The federal budget includes tens of millions of dollars more for CBC.
The funding comes at a time of further declining subscriptions and ad revenues last year and potential layoffs.
The budget document says the funding ensures “Canadians across the country, including rural, remote, Indigenous, and minority language communities, have access to high-quality, independent journalism and entertainment.”
CBC president Catherine Tait called the new funding “welcomed news” after saying the state broadcaster may have to cut 800 jobs in December to address the $125 million shortfall projected for the fiscal year.
The shortfall however, did not affect executive perks, with senior CBC personnel making off with $14.9 million in bonuses last year.
According to documents received by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, CBC distributed bonuses to 1,143 CBC staff members as of October 26, 2023. Once data for November and December are made available, the figure has the potential to rise.
“This investment, together with the steps we have taken since December, means we will be able to stabilize our operations, preserve jobs and continue to invest in programs and services,” said Tait in a statement.
The newly announced $42 million is in addition to the $1.4 billion already allocated to CBC in government funding for 2024-25.
That figure does not include the CBC’s commercial revenue.
In addition to the CBC, the budget also includes $58.8 million in funding for other media outlets and arts and culture institutions over the next three years.
“To support the production of independent, reliable, and diverse local news across the country, the government announced $58.8 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, to the Department of Canadian Heritage for the Local Journalism Initiative. This support would be available to written press, community radio and television, and online news services,” the budget says.
There will also be $15 million given to the Department of Canadian Heritage for “public interest programming services.”
Canada’s film and music industry will also receive funding, including $23 million for the Toronto International Film Festival. The Shaw Festival, which hosts theatre performances, will also receive $15 million as well.
Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, which organizes events across Canada, will receive $45 million over the next three years.
The Canada Book Fund will get $10 million from taxpayers over the same time period to support Canadian authors and publishers.
