Operating context 2023–2024

The key trends in the audiovisual industry have remained the same over the last years. Canadians are increasingly turning to digital distribution channels and connected devices to access the video content that interests them. The rapid development of new technologies, proliferation of content-distribution platforms and growing availability of content are all realities that affect the NFB’s ability to fulfill its mandate. The organization must therefore be constantly innovative and adaptive in the ways it produces works, promotes them and allows different audiences to discover and access them. These issues around accessibility and discoverability of content, continuously evolving technology and changing audience habits are as much challenges as they are opportunities to be bold and original.

Another major issue for the institution is the steady reduction in its distribution revenues over the years, as a result of the erosion of traditional revenue sources such as DVD sales and broadcast licences. The NFB, like all stakeholders in the Canadian cultural sector, continues to be affected by the consequences and uncertainties of the pandemic. Over and above these challenges, the NFB is operating within an already constrained budgetary context and is faced with additional fiscal pressures that could make it difficult to maintain financial sustainability. This difficulty is accentuated by the very real risk of a mismatch between workload levels and the organization’s ability to achieve its institutional priorities.

Mindful of the challenges that lie ahead, the NFB, with the arrival of a new Commissioner, will keep creating and distributing innovative works that amplify the diverse voices of Canadian people. To achieve this, the NFB will focus on: operationalizing its new programming vision, supported by the programming framework; developing technology in the service of production; providing professional guidance to creators from idea to screen; and firmly maintaining its commitments in the areas of equity, diversity and inclusion.