producteurs de films et de télévision du Québec
(APFTQ) nominates one member:

Claire Samson President and CEO l’Association des producteurs de films et de télévision du Québec (APFTQ)

The Association for Tele-Education of Canada (ATEC) nominates one member:

Michèle Fortin President and CEO Télé-Québec

The CBC-SRC nominates one member:

Marcela Kadanka Senior Director, TV Arts & Entertainment CBC Television

The Canadian Association of Film Distributors and Exporters (CAFDE) nominates one member:

Michel J. Carter, C.A., MBA, ADM.A Former President and Chief Executive Officer of TQS Inc. and COGECO Radio-télévision Inc