In a broadcasting decision handed down today, the CRTC has approved an application that would allow The Movie Network (TMN) to air fewer new Canadian dramatic programs. (http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/3319/279/)

The CRTC did the same for Movie Central in the past hence why Astral gets it now.

It really annoys me that the CRTC gives company's a license to print money by giving them monopolies and then lets them get away with not fulfilling their conditions of license.

Personally, I think anyone who wants to start a movie channel should be able to but if we are going to have this ridiculous government control then at least require the companies to stick with the terms of license.

Well, silly CRTC policies aside, this is probably better for TMN subscribers. It likely just means fewer of those 'shorts' they run frequently. That's about all the Canadian content there is.

-Mike

Mike, you are right from what consumers are likely to see on the channel.

I just think that when companies apply for their licenses to be soften, then other companies should have the right to offer a similar service under the existing terms of license. Almost like a tendering process.

I always thought that Regenesis was actually quite good. IN the end this is probably bad news for Canadian film makers.
I agree with Hugh at the top though. Isn't there a channel out in Alberta that got the CRTC green light to start a Canadian Porno Channel. How long before the "Canadian" part is dropped?

If the CRTV are going to do this for TMN, they should do it for all channels or for none. Canadian Content is great, some shows Corner Gas, Regenesis, and others were equal to shows from the US. BUT, forcing channels and broadcast companies to meet a quota was not a way to get good shows made. A better option would be to give tax breaks to broadcasters who produced and showed Canadian shows. If a company like CTV knew that they would get a tax break for every hour of new Canadian content they produced they may take a chance on more shows.

Isn't there a channel out in Alberta that got the CRTC green light to start a Canadian Porno Channel. How long before the "Canadian" part is dropped?
You underestimate the capabilities of Canadians to excel in this field. :)

As for TMN now able to reduce the number of hours of Canadian content they must show on their channels, that may actually be a good thing -- for MY channel!

Caution! Scheming mind at work! :D

Canadian Content is great, some shows Corner Gas, Regenesis, and others were equal to shows from the US.

Point taken, even if both of your examples are cancelled Canadian shows. ;)

Realistically speaking, Canadian content rules are/were way to onerous to begin with.

I think it just means more American straight-to-DVD movies on TMN instead of Canadian straight-to-DVD movies. Actually, some of those Canadian produced films with one or two well known actors are pretty good (if not usually quite odd).

One of my favourite TMN movies in the last couple years is "School of Life" with Ryan Reynolds and David Paymer. I'm sure this is the kind of film that will disappear from TMN so they can show Transformers and Spiderman 3 a couple extra times each month.