What does the Canadian music and radio industry think of the new federal budget? [UPDATE]
Canadian Federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne delivered a new budget in the House of Commons Tuesday (Nov 4), months ahead of the original date. What does it means for the Canadian music and radio industry?
Music
The Canadian Live Music Industry Association is generally pleased. I quote:
“[We] )enthusiastically welcomes the federal government’s continued investment in Canada’s cultural sector and the short-term stability this provides through key programs such as the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) and Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH).
“These programs help ensure that Canadians in communities of all sizes can continue to experience the festivals, events, and concerts that enrich local life, strengthen regional economies, and showcase the best of Canadian creativity.
“The Canada Music Fund’s (CMF) three-year extension is a positive signal of the government’s commitment to Canada’s music ecosystem. As details of future funding priorities take shape, it will be essential that this investment reflects the full scope of the sector — including the commercial live music infrastructure of venues, festivals, and promoters that also work to sustain touring and connect artists to audiences across the country.”
FACTOR and Musicaction are also happy. After worrying that the Canada Music Fund wouldn’t be renewed in the budget, $48 million in cash has been announced for the next three years.
Radio
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters isn’t as happy.
“While we recognize the government’s intent with its fiscal plan, the CAB is deeply disappointed that key recommendations to support Canada’s broadcasting sector namely, the expansion of the Canadian Journalism Labour Tax Credit and increased federal advertising investment in Canadian broadcast media – were not included.
“These proposals reflect the urgent need for fair and sustainable policy tools to support local media and journalism. The budget does include significant new funding for CBC/Radio-Canada and continued support for the Canada Periodical Fund. However, bolstering the public broadcaster and print journalism alone will not save local news, preserve Canadian content, or sustain the broadcast industry as a whole. Private broadcasters remain the backbone of local news delivery in communities across Canada, and without targeted support, many are at risk of disappearing.
“The CAB urges the federal government to take steps to ensure private broadcasters across the country stay on the air.”
Meanwhile, fans of public broadcasting are happy. There’s an extra $150 million coming to CBC/Radio-Canada.
More reaction as it comes in.
