Montreal: The crtc has issued a call for comments (PN 2000-86) on its proposed regulatory amendments to the definition of a Canadian program (2000-42). The amendments are being issued for the purposes of the crtc’s New Television Policy as set out in PN 1999-97. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, July 19.

Effective Sept. 1, the revised program definitions will be used to assess licence compliance and other regulatory requirements related to the proposed amendments to the Television Broadcasting Regulations, 1987; Pay Television Regulations, 1990; and Specialty Services Regulations, 1990.

Selected program category amendments include:

* In the matter of coventures: a Canadian production company must retain a financial participation position of at least 25% and a 25% share of profits effective Sept. 1. Beginning Sept. 1, 2001, both levels rise to a minimum of 50%.

* The current time credit for drama programs of 150% will cease to be available to the largest multi-station groups as of Sept. 1. The crtc says it will discuss the existing credit with the remaining licensees at the time of licence renewal.

* Eligible international drama coventures and coproductions will be eligible for the 150% program credit. Productions which fail to achieve 10 points, even if a Canadian fills each position, will not be eligible. A series will be eligible for the credit for each airing of each cycle of the series, during a single two-year period, commencing with the air date of the first episode of the cycle.

* In regards to animation: the minimum Canadian expenditure levels for services and post-production/lab work will be 70%, effective Sept. 1. The minimum rises to 75% as of Sept. 1, 2001.

www.crtc.gc.ca