The Canadian government today renewed the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 seasons. The fund was up for renewal this year and many believed it to be in trouble due to it's problem's with cable giants Shaw Communications and Videotron who recently refused to continue contributing their shares. While the Canadian government contributes $100 million a year to the fund the rest of the $250 million budget comes from cable and satellite providers.

Shaw Communications and Videotron's yearly contributions make up about $63 million or 20% of the CTF's total budget. While the CTF wants the governement to take legal action to force the cable giants' compliance the Minister of Canadian Heritage Bev Oda has another idea.

Oda stated Friday she would hold a meeting on Tuesday with the top five major players in the cable industry (BellExpress Vu, Shaw/Starchoice, Rogers, Videotron, Cogeco) on the direction of the CTF in hopes to regain support and clear up this matter. She stated she is confidant they can find a resolution.

The CTF has stated if the matter is not cleared up by March 31, 2007 they will not be able to conduct business properly for the 2007-2008 season delaying production.

As most of you who have been keeping up with this know Degrassi depends almost entirely on the fund. So the outcome of this standoff could have a direct effect on whether or not Degrassi has a season 7. As always we will keep you updated.


Source: CTV.ca