The CRTC has issued its decision regarding the Requests for relief in regard to the Commission’s policy framework for Certified Independent Production Funds (Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2017-253).

Despite the efforts of IO, the Canadian Interactive Alliance, our member companies and other industry stakeholders such as the CMPA (whose interventions are noted here and here), the CRTC has denied the request by the Bell Fund for an increase to the 10% cap that CIPFs may spend on funding for non-programming digital content. The decision summary reads:

The Commission approves a request by the Bell Fund for a transition period to adapt its guidelines to the Commission’s new policy framework for Certified Independent Production Funds. The Bell Fund will have until 17 July 2018 to make the necessary changes.

The Commission denies a request by the Bell Fund for an increase to the 10% cap on funding for non-programming digital content.

Interactive Ontario has sent a letter to the CRTC expressing our disappointment, which can be read here. We will provide updates on guideline changes to the Bell Fund as they are available.