Exciting changes are transforming the Canadian broadcasting sector! Starting September 1, foreign streaming services must contribute a portion of their annual Canadian revenues. These groundbreaking regulations are projected to inject an additional $200 million in yearly funding into the sector, significantly boosting Canadian creators. This incredible support will provide the Black Screen Office Fund (BSOF) with the stability required to fund Black-led content and nurture the growth of skilled Black talent.
The Black Screen Office Fund (BSOF) was certified as an independent production fund by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) on November 8, 2023. This certification marks a pivotal advancement in our mission to amplify and support Black voices within the Canadian screen industry.
The CRTC’s approval acknowledges the vital role of the BSOF in fostering the production and broadcast of original programming that reflects the experiences and stories of Black Canadians. The certification ensures that the fund aligns with industry best practices and standards, including strategically allocating training resources and building capacity. This initiative addresses the long-standing underrepresentation of Black talent in the industry.
The Black Screen Office Fund will officially launch on September 1, 2025. This fund is set to be a transformative force, creating a wealth of opportunities for Black creatives and storytellers in Canada and beyond. Over the coming months, more details about the fund will be released, including processes, application guidelines, and our vision for empowering Black creatives and fostering a more inclusive industry.
Joan Jenkinson, Executive Director of the Black Screen Office, expressed her excitement about this development: “This vote of confidence from the CRTC is a significant step towards establishing the Black Screen Office Fund. We firmly believe that this fund has the power to revolutionize the lives of Black creators and dismantle existing barriers. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with streamers, establishing relationships as a trusted partner who can effectively leverage these funds for transformative change.”
Thanks to Minister Pascale St-Onge and the Department of Canadian Heritage for enacting the Online Streaming Act, which ensures that the CRTC has the tools necessary to modernize the Canadian broadcasting sector, including the contributions to equity-deserving organizations mandated today. We are also thankful for the support and belief in our vision that has made this achievement possible.
Stay tuned for more information about the Black Screen Office Fund as we prepare to launch this groundbreaking initiative.
For more information, please contact: Hoda Ali Programming Manager Black Screen Office Email: [email protected]