Among the many complex issues on the table at the upcoming rules for broadcast distribution, the major players have much to say about the proposed 5% of gross revenue contribution to Canadian program production.

Most vocal on the 5% suggestion is the cftpa, which sees the investment in independent production as key to jump-starting funding of homemade drama, children’s shows, documentaries and variety. The mandated 5% financial contribution – proposed as an alternative to the voluntary Cable Production Fund – should not be a maximum figure, says Elizabeth McDonald, president of the producers association.

‘We need to increase identifiable Canadian programming,’ she says. ‘If we’re going to have 500 channels, let it be 500 channels of Cancon.’

And while the cftpa and the Canadian Association of Broadcasters want to dedicate all or more of a stable fund to production, the Canadian Cable Television Association wants to direct anywhere from a third to a half of it to community channels.

Harris Boyd, vp of industrial affairs at the ccta, says the cable association wants to use 2.5% of the mandatory fund to finance equipment, facilities, promotion and training, and improve the community channels’ coverage, programming and public awareness.

But the cab contends any support for the community channel should come from a 1.5% contribution (based on revenues) from the cable companies above and beyond the 5% contribution.

‘The cable industry’s strategic plan for the community channel appears to take it away from its community access roots, turning it instead into a broad-based information and entertainment channel and a platform for brand awareness and image for the cable industry.

‘If the cable industry wants to transform the community channel into a competitive program service, it should obtain a licence like everyone else,’ states the cab application.

Stentor, for its part, agrees with the crtc recommendation that 1.5% of the 5% contribution from gross revenues go to community-minded ventures.

Stentor offers a combination of a more focused community channel evolving into video servers providing on-demand community programming, and community access points offering information on computer terminals in libraries, schools, community centers and other venues.

Hearing are set for Oct. 7.