GC recalled that he presently has approximately SF 100,000 (an amount he hopes to increase with another SF 50,000 in the first quarter of 2002) to study the feasibility of the observatory and start by determining the evaluation criteria that will shape the future observatory's business plan.

GC asked those present to make a tangible contribution to developing criteria for the observatory. Based on Paolo Baldi's work on public service broadcasting's specific contributions and the African Charter on Broadcasting 2001, which defines a model audiovisual landscape (copy enclosed), each should ask themselves, in terms of their own activity sphere: "What services does the public have a right to expect from the electronic media? Is it receiving them and to what extent?" Answering that question is one way to try to define what measurable criteria the observatory should study.

We also have to find out who the members really are. Charging dues would be one way to see how interested the individuals and organizations on our lists really are.

We will write to the current Board members asking for their views on these matters as well as on the overall proposed new strategic plan for the WRTVC, as amended, based on the comments at the Paris meeting.

We will inform them that we hope to hold the next general meeting of the WRTVC in Montreal next fall on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of CBC/Radio-Canada television and the 30th anniversary of Télé-Québec.

FINANCEMENT ET BUDGET DU CMRTV

WRTVC's fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th. The WRTVC needs SF 300,000 to study the feasibility of the observatory; half of that is in the process of being lined up and the rest could come from broadcasters.

The more sensitive matter is financing operations. The WRTVC now depends on funding from UNESCO (about US $20,000 in 2001), which has paid for two meetings including this one, and on administrative and secretarial support provided free of charge, courtesy of CBC French television. The President has financed his own activities (over SF 3,000 to date).

This situation cannot persist. We have to raise funds to ensure the operational activities described on page 7 of the proposed strategic plan (about SF 130,000 per year).

Participants' Comments, Suggested Approaches and Follow-up:

• We hope we can continue counting on UNESCO's assistance.
  
  
• We propose charging WRTVC members and member organizations token annual dues, even though it means having to collect and administer payments. It was suggested that the dues be set at FF 200 (US $40) for individuals and FF 500 (US $100) for organizations.
  
  
• Participants said it is becoming increasingly difficult if not impossible for organizations to find funds for operations and administration. WRTVC's estimated operating budget seems high. It's easier to get money for specific projects. The WRTVC should include a small percentage for administration in special projects, though this might be hard to get approved.
  
  
• The Observatory and Website fall into the category of special projects with their own budgets.
  
  
• It will be easier to obtain funding if North-South cooperation and aid for the Eastern Europe are more emphasized.

• One suggestion was to approach government departments and regulators.
  
  
• Messrs. Konaté and Marzouki suggested addresses of foundations and organizations that might help the WRTVC.
  
  
• Mr. Chenevière will approach the generous Thompson Foundation.
  
  
• Micheline Vaillancourt will try contacts in Canada while Mr. Pederson will explore possibilities in Scandinavia.
  
  
• Another possibility is the Dutch representative to UNESCO.
  
  
• Maybe the WRTVC should find itself a major sponsor in the industry.