Fall 2025

Perspectives

COVER EN2

National strategies, global reach

From how we produce content to how we consume it, change has always been part of the media landscape. This issue of Perspectives looks at how other countries leverage national media policies to not only keep up with change but drive it forward.

National content is intrinsically tied to both cultural identity and economic growth, demanding policies that address multiple priorities. Financial and cultural benefits can go hand in hand, as the success of the Korean content industry demonstrates. Yet, the European gaming sector shows that there is no one-size-fits-all solution—different countries require different approaches.

Ultimately, global industries grow out of national ones, and effective policy is the connective tissue between the two. As creators and policymakers consider the future of media and Canadian storytelling, this issue presents international case studies to show how national strategies can shape the global media landscape.

Articles

Talking gaming: Thierry Baujard on strategies for success in the European gaming sector

The gaming sector is relatively young but marked by its strong economic impact—the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) reports over $5B total GDP contribution and 34,000 jobs in Canada in 2024—and high demand. With large sales numbers and engaged communities, what’s the role of national funders? For an international perspective, our feature interview with SpielFabrique’s Thierry Baujard illuminates how European countries are adapting policies and funding strategies to grow the sector.

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From K-Policy to K-Brand: Making a content powerhouse

The Canada-Korea Year of Cultural Exchanges marks the 60th anniversary of diplomacy between the two countries. Our policy deep dive traces South Korea’s worldwide impact from its first steps in building a content industry into what is now a proven success story and a globally recognized “K-Brand.” As South Korea sets its sights on doubling the value of its cultural sector, what path did it take to get there, and how might it achieve this ambitious goal?

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Credits

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice, and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. The CMF receives financial contributions from the Government of Canada and Canada’s cable, satellite and IPTV distributors.

Vice President, Analytics and Strategic Insights
Richard Koo

Director, Strategy & Business Intelligence
Michael Mastantuono

Senior Research Consultant, Strategy & Business Intelligence
Irene Berkowitz

Research Lead, Strategy & Business Intelligence
Jon Montes

Analyst, Strategy & Business Intelligence
Corinne Darche