Not enough Canada:
the parliamentary committee report on the CBC
Television


by Mark Medley
NationalPost.com
February 28th, 2008


parliamentary report on the CBC/Radio-Canada has been released. Entitled CBC/Radio-Canada: Defining distinctiveness in the changing media landscape, it explores the public broadcaster's role in the nation.

One of the more alarming stats shows how Canadian content on the nation's broadcaster during primetime (defined as between 7 and 11 p.m.) has slipped steadily over the past few years.

For instance, during the 2004-2005 season, only 67% of primetime programming on CBC was Canadian, down from 87% during 2001-2002. It's remained steady on Radio-Canada, going from 86% in 2001-2002 to 85% in 2004-2005.

The committee makes it clear that CBC/Radio-Canada should broadcast 100% Canadian content during primetime, issuing three recommendations:

RECOMMENDATION 1.1: The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage recommends that the CBC/Radio-Canada continue in its role as Canada’s public broadcaster, an institution at the center of cultural, political, social, and economic life in Canada, and a key component of Canada’s broadcasting system.

RECOMMENDATION 1.2: The Committee recommends that CBC/Radio-Canada continue to be predominantly and distinctively Canadian.

RECOMMENDATION 1.3: The Committee recommends that prime-time hours, from 7:00 p.m. to  11:00 pm, Monday to Friday, on the CBC/Radio-Canada’s television networks, should be reserved for Canadian productions.

[Flag. Photo by Tyler Anderson/National Post]

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