07 Apr 2010, Posted by Susana Baker in Articles,General,Television, 0 Comments

Canada Offers Funds for Convergence

Television producers in Canada are suddenly being made aware that interactivity and multi-platforms are the future of television media. The Canadian government has granted C$350 million ($340 million) to the Canadian Media Fund which goes toward TV and new media productions. The fund previously consisted of $222 million, so the increase is big news.

Most of the money is financing various public good projects that are being distributed on TV in addition to one other platform. In fact, half of the money received by producers must be spent on developing extra content such as podcasts and webisodes.

Clearly, those in interactive digital content and new media are excited by the opportunity, but television producers are a little wary. The move is in large part to increase cooperation between industries as well as to advance Canada’s position in the world of convergence.

[Variety]