OTTAWA, Nov. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - CBC is presenting a plan this morning for
the renewal of its broadcasting licences that will make it less of a
public service broadcaster, and less distinctive, if approved by the
CRTC, according to the watchdog group, Friends of Canadian
Broadcasting.
"The introduction of unlimited ads on two CBC radio services, Espace
musique and Radio Two, would signal the end of commercial-free CBC
radio. We believe the next step would be the introduction of ads on
Radio One and La Premiere Chaine -- a direct result of cuts to CBC's
parliamentary grant" says Ian Morrison, Friends' Spokesperson.
The CBC is already over-exposed commercially because of its reliance on
Hockey Night in Canada to make ends meet. Both Bell and Rogers have
expressed an interest in bidding on HNIC, in negotiations with the NHL
next year. Friends estimates the loss of HNIC would reduce CBC's
resources by $200 million annually, twice as significant as the recent
federal cuts.
"The move towards more commercialization will turn CBC into a private
broadcaster which loses one billion dollars a year rather than the
public broadcaster that Canadians rely upon for credible news and
Canadian entertainment," according to Morrison
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting is an independent watchdog for more
and better Canadian programming on air and online and is not affiliated
with any broadcaster or political party.
SOURCE: Friends of Canadian Broadcasting