CMF to invest $366M in Canadian television and interactive digital media projects

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) will invest nearly $366M in the Canadian television and interactive digital media industries for its new fiscal year starting April 1, 2023. “Across 2023-2024, the CMF will strive to provide as much stability as possible while adapting our funding programs to meet the evolving demands of Canada’s audiovisual industries,” said CMF President & CEO Valerie Creighton. “Amidst disruption and uncertainty, we are pleased that our overall program budget matches our last fiscal year and the funding levels of the overwhelming majority of CMF programs remain virtually untouched.”

“New elements and changes to CMF programs will ensure we are able to hit the ground running once legislative and regulatory aspects are settled. That said, 2023-2024 will be an opportunity for us to further our Growth & Inclusion Strategy by implementing a new Narrative Positioning Policy. We will also expand the use of our PERSONA-ID self-identification tool, introduce additional CMF funding triggers in some of our Convergent Stream programs, promote environmentally sustainable production practices, and simplify many of our programs that focus on the same activities,” she added.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support from our public and private funders. And thank you to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, for continuing to deliver on the federal government’s commitments to support Canada’s screen-based sector,” she concluded.

The CMF’s program budget is supported by revenue estimates for the coming year based on ongoing funding contributions from the Government of Canada, as well as contributions from Canada’s cable, satellite, and IPTV distributors. Tangible benefits, recoupment, and repayment revenues from funded productions also support the program budget.

This year’s budget reflects a steady contribution from the Government of Canada, plus stabilization funding to help mitigate declining contributions to the CMF from broadcast distribution undertakings (BDUs). The federal government also provided $20M for equity and inclusion funding.