Corus takes advantage of relaxed CanCon rules to focus on unscripted reality and lifestyle content, says executive

Corus Entertainment Shifts Focus to News and Reality TV Following Regulatory Relief

TORONTO — Corus Entertainment is set to pivot its programming strategy following a recent decision by the CRTC to allow the media giant to reduce its spending on scripted drama and comedy shows. This move will free up approximately $35 million to invest in other genres of Canadian content, including news, lifestyle, and reality programming.

Troy Reeb, executive vice president of networks and content at Corus, sees this regulatory relief as an opportunity to cater to audience preferences and improve the return on investment. He emphasizes the popularity of unscripted shows like HGTV’s “Island of Bryan” and History Channel’s “Deadman’s Curse,” which can reach as many viewers as scripted Canadian programs at a lower cost.

The CRTC’s decision, approved on an “exceptional basis,” allows Corus to reduce its spending on programs of national interest (PNI) to five percent of the previous year’s revenue, down from 8.5 percent. While the overall amount of Canadian programming spending remains at 30 percent, the shift in focus away from financially challenging scripted genres like dramas and comedies has raised concerns among industry stakeholders.

Groups representing Canadian actors, writers, and producers fear that the reduced emphasis on PNI could lead to fewer job opportunities and original Canadian stories. Neal McDougall of the Writers Guild of Canada highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Canadian creators, particularly in the aftermath of last year’s strikes.

Eleanor Noble, national president of ACTRA, expresses disappointment over the CRTC’s decision, citing the significant economic and cultural contributions of the media production sector. The Canadian Media Producers Association warns of the potential impact on the kids’ production sector, which is already facing challenges.

Despite these concerns, Corus defends its shift towards reality programming as a strategic response to changing market dynamics. The company attributes its revenue decline to external factors such as Hollywood strikes, digital advertising trends, and competition from foreign streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus.

Peter Menzies, a former CRTC vice chairman, acknowledges the pressures faced by broadcasters like Corus to balance regulatory requirements with financial constraints. He argues that the flexibility to adapt to audience preferences is essential for the industry’s sustainability.

Media expert Gregory Taylor raises concerns about the reliance on reality shows as a cost-effective but potentially limiting programming strategy. He urges the CRTC to consider the broader implications of regulatory decisions on Canadian television production and competition with foreign streaming services.

Looking ahead, Reeb emphasizes the need for fair competition between traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms under proposed legislation like Bill C-11. He believes that aligning regulatory frameworks will support the Canadian screen industry and ensure a level playing field for all players.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, industry stakeholders are grappling with the challenges of balancing regulatory requirements, audience preferences, and economic realities. The future of Canadian television production hinges on finding a sustainable path forward in a rapidly changing media environment.

This report by The Canadian Press provides insights into the shifting dynamics of the Canadian broadcasting industry and the implications of regulatory decisions on content creation and audience engagement.