Released on September 24, 2007
Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN) today announced the provincial government will provide additional funding to its programming budget, enabling the public broadcaster to create more television programs in Saskatchewan.
"SCN is Saskatchewan's Storyteller, offering TV stories that share our unique culture with each other, and Canadians across the country," Minister responsible for SCN Sandra Morin said. "Our government is proud of the recognition these programs bring to our province so we are taking steps to enable SCN to work with more local producers to tell more Saskatchewan stories."
SCN is Saskatchewan's public educational broadcaster, providing independent producers in Saskatchewan with an initial broadcast licence, a critical financial step that enables producers to attract additional funding and benefit from tax credits and other production funds. Program development funds are also provided in many cases. Local producers often attribute their success in part to SCN's support and promotion of their shows.
An additional $500,000 has been allocated to SCN's programming budget in 2007/08 fiscal year, with an additional $1 million provided for 2008/2009.
"This new funding increases our programming budget by 50 per cent, which means we can add about 30 additional made-in-Saskatchewan programs featuring our own people and communities," SCN president and CEO Ken Alecxe said. "As well as more Saskatchewan stories, SCN can now generate about 160 more jobs in the province's film and TV industry over the next year, providing significant economic growth that benefits all Saskatchewan people."
Three SCN programs were recently nominated for several Gemini Awards, which recognize excellence in Canadian television and have built a national profile for these programs: Landscape as Muse airs Sundays at 7:30 p.m. and Fridays at midnight; renegadepress.com airs Fridays at 5 and 5:30 p.m., repeating Sundays at 3 and 3:30 p.m.; and Wapos Bay will air on Thursdays at 5 p.m., beginning November 1. The Gemini Awards ceremony will be held in Regina on October 28.
SCN delivers more made-in-Saskatchewan programs than any other local broadcaster, reaching 97 per cent of Saskatchewan households, and across Canada on ExpressVu and Star Choice DTH satellite services. The broadcaster provides commercial-free stories that celebrate our culture and connect the people of our region on cable, wireless, digital and satellite television networks.
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For more information, contact:
Ranjan Thakre
Saskatchewan Communication Network
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0490
Email: rthakre@scn.ca
Cell: 306-539-5769