BREAKING NEWS -- Canadian Association of Broadcasters to Cease Operation

Al Soifer

There are some who say that the CAB is an anachronistic hang-over from days when Radio ruled the entertainment roost. Others opine that the CAB is merely a loosely-knit interest group trying to get some kind of a good deal from the CRTC. Still others feel that the CAB represented the needs of Canadian broadcast operators in past but requires extensive re-structuring. Me - I feel that each opinion does have a bit of validity, having observed broadcasting in Canada for several decades. However the growing convergence of telecommunications entrepreneurs owning more than one type of electronic media, does mean that it is naive to expect that one association could position itself to address the needs of all broadcasters. Cable's outlook and expectations are much different from OTA television - yet they share some common ground - neither can truly live without the other. Radio has changed drastically to where satellators (either whole day or break-out portions) are becoming the rule, not the exception. None of these scenarios were envisioned when the CAB was formed. Perhaps it is time for radio broadcasters to associate together separately in order to enjoy common ground. If the Feds go forward with Mr. Harper's stated desire to open Canadian airwaves to foreign ownership, we might as well forget any association.

Posted March 4, 2024 05:48 PM

Steve Kowch

wow guess my two Gold Ribbon Awards are now collector's items. I just ordered a copy of the CFRB Award we won in 2024 ... what a shame ... I look forward to seeing what Elmer comes up with for a new radio group.

Posted February 18, 2024 09:45 PM