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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Factsheet |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Factsheet |
VICTORIA – Legislation paving the way for government to fulfil its vision for the Knowledge Network as the province’s education broadcaster was introduced today by Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell.
“We promised to maintain and improve the Knowledge Network as B.C.’s educational public broadcaster, and this legislation is an important step in achieving our new vision for the network,” Coell said. “The Knowledge Network Corporation Act sets out the framework that will allow the network to reach new heights with programming designed to help British Columbians live their lives, build their careers, and take part in their communities.”
Under the act, the Knowledge Network’s mandate is to:
· Promote lifelong learning in B.C. by providing quality educational programming.
· Inform and educate British Columbians about their province.
· Provide British Columbians with a unique television experience.
· Inform and educate British Columbians about issues relevant to them.
· Collaborate with the independent television and web media production sectors in B.C.
The network will be managed by a board of up to 11 directors appointed by government. Members of the current eight-member board, appointed in July 2006 to set a new direction, have been invited to serve on the network corporation’s first board to provide continuity.
“The
board is thrilled with the opportunity to revitalize and strengthen a wonderful
public resource,” said board chair Ron Burnett. “We intend to explore a wide
variety of program production possibilities with other broadcasters and
creators to enrich the excellent programming the network already offers.”
About half the Knowledge Network’s programs are specifically for children. Other topic areas include academic, arts and music, drama, history and culture, lifestyles, health and parenting, nature and the environment, science and technology, and social and political issues.
“We are looking forward to the Knowledge Network providing even better programs for the one and a half million viewers who tune in every week for information that will help them make informed decisions on personal, local, regional, national and global issues,” Coell said.
The Province provides base funding of $6 million a year to the Knowledge Network, and last year added $1.4 million in one-time funding as the network made the transition to operating on its own, separate from the Open Learning Agency, which is being wound down.
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Communications Director 250 952-6508 250 888-0023 (cell) |
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