The Television Media in Canada

Another item from my archive. This was written in September of last year but is still as relevant now as it was then!

In Canada we have four primary television broadcasters: CBC, CTV, CITY and Global. Of those, one, CBC, is funded from the public purse. As a result it owes its allegiance to all regardless of political affiliation and thus can, and should, act in an impartial way when it comes to any political commentary whether when reporting the news or for entertainment purposes. But it has been a long time since I can remember a CBC broadcast as being neutral, or better yet, "objective".

Yes, a free press is a cornerstone of a democratic society and as such one could say that they have the right to report as they see fit. But they have an obligation to those who pay their bills, we the “shareholders”. And that it did for a very long time being well respected for its even handed and unbiased reporting so that no matter your personal political leanings you got fair reporting. I have fond memories of “The Journal” with Barbara Frum.

Now I know that the government in power should be considered fair game but the incessant Harper bashing is ridiculous. For example Rick Mercer can be very entertaining but a person making the same rant episode after episode gets awfully tiresome. South of the border “The Simpson’s” has been on for what seems forever. Their secret? They skewer anyone and everyone and then just move on leaving all viewers feeling entertained and in a position to make up their own minds rather than being hectored to.

The net result is that the CBC has become a very pale image of its former self with declining viewership and increased demands for public funding. As I rarely watch anything on CBC anymore I certainly wouldn’t miss it if it faded into black. But it is not too late for it to go back to its roots and become once again the National Broadcaster that set the bar for fair and well balanced reporting and general programming.