So the major networks got their wish and the CRTC introduced fee-for-carriage, making the Cable and Satellite providers pay for the signals from CBC, Global, CTV and A Channel. The general consensus about the fallout was that people’s Cable and Satellite bills would go up. They did.
Did the networks stop there? No.
Now they’ve got their propaganda train going againwith a program called Local TV Matters. This basically tries to give the networks the image of being defenders of the public, fighting for the little guy. That, my friends, is the magic of television once again.
Truth be told, the networks already got their wish. What could possibly be posessing them to soldier on and smear the cable and satellite providers more than they already have?
If they want people on side, they need to start actually caring about local television. Closing stations in Ottawa, Hamilton and Red Deer is not doing that. Basing most Maritime television out of Halifax is not doing that. CBC actually does some decent local work for each province, while Global Maritimes quietly closed their office in Saint John, NB. There’s no word on CTV’s activity in that market, but I’m convinced they aren’t much better than Global.
The fact of the matter is that while Local TV does matter, it needs to be done in a way that actually reflects the local reality. Having a few provinces based out of one city, with weather done on the other side of the country does not do that. Closing stations does not do that. Continued smear campaigns against the companies carrying their signals does not do that.
My message to CTV, Global and A Channel is: Get a clue. Your concept of “local TV” is disgusting. To CBC: it’s unfortunate that you had to make those programming cuts, it’s just as unfortunate that you’ve sunk to the level of the others in this fight. I would have expected better of the one network that was doing a decent job of making local TV in some of these markets (not to mention the outstanding local radio service).
#1 by Davis Dalensy on September 24, 2009 - 11:56 pm
This is nothing but a bailout. First off CTV and Global should be renamed the American Rebroadcast Network because they are only interested in American shows and throw on the odd Canadian one to meet their Canadian content requirments. They spend millions promoting these silly American shows shuch as “So you think you can dance” and CSI: Miami when they could put those millions towards producing Canadian content.
What guarantee is there that this money will be used to support local programming or even more Canadian programming? Or will it just be used so these networks can go shopping in Hollywood and buy more U.S. shows.
#2 by Calvin on September 25, 2009 - 2:21 pm
Davis,
That’s exactly the problem, we don’t know whether this money, be it through the LPIF, or the fee-for-carriage, will be used to truly preserve and improve local television.
The problem with this campaign as a whole is that CTVGlobeMedia and Canwest were both quite publicly in dire financial straits, with Canwest on the brink of bankruptcy. CBC has faced an unfortunate budget shortfall that brought cuts. The fact that the “Save Local” campaign came at a time broadcasters were facing financial issues was all too convenient.
I would personally like to see the CBC saved from further cuts, if only because they actually have a somewhat respectable level of local programming.
Otherwise, the whole campaign is just BS.
#3 by sam on October 8, 2009 - 3:25 am
Hey most cable companies have up to 12 hours local programs, which include little peter playing
primary school basketball (complete games0
air tv does nothing…..
if they can't afford to stay air….let them go or taxpayer bailout like the banks…
#4 by Dawn on October 8, 2009 - 12:31 am
Not sure if everyone is aware but the fee-for-carriage hasn’t even been implimented yet. They are meeting Dec. 7 to discuss whether or not the stations will even get it. Any raises in the cost of your cable or satellite so far is due to the company raising rates on their own again. Your local community cable station already gets fee for carriage based on their ratings otherwise they couldn’t afford to continue broadcasting.
The latest station closed in Brandon, MB was offered for $1. Two cable companies each offered to buy it and then decided that neither could afford to buy it and run it. After the last company said they couldn’t afford it the station closed. Even cable companies agree that local tv is dying. It just isn’t affordable without some kind of support.
Not sure really how many people are aware that the network stations own the rights to the American programming they air so if cable and satellite don’t carry the network stations anymore they also can’t air the programming they get on the American stations. Say good-bye to CSI, Survivor, House, Grey’s Anatomy, etc. Soon they will just be a blank screen.
#5 by calvinhrn on October 8, 2009 - 8:13 pm
I was aware that fee-for-carriage wasn't implemented, but the fact alone that they are even considering it is a gross distortion of the reality facing the networks. Ad revenue is down. So what? That's not the distribution companies faults. Nor is the fact that Canwest and many divisions of same are facing bankruptcy.
As somebody that worked to produce local television myself (on a station that did local television only I might add), I fail to see how the networks are the arbiters of all that is local television when their broadcast day is largely plugged up by the American programming you mentioned.
I could care less about Survivor or any of that crap. If the networks say they want the money to help save local television, show me the goods. Show me that they want to put an honest effort into producing local television. Show me where they aren't just covering their butts with a local newscast and nothing more. Show me the networks actually care about local television. Then, and only then, will I agree with what's being said.
#6 by ken on October 10, 2009 - 1:52 am
Sir: Thank you for saying what is in my mind but could not put in writing as clearly and to the point like you did
Also, I would like to add curse on the CRTC and the Cable company….Roger has been in bed with the CRTC for decades….what Roger wants Roger gets as long as Roger and the cable company allow CRTC some room to micro manage the air wave……lets face it we are Canadians we not only have "please tax us….were's Canadians we got suckers stamped on our forehead."
Ken
#7 by Davis on November 12, 2009 - 2:39 pm
The thing is though if CTV and Global didn't exist or went by the wayside, we would still be able to watch all these American shows on American networks. Shows that don't get bought by these useless Canadian broadcasters still make it to us via FOX, NBC, CBS and ABC. There is no need for these useless Canadian networks.
#8 by Bob on October 22, 2009 - 5:33 am
I will be willing to let the Canadian networks charge the cable companies when the networks and local stations start providing good TV. There is far too much free promotion of upcoming TV shows. More show and less promotion, please. Better newscasts are needed. Weather forecasts are pathetic compared to the U.S. stations. Better radar and more localized radar. Advance storm warnings instead of after the fact. Cut in to programming if necessary. Forecasters to be trained meteorologists not some Joe off the street. Sportscasts to be more varied in coverage – not 75% football. More investigative reporting. Check the health department reports for restaurants and report the bad (and the good) ones. It should be easy to find some crooks in government stealing millions of dollars. A little investigating would uncover these crimes and criminals. When they provide good programming I'll support the local stations and networks but until they do any handouts they get are just a money grab.
#9 by Davis on November 12, 2009 - 2:33 pm
It's time to shut down CTV and Global – they are just useless rebroadcasters of American programming. They butcher our viewing experience with simsubs that go awry (in part due to BDU's screwing up things), but we don't need them.
ADIOS!!!