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

TORONTO — Corus Entertainment is set to make a significant shift in its programming strategy, following the approval of new rules by the CRTC that allow the media giant to spend less on scripted drama and comedy shows. This decision will free up approximately $35 million for Corus to invest in other genres of Canadian content, such as news, lifestyles, and reality programming.

Troy Reeb, executive vice president of networks and content at Corus, believes that this change will enable the company to focus on producing content that resonates with audiences and delivers a better return on investment. By shifting away from scripted genres, which Reeb describes as financially challenging, Corus aims to reach a wider audience with shows that are more cost-effective to produce.

The CRTC’s decision to grant Corus’ request to reduce its spending on programs of national interest (PNI) from 8.5% to 5% of the previous year’s revenue comes at a time when the media landscape is facing uncertainty due to factors like advertising shifts and competition from streaming services. While the overall amount Corus must spend on Canadian programming remains at 30% of the previous year’s revenue, the new rules provide the company with the flexibility to allocate resources to genres that are more commercially viable.

However, the decision has raised concerns among industry stakeholders, including Canadian actors, writers, and producers, who fear that the shift towards reality programming could result in fewer opportunities for Canadian creators. Neal McDougall of the Writers Guild of Canada warns that reducing PNI spending could lead to a significant decrease in production funding and job opportunities for Canadian talent.

ACTRA, the union representing Canadian actors, has also expressed disappointment over the CRTC’s decision, highlighting the importance of supporting the media production sector, which contributes significantly to Canada’s economy and cultural fabric. Similarly, the Canadian Media Producers Association has raised concerns about the impact of the relaxed content rules on the kids’ production sector, which is already facing challenges.

Despite these concerns, Corus sees the new rules as a necessary step to adapt to the changing media landscape and compete with foreign streaming giants like Netflix and Disney Plus. By focusing on genres that are in demand and cost-effective to produce, Corus aims to stay competitive and ensure the sustainability of the Canadian screen industry.

As the broadcasting industry continues to evolve, the CRTC faces the challenge of balancing the need to support Canadian content production while also encouraging foreign streaming services to invest in Canadian programming. With the approval of Corus’ request, the regulator is navigating a complex landscape where traditional broadcasters are seeking regulatory relief to remain competitive in a rapidly changing media environment.

Overall, the shift in Corus’ programming strategy reflects a broader trend in the industry towards prioritizing content that resonates with audiences and delivers a strong return on investment. As the media landscape continues to evolve, broadcasters and regulators alike will need to find innovative solutions to support Canadian content production and ensure the sustainability of the industry.