Industry Consultation
Principles and Objectives of the CMF’s Consultation Policy
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) consultation policy is based on the principle that the industry consultation process should be meaningful, formal, ongoing and inclusive. The underlying values of the policy include transparency, cooperation, communication, balance and results.
The consultation process includes five objectives:
- Gaining high-level stakeholder input into CMF planning and program development and design
- Being informed of emerging stakeholder issues and priorities
- Making fully informed policy decisions
- Maintaining two-way communication between the CMF and its stakeholders
- Allowing stakeholders to be part of, and understand, the CMF's policy making process
In 2018-2019, the consultation process comprised the following elements:
Cross-country Focus Groups
The CMF held a total 20 focus groups in 18 different cities. In all, 394 stakeholders took part in these discussions. During the Focus Groups, the CMF presented a variety of topics for discussion in response to industrial, regulatory and content consumption habit changes in the media marketplace.
Working Groups and Advisory Committee
The CMF conducted three Working Groups and an Advisory Committee with key industry stakeholders to examine specific, program-related issues on the following subjects:
- Funding Mechanisms
- Experimental Stream
- Development
- Digital Media Measurement Advisory Committee
Industry Leaders Invitational Closed Door Round Tables
In addition to the cross-country Focus Groups, Working Groups and Advisory Committee, the CMF undertook four Round Tables with senior executives from broadcasters and producers in both the English- and French-language markets. This allowed for a high level discussion with decision makers that do not participate in the other Consultation forums (Focus Groups and Working Groups) organized by the CMF.
Individual and group discussions with stakeholder organizations
CMF representatives met individually with a wide range of stakeholder groups who had specific issues to raise with the CMF regarding different aspects of the CMF programs (e.g. export, early-stage development, experimental, children and youth programming, documentary, Aboriginal, Anglophone and Francophone minority communities, regional).
Written submissions
The CMF received written submissions from more than 30 stakeholders.
Online Consultation
The CMF website’s consultation page, including an online registration feature, allowed easier access to all consultation information and the website’s homepage featured quick links and ads directing users to the consultation section.
The CMF website’s consultation page during the consultation process registered 2,744 page views.