Dec 30, 2011 — National Post: Downsized, decentralized CBC remains key goal for Tories: Heritage Minister James Moore by Randy Boswell

Columnist says that while insisting the CBC is a crucial instrument for national unity and the promotion of artistic talent in Canada, Heritage Minister James Moore has pointedly allowed the broadcaster to be brow-beaten by his Conservative colleagues.

Dec 24, 2011 — New York Times: New Rules for the Ways We Watch

Columnist says cable has had a great year, and media giants like Time Warner and News Corporation continue to find plenty of profits.

Dec 22, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Soaring cost of sports rights squeezing CBC on to sidelines by Susan Krashinsky

Columnist says the CBC is struggling to remain a contender for televised sports events at a time when those rights are commanding stratospheric fees

Dec 19, 2011 — News Article: CRTC to Review Local Programming Improvement Fund

Saying the quality and the quantity of local TV programming in Canada is at risk, the CRTC will hold a public consultation and review of the Local Programming Improvement Fund.

Dec 19, 2011 — iPolitics: CRTC to review local television support fund

FRIENDS says the local television support fund has been absolutely essential to the survival of local news in smaller Canadian cities.

Dec 18, 2011 — New York Times: The Queen of Cable TV by Bill Carter

Columnist says that if cable is king, Bonnie Hammer, chairwoman of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, is cable’s queen and, since the departure of Judy McGrath from Viacom last May, possibly its most important executive.

Dec 17, 2011 — Variety: Hockey team sale changes game in Canada by Brendan Kelly

Columnist says Bell Canada and Rogers Communications' purchase of the Maple Leafs puts the future of hockey on CBC in doubt when its NHL contract ends following the 2013-2014 season.

Dec 15, 2011 — National Post: United at last by Jonathan Kay

Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer says that the Keystone XL Pipeline is not just about jobs versus the environment, but also about whether the United States grabs the opportunity to establish energy independence in North America through oil from Canada.

Dec 15, 2011 — 24H: Opinion: CBC Friends mock Hulk Hogan by Kris Sims

Columnist claims FRIENDS, via their Stop the CBC Smackdown campaign, is mocking Hulk Hogan on Twitter.

Dec 13, 2011 — National Post: BCE says CRTC oversteps with sports ruling by Jamie Sturgeon

BCE Inc. said it will challenge a ruling by the CRTC that the telecom giant must quash commercial agreements cut with the NHL and NFL to stream games exclusively to its mobile subscribers.

Dec 13, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Astral taking HBO ‘over the top’ to fend off Netflix threat by Susan Krashinsky

For Astral, the HBO Go product is another attempt to fend off “over-the-top” services such as Netflix, and to keep subscribers from switching off their cable or satellite subscriptions.

Dec 12, 2011 — Toronto Star: CBC ombudsman reviewing Ford-911 stories by David Rider

CBC’s ombudsman Kirk LaPointe is reviewing CBC online, radio and television reports concerning 911 distress calls made by Toronto Mayor Rob Ford.

Dec 10, 2011 — Toronto Star: Canada’s online beehive by Don Tapscott

Professor says Canadians need a media commons — a public, independent place where there can be a true meeting of the minds and where there is a chance of achieving social cohesion and of collectively doing the right thing as a country.

Dec 9, 2011 — National Post: The CBC’s conundrum: Change isn’t easy, but the public broadcaster needs to try by Scott Stinson

FRIENDS says 80% of Canadians really like public broadcasting.

Dec 7, 2011 — Memorial University: Memorial honours exceptional faculty and staff at special ceremony

FRIENDS Steering Committee Chair, Dr. Noreen Golfman, receives honours from Memorial University for exceptional community service.

Dec 6, 2011 — Le Devoir: Séries dramatiques - TVA veut réduire son contenu canadien

TVA asks the CRTC to reduce its Canadian content obligations.

Dec 5, 2011 — Huffington Post: Harper: Not as Scary as Advertised

Columnist takes issue with Lawrence Martin's recent warning about Prime Minister Stephen Harper's brand of "right-wing nationalism."

Dec 5, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: Canadian TV Watchdog Unveils ‘Stop the CBC Smackdown’ YouTube Videos by Etan Vlessing

FRIENDS has launched spoof commercials that portray an American TV wrestling promoter buying the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. and stuffing its newscasts with brawny wrestlers as anchors and ring girls as weather presenters.

Dec 3, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Do we really want the CBC to become PBS North? by Kate Taylor

Columnist asks if the CBC is being softened not merely for budget cuts but for a complete rethink of the broadcaster's role that would eliminate much of its current activity.

Dec 2, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Do we really want the CBC to become PBS North? by Kate Taylor

Columnist asks as the CBC prepares for cuts, is the CBC – and public opinion – being softened not merely for budget cuts but for a complete rethink of the broadcaster's role that would eliminate much of its current activity?

Dec 2, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: CBC is not on a level playing field by Paul Gaffney

Former CBC employee says it's in the best interests of taxpayers to allow the CBC a greater degree of confidentiality than we might normally extend to a "public" institution.

Dec 2, 2011 — New York Times: With Verizon’s $3.6 Billion Spectrum Deal, Cable and Wireless Inch Closer by Brian Stelter

The sale of spectrum licenses, which give the rights to airwaves, is part of a “complete reordering of the competitive universe as we know it today,” says cable analyst Craig Moffet.

Dec 1, 2011 — Marketing Magazine: Friends of Canadian Broadcasting goes to the mat for CBC in awareness campaign by Chris Powell

Peter Mansbridge has been replaced by a tattooed, eye-patch wearing grappler, while flamboyantly dressed Radio 2 personalities now settle on-air disagreements with their fists in a new vision of the CBC presented by FRIENDS.

Dec 1, 2011 — Globe & Mail: CBC actively preparing for budget cuts, says head of English Services by Marsha Lederman

Ottawa has made it known that cuts are coming in the next budget, and the CBC is preparing.

Dec 1, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: CBC's funding is inadequate by Tony Manera

Former CBC President says from 1985 to 2010, the CBC's parliamentary appropriation went from $905 million to $1.018 million, a nominal increase of 12.5 per cent, but a real decrease of 62 per cent after inflation.

Dec 1, 2011 — Toronto Sun: Friends of CBC hire 'Ass Man' as actor by Kris Sims

Columnist says when selecting actors for their "Stop the CBC Smackdown" campaign, FRIENDS picked "Uncle D: The Canadian Ass Man."

Dec 1, 2011 — CBC News: Moore shifts money from bureaucracy to the arts by Leslie MacKinnon

Columnist says Heritage Minister James Moore was non-commital when asked whether the CBC would continue to receive a supplementary $60 million earmarked purely for programming that has been renewed annually for 10 years.

Nov 30, 2011 — Brigitte Pellerin Online: Two minutes of politics, November 30 by Brigitte Pellerin

Sun News reporter says FRIENDS' "Stop the CBC Smackdown" campaign is remarkably uncouth and vulgar.

Nov 29, 2011 — Globe & Mail: No decision yet on telecom spectrum rules and foreign ownership by Steven Chase and Rita Trichur

Columnist says Industry Minister Christian Paradis offered Canada’s telecom industry some guffaws but no clarity as to how Ottawa plans to loosen foreign investment rules in the sector.

Nov 29, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Pro-CBC group goes to the mat against potential Tory cuts by Kim Mackrael

FRIENDS says that nobody can watch what’s going on on Parliament Hill without realizing there’s a threat to public broadcasting.

Nov 29, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: Release of CBC salary information Mansbridge's prerogative: Moore

Columnist says the Broadcasting Act makes clear that there is nothing to compel the CBC to publicize the salaries of its employees.

Nov 29, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Ottawa can’t compel CBC to disclose Mansbridge’s salary, minister says

James Moore says it’s up to CBC anchor Peter Mansbridge to tell Canadians his salary, but legislation prevents the government from doing so itself.

Nov 29, 2011 — Toronto Star: Heritage Minister talks CBC, Mansbridge salary by Susan Delacourt

James Moores says FRIENDS does a disservice to both the CBC and to everyday taxpayers with the way they approach the conversation of CBC funding.

Nov 29, 2011 — Sun News TV: Smackdown

FRIENDS speaks to Sun News about their new campaign 'Stop the CBC Smackdown'.‎

Nov 29, 2011 — Globe & Mail: After the Tory witch hunt against the CBC, who’ll be next? by John Doyle

Columnist wonders if after the witch hunt against the CBC is over, are museums, theatres and publishers who receive grants from the government next?

Nov 29, 2011 — Toronto Sun: CBC Smackdown angers former wrestler by Kris Sims

Bret "The Hitman" Hart says if someone like Vince McMahon were to take over the CBC, "it might be the answer to their prayers, they might start making some money."

Nov 29, 2011 — Huffington Post: CBC Funding: New Ad Campaign Imagines World With Broadcaster Owned By An American by Althia Raj

FRIENDS hopes its new ad campaign "Stop the CBC Smackdown" will remind Canadians of the value of having a strong public broadcaster and place pressure on the federal government to support the CBC.

Nov 29, 2011 — Canada.com: Group launches ‘Stop the CBC Smackdown’ campaign

FRIENDS has launched a pair of satirical YouTube videos that depict life at the CBC under the new ownership of a garrulous former American wrestler who is more concerned with “action” than national content.

Nov 28, 2011 — CTV News: Quebecor cutting 400 Sun Media jobs: union

Columnist says media conglomerate Quebecor Inc. is eliminating 400 jobs from its Sun Media division, Canada's biggest newspaper publisher with dailies and weeklies across the country.

Nov 24, 2011 — Toronto Star: Releasing records would ‘undermine’ competitive position, CBC says by Joanna Smith

The secrecy surrounding the salary of Peter Mansbridge helps the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. stay competitive, its president told a parliamentary committee.

Nov 24, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Feds want to amend disclosure laws that protect CBC by Tobi Cohen

Unimpressed with the CBC's explanations regarding its financial accountability and handling of access to information requests, Conservatives indicate they may look at amending a law that exempts the broadcaster from certain disclosures.

Nov 24, 2011 — CBC News: CBC head defends broadcaster on access to info by Laura Payton

Hubert Lacroix says the CBC's record on accountability and access to information has been lost in general confusion or distorted in coverage of its court case against Canada’s information commissioner.

Nov 24, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: CRTC tells francophone radio broadcasters to limit use of musical montages

The CRTC is telling two francophone radio stations that they must limit their use of musical montages, which can be used towards a regulated broadcaster's Canadian content or French-language vocal content.

Nov 24, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: Truce called in CBC dispute at Commons committee on Access to Information by Dean Beeby

The access-to-information and ethics committee agreed to return sealed documents to the CBC rather than press ahead with a proposal by Conservative MPs to examine the sensitive material.

Nov 23, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Court rejects CBC appeal in access-to-information feud

The Federal Court of Appeal unanimously ruled against the public broadcaster, saying the CBC is legally required to turn over material for review by the information commissioner of Canada.

Nov 23, 2011 — Toronto Star: CBC loses information battle in court by Joanna Smith

The Federal Court of Appeal ruled that the federal information commissioner has the right to see uncensored documents the public broadcaster believes should be exempted from disclosure.

Nov 22, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Ottawa weighs loosening ownership rules in telecom sector by Steven Chase and Iain Marlow

Ottawa is considering a plan to open the door to more foreign ownership of telecom companies, a move that would allow non-Canadians to own 100 per cent of firms that have 10-per-cent market share or less.

Nov 22, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Quebecor, BCE settle spat over news channel by Susan Krashinsky

Sun News will be offered as part of Bell’s basic satellite and IPTV packages starting in mid-December, beaming the channel to all of Bell’s television subscribers outside of Quebec.

Nov 20, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Dump big internet service providers, lobby group says by Jason Magder

As a result of the CRTC's ruling, telecom companies can choose to either charge independents a flat rate for usage, or based on capacity, and independent ISPs will have to decide each month how much bandwidth to purchase.

Nov 20, 2011 — Los Angeles Times: Cultural Exchange: CBC Radio links Canadians from shore to shore by Marcia Adair

Columnist says CBC appeals to the widest possible audience, in English, French and aboriginal languages to boot, creating a common listening experience.

Nov 17, 2011 — Playback: Laszlo Barna developing Jack Layton biopic for the CBC

The CBC is backing the development of a TV biopic for the late Jack Layton from indie producer Pier 21 Films.

Nov 15, 2011 — Le Devoir: Gomery veut une loi pour forcer l'adhésion au Conseil de presse

John Gomery, Chair of Quebec's Press Council calls for a law to require media to adhere to the Council's standards.

Nov 15, 2011 — Le Devoir: Comité parlementaire sur l'accès à l'information - Radio-Canada cède, mais l'opposition obtient la suspension des travaux

CBC bows to the Commons Access to Information Committee but the opposition persuades the Speaker to suspend the Committee's work.

Nov 14, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Money can’t buy love: Why every government hates the CBC by John Doyle

Columnist says there is nothing unique about this Conservative government’s loathing for the CBC and the hatred directed at CBC by Conservative MPs and their supporters.

Nov 13, 2011 — New Democratic Party of Canada: CONSERVATIVE DEMAND FOR CBC DOCS "UNLAWF UL" // DOCUMENTS DE RADIO-CANADA: LES DEMAND ES DES CONSERVATEURS SONT «ILLÉGALES»

Press Release: The NDP states Law Clerk Rob Walsh warns that Conservative MP Del Mastro is over-stepping Parliament and interfering with the courts.

Nov 13, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: Tory bid for CBC documents could end up in damaging court battle: lawyer by Stephen Thorne

Parliamentary law clerk and counsel Rob Walsh says the move by Tory members of the access-to-information committee could end up in the courts, where he says their attempt is likely to fail.

Nov 13, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Tory bid for CBC documents could violate constitution: parliamentary lawyer by Frank Appleyard

In a letter responding to legal questions from the NDP, parliamentary law clerk and counsel Rob Walsh wrote that MPs on the access-to-information committee are stepping into uncertain constitutional waters, and “could be seen as interfering with and possibly undermining the judicial process.”

Nov 11, 2011 — Globe and Mail: Majority backs public funding for CBC, poll finds by Jennifer Ditchburn

Columnist says a Harris-Decima survey conducted for The Canadian Press suggests 46 per cent of Canadians would like the CBC's funding to stay at the current level and 23 per cent would like it to be increased.

Nov 11, 2011 — Sun News TV: Incomplete Poll by Brian Lilley

Brian Lilley says a CP poll showing most people support the CBC is riddled with hidden bias and self-interest.

Nov 9, 2011 — Rabble.ca: Creating the CBC in order to build a nation by Marc Raboy

Columnist says the hoopla surrounding the 75th birthday of the CBC provides a good occasion to recall how and why Canada got a national public broadcaster in the first place.

Nov 9, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Quebecor's profit dips, but wireless network has its strongest quarterly growth by Iain Marlow

Montreal-based telecom and media conglomerate Quebecor Inc. has suffered a 35 per cent drop in profit in the third quarter on weak broadcasting and newspaper revenues but saw strong subscriber growth with its various telecom services.

Nov 8, 2011 — Rabble.ca: Hill Dispatches: Heritage Minister joins the gang-up on CBC by Karl Nerenberg

Columnist says the CBC gives a place to Kevin O'Leary, Don Cherry and Rex Murphy, all of whom get to freely express their generally right-of-centre views with alacrity,  yet a good many Conservatives think of the Corporation as a left-wing conspiracy.

Nov 7, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: Bar association says Tory MPs should back off CBC access case until court rules

The Canadian Bar Association says a parliamentary committee should back off its campaign against the CBC until the Federal Court has a chance to rule on the issue.

Nov 7, 2011 — Hill Times: CBC in contempt of Parliament if it doesn't produce documents Access Committee requests: Del Mastro by Tim Naumetz

MP Dean Del Mastro says the CBC has no choice but to hand over the documents to an in camera meeting of the Commons Access to Information and Ethics Committee, even though the Federal Court of Appeal is at the moment deciding whether the broadcaster must release them to the Information Commissioner.

Nov 7, 2011 — Mediacaster: Big Revenue Increase for TV, Pay Specialty Channels, Industry Report Shows

Canada's TV broadcasters, specialty and pay channel operators have achieved their largest annual revenue increase in almost a decade.

Nov 7, 2011 — Globe & Mail: What recession? Profits, greed and gifting thrive in TV land by John Doyle

Recently the CRTC released figures about commercial Canadian TV stations, showing their operating revenues in broadcasting came to $2.15-billion in 2010 - an increase of 9 per cent from 2009.

Nov 6, 2011 — The Journalism Doctor: Care About This by John Miller

Writer says Canadians should care about the current dispute between Quebecor Inc. and the CBC because it may have serious implications for freedom of expression.

Nov 6, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Will Bell Media snap up NHL rights in 2014?

With the big pockets to outbid the CBC, columnist wonders how long it will be before Bell Media aquires the rights to Hockey Night in Canada.

Nov 4, 2011 — Toronto Star: Tim Harper: Less will be Moore’s way of dealing with the CBC

Columnist says that animosity toward the CBC from the government of the day is no longer whispered behind closed doors, but has bubbled up to the surface in strangely obsessive and mean-spirited ways.

Nov 2, 2011 — CBC News: PrivilegeWatch: Ethics committee passes redacted version of the Del Mastro order to produce by Kady O'Malley

Columnist says Ethics Committe is no longer seeking the unredacted responses to Access to Information requests filed by FRIENDS.

Nov 2, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Opposition boycotts Commons probe of CBC

The NDP and the Liberals boycotted a Commons committee that has been scrutinizing the CBC's approach towards access to information, opposing a Conservative bid to have the public broadcaster turn over internal documents.

Nov 1, 2011 — Literary Review Canada: High Noon at the CRTC

Columnist says new media players like Netflix pose a fundamental challenge to Canadian content regulations.

Nov 1, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: CBC to launch a next generation, local digital service in Hamilton Ontario

New local, digital service for Hamilton, Ontario will be accessible through smartphones, desktop/laptop computers and tablet devices.

Nov 1, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: CBC belongs to Rob Ford, too by Janice Kennedy

Columnist says we have a stake in ensuring that the CBC remains true to its mandate, something it can only do when it's supported, in spirit and in fiscal fact, by most Canadians.

Oct 31, 2011 — iPolitics: Saving the CBC: The path forward is finding the way back by Michael Harris

Columnist says one of the main reasons that the CBC is vulnerable to Quebecor’s frontal assault is its craving for popularity as a mainstream network.

Oct 31, 2011 — Toronto Sun: Cut funding to secretive CBC: Worthington by Peter Worthington

Columnist says it's wrong for the CBC to be bidding on programs that the private sector would run but can’t match because of government funding.

Oct 29, 2011 — Toronto Sun: CBC's plan backfired...big time

Columnist says the CBC sending Mary Walsh to Rob Ford's home was a political smear job on a CBC conservative enemy.

Oct 27, 2011 — Global News: Make CBC president more accountable, advocacy group tells committee

FRIENDS wants CBC's board to be appointed through a non-political process and then be responsible for hiring the president.

Oct 27, 2011 — Canoe.ca: CBC pals gang up on state broadcaster by Mark Dunn

FRIENDS tells the House of Commons Ethics Committee that CBC President Hubert Lacroix is effectively accountable to no one.

Oct 27, 2011 — Playback: Exclusive: CBC marketing exec Jamie Michaels off to Rogers Media

CBC director of marketing Jamie Michaels has joined Rogers Media to drive ad sales across its marquee sports properties.

Oct 27, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: Tories want CBC to turn over internal files to Commons committee by Jennifer Ditchburn

Columnist says a bid by the Conservatives to peek at the CBC's internal files is sparking a debate over parliamentary privilege, Charter-protected freedom of the press and the independence of the courts.

Oct 26, 2011 — Toronto Star: War of words heats up between CBC, Quebecor by Chantaie Allick

CBC is accusing Quebecor of “using its newspapers and more recently its Sun News Network TV licence to pursue a campaign against CBC/Radio-Canada” and distorting the truth in that reporting.

Oct 26, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: Tory government's handpicked CBC board oversees access-to-info file by Jennifer Ditchburn

Columnist says if the Conservative government is rankled by the CBC's attitude towards access to information, it might have a bone to pick with the board of directors it chose.

Oct 26, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: Tory government's handpicked CBC board oversees access-to-info file by Jennifer Ditchburn

FRIENDS calls for an arm's-length process for CBC board appointments and wants CBC president to be hired by and answerable to the board.

Oct 25, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Information watchdog doubts CBC ‘improvement’ on access requests by Jennifer Ditchburn

Information Commissioner Suzanne Legault told a House of Commons committee she believes the public broadcaster might be using new internal guidelines to quickly dismiss some access requests, thereby making it easier to claim faster response times.

Oct 25, 2011 — National Post: CBC forced to defend budget, relevance in parliament by Carmen Chai and Glen McGregor

The CBC has found itself under fire, forced to defend its economic value and societal relevance while the country’s access-to-information watchdog suggests the broadcaster may be automatically denying information requests.

Oct 24, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: Annual Public Meeting

Senior executives of CBC/Radio-Canada will be reviewing highlights of 2010-2011 and provide an overview of the Corporation's direction for the current fiscal year and for the future.

Oct 22, 2011 — Toronto Sun: CBC running scared: State broadcaster's false attack ads demonstrate how financial probe is desperately needed

Columnist says CBC has started a defamatory attack on Quebecor as vengeance for raising questions about how taxpayer money is spent by the public broadcaster.

Oct 22, 2011 — Playback: Quebecor Media to CBC: take down website criticisms, or else by Etan Vlessing

Quebecor Media is using the threat of legal action to get CBC/Radio Canada to take down information about the Quebec media giant that it released on its website.

Oct 21, 2011 — New York Times: Running Out of Bandwidth by Lowell C. McAdam

Columnist says that even with technological advances, a severe spectrum crunch looms over the next decade.

Oct 21, 2011 — StarPhoenix: Only Quebecor can confront CBC: Peladeau by Glen McGregor

Quebecor president Pierre Karl Peladeau says the CBC has effectively muzzled criticism by other news organizations by entering into business deals with them and paying their reporters to appear on the network.

Oct 21, 2011 — TV Feeds My Family: It's "ulcer time" again this fall at CBC by Bill Brioux

Blogger says CBC has a tough time every fall when put up against the bright shiny new objects being dangled on the private networks.

Oct 20, 2011 — La Presse: Péladeau songe à de nouvelles poursuites contre Radio-Canada

Pierre-Karl Péladeau, CEO of Quebecor, is threatening to sue the CBC over its statement earlier this week that his company has received more than half a billion dollars in public subsidies and benefits over the last three years.

Oct 20, 2011 — Kelowna Capital News: Funding cuts won't impact local CBC programming by Alistair Waters

CBC President says that despite an expected funding cut of between five and 10 per cent to the public broadcaster in next spring’s federal budget, the recent expansion of radio service in Kelowna will not be directly affected.

Oct 20, 2011 — Globe & Mail: CBC lashes out at Quebecor’s $500-million in public subsidies by Daniel Leblanc

Columnist says the CBC is fighting back against Quebecor’s attacks on its $1-billion in annual federal funding, accusing the private broadcaster of receiving $500-million in public subsidies over the last three years without being accountable to taxpayers.

Oct 20, 2011 — CBC News: Open CBC's records, Quebecor owner says by Leslie MacKinnon

Quebecor's Pierre Karl Péladeau said his company's Sun Media subsidiary is the only media company in Canada willing to investigate the CBC, as he appeared before MPs holding hearings into the CBC's dispute with the federal Information Commissioner over access to information requests.

Oct 20, 2011 — StarPhoenix: CBC cancels Hockey Night in Punjabi by Ishani Nath

CBC spokesperson says the public broadcaster will not continue the Punjabi language broadcast this hockey season as they are unable to secure a sponsor.

Oct 20, 2011 — Ottawa This Week: Not quite three cheers for the CBC by Charles Gordon

Columnist says radio listeners are smarter than CBC programmers think.

Oct 19, 2011 — Globe & Mail: CRTC eases ‘thou shalt’ to ‘thou should’ by Susan Krashinsky

Columnist says the CRTC is facing a fight over its attempt to rein in a rapidly changing TV industry.

Oct 19, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Postmedia accepts offer for newspapers in B.C.

Postmedia Network Canada Corp., has accepted an unsolicited offer for its community newspaper operations in British Columbia and one of its big-city dailies, the Victoria Times Colonist.

Oct 18, 2011 — CBC News: Clarify CBC access laws, CRTC chairman tells MPs

Konrad von Finckenstein tells a House Commons committee that the section of the Access to Information Act which applies to the CBC is confusing and like no other he has seen before.

Oct 17, 2011 — Marketing Magazine: Who Would Want Konrad’s Job? by Chris Powell

FRIENDS says CRTC chairman Konrad von Finckenstein's independence and dedication to do what certain acts of Parliament demanded him to do speaks well of him.

Oct 14, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Stop the presses! Harper to create conservative media empire by Gerald Caplan

In this satrical piece, Gerald Caplan explores what would happen if Sun News TV and CBC were forced to combine into one large media empire.

Oct 13, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Sun News: The comedy branch of the Conservative Party? by John Doyle

Columnist says that for both Sun News and the Conservative Party of Canada, attacking the CBC is a handy tool for gaining attention and raising funds.

Oct 13, 2011 — Liberal Party of Canada: Sign the petition: Hands off our CBC by Bob Rae

The Liberal Party of Canada launches a petition in support of the CBC.

Oct 12, 2011 — Epoch Times: Everyone Loses in CBC vs Quebecor by Matthew Little

Former TV producer Howard Bernstein says the CBC's access-to-info battle taints all involved.

Oct 12, 2011 — Canadian Centre for Policy Studies: CCPS calls for privatization of the CBC

The Canadian Centre for Policy Studies releases a discussion paper calling on the federal government to privatize the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Oct 10, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: CBC in the news

FRIENDS says although Heritage Minister James Moore has assured Canadians the CBC is safe, "There's more than one James Moore. He's a hydra-headed creature."

Oct 10, 2011 — National Post: Will Conservatives make liberal cuts to the CBC? by Randy Boswell

Columnist says the CBC, embroiled in both a legal fight and a parliamentary probe over its record on responding to access-to-information requests, is now also bracing for deep funding cuts.

Oct 9, 2011 — The Guardian: Why does the BBC dump so much money in a big glittery bin by making glossy trailers? It turns me silver with rage

Columnist says people should be employed to make programmes, not adverts for them.

Oct 6, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: CBC boss says rivals have an interest in diminishing public broadcaster by Jennifer Ditchburn

The CBC's top boss says one of its major competitors is determined to damage the reputation of the public broadcaster in order to weaken it and he's determined to set the record straight on Parliament Hill.

Oct 6, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: 'No evidence' Netflix hurting broadcasters by Jamie Sturgeon

The CRTC has decided against regulating online-streaming companies.

Oct 6, 2011 — Globe & Mail: One more time: Can we please have Canadian arts on Canadian TV, please? by John Doyle

Columnist says arts channel importing American content while cancelling Bravo!News and Arts & Minds borders on contempt for viewers and artists in Canada.

Oct 6, 2011 — Calgary Herald: PM's party funding cut tip of subsidy iceberg by Stephen Maher

Columnist says that there are times that the Conservatives appear to be highlighting messages - like the gun registry and the CBC - because of their usefulness in fundraising.

Oct 6, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: CRTC backs off Netflix probe

The CRTC has decided not to pursue a formal review of online streaming companies that show TV content on the Internet.

Oct 5, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: Digital TV transition goes off without much drama, Heritage officials say by Jennifer Ditchburn

Columnist says data from the Department of Canadian Heritage and from a satellite company tasked with helping out those now without TV suggests the transition from digital to analog went off without much consumer drama.

Oct 3, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Canada’s a fit place for art, artists – and the CBC by Brian Topp

NDP Leadership Candidate says it seems the Conservatives have Canadian culture on their minds as an excellent hot button to press with their supporters.

Oct 3, 2011 — Daily Telegraph: BBC Two bears brunt of cuts to protect quality drama and Radio 4 by Patrick Foster

BBC's Director-General, will reveal the contents of his Delivering Quality First strategy which will see the corporation announce cuts of around £700million to the £3.5billion it spends each year.

Oct 3, 2011 — National Citizens Coalition: Taxpayers lining up to sign petition and opt-out of the CBC

President and CEO of the National Citizens Coalition says if the federal government is serious about the promises they made during the most recent election it is time they put the CBC on the chopping block.

Oct 1, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: We shouldn't have expected better in Parliament by Dan Gardner

Columnist says that when a minister of the Crown compels a member of Parliament to state for the record that he opposes assault, rape, and murder, it's safe to say that the government has not embraced a new spirit of reasonableness and co-operation.

Sep 30, 2011 — The Mark: Familiar Troubles for Canada's National Broadcaster by Mary Vipond

Columnist says while the evolving media landscape poses new challenges, the CBC remains entangled in a balancing act it has faced since its inception.

Sep 29, 2011 — Huffington Post: CBC Cuts: 10 Per Cent Budget Reduction Sought By Tories Under Heritage Minister James Moore by Althia Raj

FRIENDS says a 10% budget cut would be a devastating blow to the CBC, resulting in station closures affecting those living in rural areas.

Sep 27, 2011 — Globe & Mail: PM's aide commissions Ontario riding poll that’s much more to his liking by Steve Ladurantaye

Columnist says the Prime Minister's parliamentary secretary has stepped heavily into the Ontario election, commissioning a 1,000-person poll because he felt a local newspaper underplayed the popularity of the local Progressive Conservative candidate.

Sep 27, 2011 — Globe & Mail: CRTC chairman won’t get a second term by Susan Krashinsky

Columnist says Konrad von Finckenstein’s term as chairman of the federal broadcast and telecom regulator is coming to an end, after five years characterized by clashes with the Tory government and a series of landmark decisions about the future of the industries it oversees.

Sep 27, 2011 — Toronto Sun: Blue vs. Orange: Get used to it 32 by David Akin

Columnist says the 41st Parliament of Canada is young but already we’re seeing Conservatives and New Democrats take sharply different partisan approaches to the business of the nation, including matters relating to the CBC.

Sep 26, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Tories demand CBC explain its lengthy access-to-information battle by Jennifer Ditchburn

Columnist says Conservatives are asking the CBC to explain why it is fighting the access-to-information law in the courts, part of increased scrutiny of the public broadcaster's spending and practices by the new majority government.

Sep 26, 2011 — CBC News: CBC expands local news service

CBC will introduce new radio and internet services in Kitchener-Waterloo and London, Ont., and expanded weekend news programming for Edmonton, Ottawa, the Maritimes and St. John’s.

Sep 26, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: CBC continues “Everyone, Every way” promise with new services across Canada

CBC announces new radio and internet services will be introduced for the London and Kitchener-Waterloo areas of Ontario and new weekend news programming will be introduced in Edmonton, Ottawa, the Maritimes and St. John’s through the spring and fall of 2012.

Sep 23, 2011 — Globe & Mail: CBC funding under microscope in Conservative surveys by Bill Curry

Columnist says a string of Conservative surveys is putting CBC funding under the microscope as the Harper government debates how big a hit Canada’s public broadcaster will take as part of government-wide restraint plans.

Sep 22, 2011 — Cartt.ca: Vertical Integration: There's some love for the CRTC decision, but Bell calls for full system reboot by Greg O’Brien

Bell Canada’s regulatory chief says due to the CRTC’s new vertical integration policy, he wants to start over when it comes to our broadcasting laws and its regulation.

Sep 21, 2011 — Cartt.ca: Vertical Integration policy mandates safeguards, some exclusive content, programming flexibility

Columnist says the CRTC’s policy on vertical integration tries hard to balance the wants of Canadian television viewers with the commercial demands of the country’s largest vertically integrated broadcasters and television distributors, and the needs of the smaller and independent ones.

Sep 21, 2011 — Globe & Mail: CRTC rewrites rules for mobile broadcasting by Susan Krashinsky

The CRTC has introduced a new set of controls on how television content can be sold, in a move that will curb BCE Inc.’s plans to use programming to boost its wireless business.

Sep 21, 2011 — CBC News: CRTC sets rules on exclusive mobile video deals

The CRTC has ruled that companies such as Bell can't offer streamed hockey games or TV shows exclusively to their own mobile and internet customers — such content must also be available to competitors "under fair and reasonable terms."

Sep 21, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: CRTC Rules Against Exclusive TV Rights Deals by Etan Vlessing

The CRTC is forcing vertically integrated media groups to make all TV shows, including premium sporting events, available to competitors under fair and reasonable terms.

Sep 21, 2011 — StarPhoenix: Canada regulator tightens mobile, Internet rules

The CRTC says Canadian companies that own both television content and the means to distribute it will face tighter rules for selling programming rights to rivals.

Sep 17, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: Digital deluge by Vito Pilieci

TV antenna dealer is swamped by inquiries from consumers anxious to tune in to new digital signals.

Sep 17, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Rogers told to stop throttling online games by Sarah Schmidt

The CRTC has told Rogers Communications Inc. to come up with a plan before the end of September to stop slowing down the speed of online games.

Sep 16, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: CBC's 'level playing field' has $1.1-billion taxpayer-funded turf by J. Serge Sasseville

Quebecor Media's vice president of corporate and institutional affairs says CBC's vice-president of brand, communications and corporate affairs is stating halftruths to mask its misguided attempts at avoiding accountability.

Sep 15, 2011 — National Post: Jesse Kline: CRTC wants to control the volume on your television by Jesse Kline

Columnist says there is a possibility that a regulatory agency that figures it’s the government’s business to control the volume on our TVs has run out of useful things to do.

Sep 13, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: Get The Facts

The CBC responds to David Krayden's August 29 column about CBC/Radio-Canada.

Sep 13, 2011 — The Chronicle Herald: Astral pushes for CRTC to clamp down on Netflix by LuAnn LaSalle

Astral Media says foreign Internet competitors like Netflix should be subject to the same rules as Canadian broadcast providers.

Sep 13, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Quebecor survey just another attempt to tear down CBC by Bill Chambers

Writer takes issue with Montreal Gazette editorial regarding the use of taxpayers' money to defend the CBC's court case with the federal information commissioner.

Sep 13, 2011 — CBC News: TV ad volumes must be lowered

More than 7,000 Canadians responded to a call for comments from the CRTC on sound volume in ads and the overwhelming majority said loudness was a persistent problem.

Sep 13, 2011 — StarPhoenix: Rebuilt SCN unveils schedule by Will Chabun

Conceding it has a bit of the flavour of A&E in its early days, Bluepoint Broadcasting says SCN's business plan was loosely modelled on Alberta's Access TV network post-privatization, and might be replicated in other markets.

Sep 9, 2011 — CBC News: CBC, Bell join forces to bid for 2014 and 2016 Olympics

Columnist says a successful bid by the new bilateral partnership will combine the strength of CBC/Radio and Bell Media's Olympic broadcasting history to deliver to all Canadians, in English and French, the most comprehensive, diverse, and media-rich Games ever seen in Canada.

Sep 9, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Bell Media, CBC team up for Olympics bid by Susan Krashinsky

Columnist says he IOC potentially faces a situation where only one bid is submitted from Canada’s broadcast industry to broadcast the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, and the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Sep 8, 2011 — Yahoo!News: Poll suggests Canadians have no idea of CBC cost but believe whatever it is, it’s too much by Steve Mertl

An Abacus Data poll commissioned by QMI Agency and published in the Toronto Sun, suggests taxpayers underestimate how much the CBC gets from the federal government while at the same time most think it's getting too much.

Sep 8, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Rogers bows out of Olympic broadcasting by Susan Krashinsky

Rogers' media division declared itself out of the race for the Canadian rights to the Games in 2014 and 2016, to be held in Sochi, Russia, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, respectively.

Sep 8, 2011 — Toronto Sun: Time for the CBC to leave the nest by Ezra Levant

Columnist says a recent poll by Abacus Data Inc. says "the consensus groupthink in Canadian media - everyone agreeing how wonderful the CBC is - is not shared by grassroots Canadians."

Sep 6, 2011 — The Guardian: How Tony Blair was taken into the Murdoch family fold by William I. Macadam

Columnist reveals link in a magazine interview where she describes the ex-PM as one of her husband's 'closest friends'

Sep 6, 2011 — CJAD 800AM: Harper to hire nationalist advisor? by Trudie Mason

Columnist says Stephen Harper is hiring a former Conservative MP with nationalist leanings to be his advisor on Quebec issues. 

Sep 5, 2011 — Globe & Mail: We’re celebrating labour, but where are the shows about workers? by John Doyle

Columnist says Labour Day is a good day to think about work, and how work and labour are represented on television.

Sep 4, 2011 — New York Times: A Debate Arises on Job Creation and Environment by Motoko Rich and John Broder

Republicans and business groups argue that environmental protection is simply too expensive for a battered economy.

Sep 1, 2011 — CBC News: TV turns to digital from analog across Canada

Viewers who relied on outdoor antennas or rabbit ears for their television signal now need a converter box or a digital tuner in order to watch television.

Sep 1, 2011 — Calgary Herald: YouTube launches Canadian video rental service by Jameson Berkow

Columnist says the move to offer full-length films on top of the website's mostly user generated content represents the latest in a series of recent efforts to rival other video streaming providers such as Netflix Inc. and Hulu.

Sep 1, 2011 — Calgary Herald: Switch to digital TV causes little static by Eric Volmers

Columnist says the switch from analogue to digital TV signals did not seem to cause much panic or public outcry in Calgary, with local stations reporting only a minor number of calls about TV screens suddenly going blank.

Aug 29, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: It's time for the CBC to move out by David Krayden

Columnist says Stephen Harper needs to ask himself why this country needs a publicly funded radio and television network.

Aug 29, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Nearly half of Canadians oppose greater integration with U.S. law enforcement by Paola Loriggio

New report says Canadians consulted on a controversial border security deal still in the works with the United States aren’t sold on boosting collaboration between the two countries’ law-enforcement officials.

Aug 27, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Digital delay: Some broadcasters slowly getting the signal by Steve Faguy

Columnist says that despite having had four years to prepare, and despite the clearer high-definition picture and sound these digital transmitters provide, Canada’s broadcasters haven’t been very enthusiastic about switch from analog to digital.

Aug 26, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: Analog to digital TV switchover explained by Brad Oswald

Columnist says the reason for the switch from analog to digital is that it will free up unused bandwidth which will either be dedicated to emergency and security services or auctioned off to private-sector telephone and media companies.

Aug 25, 2011 — Toronto Star: Keep the news media free

Columnist says Quebec is considering passing a new law to regulate the news media and certify so-called “professional journalists” who would enjoy certain privileges, such as quicker access to government sources.

Aug 25, 2011 — Calgary Herald: Thousands could be left in the dark when TV signals shift to digital by Eric Volmers

FRIENDS says the government should follow the lead of the U.S., which subsidized low-income viewers and even some television channels to set up new digital transmitters.

Aug 23, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: FCC Eliminates Fairness Doctrine in Rules Shake-Up

The FCC says the controversial Fairness Doctrine and 82 other rules governing electronic media have been deemed obsolete and will therefore be abandoned.

Aug 23, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Part I: The growth of the network media economy, 1984-2010 by Dwayne Winseck

Columnist says that amidst all the interest-driven media and Internet policy discussions boiling away today, and as scribblers everywhere anticipate the end of television, newspaper, music or book industries, there’s something missing: evidence.

Aug 22, 2011 — CACTUS: URGENT - Sept. 6 is Deadline to Comment on New "Code of Access Best Practices"

The CRTC is asking for public comment on a draft "Code of Access Best Practices" set out by the Canada's cable companies.

Aug 22, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: Rogers Media Scraps French-Language Sports Channel Plans by Etan Vlessing

The Canadian broadcaster is pacting with TVA Group to help launch TVA Sports this September, in competition with RDS.

Aug 22, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Not your father’s rabbit ears by Kate Taylor

Enthusiasts point out that, because they are not compressed to be carried by cable or satellite, the over-the-air digital signals offer the highest definition images.

Aug 22, 2011 — New York Times: Comic’s PAC Is More Than a Gag by David Carr

Columnist says that while most of the news media continue to cover the coming election with long-running tropes Stephen Colbert has taken the equivalent of a political homework assignment and sprinkled a little silly sauce on top, and people seem happy to dig in.

Aug 21, 2011 — New York Times: Local TV Newscasts Expanding by Brian Stelter

The benefit of the industry’s bad times, executives say, is that it forced a hard look at local news operations.

Aug 19, 2011 — Calgary Herald: More Canadians cutting the cords and going wireless, CRTC says by Sarah Schmidt

The CRTC says Canadians are turning off their televisions and cutting their land lines in favour of online streaming and smartphones in record numbers.

Aug 19, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Sun News abandons free spot on the dial by Susan Krashinsky

At the end of October, Sun News will only be available through subscription services.

Aug 17, 2011 — StarPhoenix: Ready or not, digital TV is taking over by Conal Pierse

Analog television screens will turn to snow Aug. 31 as Canada switches to digital television broadcasts.

Aug 17, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: CBC wins one-year delay in digital TV switch by Vito Pilieci

With more than 600 towers that rebroadcast CBC signals to less populated areas, the national broadcaster said it simply can't afford to meet the CRTC's demands to beam high-quality and often high-definition digital TV signals to a majority of Canada's populace for free over the air.

Aug 16, 2011 — CBC News: CBC cleared to continue some analog TV signals

CBC will continue to broadcast analog over-the-air television signals from 22 transmitters that could have been shut down after the mandatory changeover to digital TV on Aug. 31.

Aug 14, 2011 — Globe & Mail: The Happy Gang revisited: charting the future of the CBC by Kate Taylor

Columnist says that as commercial choices and international choices proliferate, a public broadcaster of Canadian programming becomes more distinctive and more relevant, not less.

Aug 14, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Consider this: CBC Radio's Metro Morning in Toronto a model of success

Columnist says that Metro Morning – which draws one million listeners and has been number one in Canada’s largest city for the past eight years – is proof that excellence does not have to be elitist.

Aug 13, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Is network TV dying? Hardly by John Doyle

Columnist says that in talking to executives from the four major U.S. networks, nobody is worried about the end of network TV but everybody is concerned about changing viewing habits.

Aug 13, 2011 — Toronto Star: Telecoms lure ex-ministers into boardrooms by Michael Geist

Columnist says the mix between politics and telecom policy is nothing new - since telecom's beginnings as an industry, competition regulators have played a crucial role in establishing the limits of companies that have frequently enjoyed near-monopolistic market power.

Aug 11, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Canada may surf Super Wi-Fi wave by Jason Magder

Already approved for use in the U.S., Canada will consider clearing the way for the adoption of Super Wi-Fi - a wireless high-speed Internet with a range of up to 100 kilometres.

Aug 8, 2011 — Variety: Canada's CBC adds Walton to exec roster by Jennie Punter

The CBC has tapped former Echo Bridge Entertainment production exec Trevor J. Walton as executive director of commissioned and scripted programming for its English services.

Aug 8, 2011 — Daylife.com: How The BBC Is Quietly, Confidently Shaping The Future Of TV by Kit Eaton

Columnist says it's worth watching what the BBC gets up to with new technology, because what it's achieved is pointing to a new future in television.

Aug 7, 2011 — CBC News: Digital divide: DTV switch leaving some in dark by Peter Hadzipetros

As of August 31, 2011 the CRTC is requiring all broadcasters to go digital in 30 markets, including all provincial capitals and cities with a population of 300,000 or greater.

Aug 6, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: Rogers Media Bringing FX Networks To Canada by Etan Vlessing

The U.S. series Louie, starring Louis C.K., and Sons of Anarchy are coming to Canada after domestic broadcaster Rogers Media and FX Networks partnered to launch FX Canada.

Aug 5, 2011 — CBC News: CKLN will move to online broadcasting

CKLN, which was located at 88.1 on the FM dial, went off the air in April because the CRTC said the station was not complying with its licence.

Aug 5, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: CTV, union settle dispute by Jason Magder

Employees at Montreal's CTV News have settled their seven-month-long labour dispute with management.

Aug 4, 2011 — Cartt.ca: GTA broadcasters unite against Bell's CTV2 application by Greg O’Brien

Broadcasters in the Greater Toronto Area have told the CRTC nothing has changed since 2007 that should permit Bell Media to expand an additional conventional station in an already overcrowded GTA TV market.

Jul 30, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: PBS Is More Relevant Than Ever in the Age of Reality TV, Says Network President by Marisa Guthrie

"Our shareholders aren’t on Wall Street. They’re on Main Street," says Paula Kerger president of PBS.

Jul 30, 2011 — Toronto Star: A new reason to support the CBC by Don Tapscott

Columnist says the CBC supports diverse voices within the media landscape, and distinctive programming not available from any other broadcaster.

Jul 29, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Will Kirstine Stewart save the CBC? by Michael Posner

Columnist says FRIENDS has complained that the CBC's ratings gain has been built on the back of cheap, lowbrow American imports, such as Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Jul 28, 2011 — CBC News: How much Canadian content should there be on prime-time TV?

Canadians might soon be watching fewer Canadian-made shows during peak prime time hours under a new licensing policy by the CRTC.

Jul 27, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Canadian performers fear new CRTC rules will ghettoize homegrown shows

The CRTC says it's bringing in new rules to encourage bigger budget, higher quality Canadian programs, but homegrown performers fear the changes could ghettoize Canuck fare.

Jul 26, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Fast, affordable Internet about more than watching movies online by Roland Renner

Columnist says that for the CRTC and the Canadian film and video production industry, customers who use Internet video bypass the elaborate promotion of Canadian content.

Jul 25, 2011 — Calgary Herald: Would almost half of Canadians give up TV before phone or Internet, as the survey says? by Lee Rickwood

Columnist says giving up TV for the Internet is not really giving up TV at all.

Jul 25, 2011 — Calgary Herald: Netflix Canada: not bad, but not yet Canadian by Tim Teatro

Columnist says Netflix offers a disappointing lack of recent and high quality Canadian content.

Jul 23, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Telus head sets the record straight on usage-based billing by Robert McFarlane

Telus' executive vice-president and chief financial officer says mid-range Canadian Internet prices are actually about average when compared to other developed countries.

Jul 23, 2011 — New York Times: Hulu, Billed as Tomorrow’s TV, Looks Boxed In by Brian Stelter

Columnist says that for all the innovation that Hulu represents, the site also lays bare the gulf between what online viewers want and what TV companies are willing to give them.

Jul 21, 2011 — StarPhoenix: CBC focusing on new frontier by John Agnew

Managing director of CBC Saskatchewan says CBC formally asked for permission from the CRTC to continue broadcasting in analog in all those markets facing the loss of over-the-air service.

Jul 20, 2011 — BNN.ca: Postmedia a potential takeover target: RBC

According to a report by RBC Capital Markets, Postmedia's assets and mix of shareholders make it a potential takeover target

Jul 19, 2011 — Canoe.ca: CBC won't dish on party costs by Brian Lilley

Columnist says CBC won't disclose what it is spending on its 75th anniversary celebrations.

Jul 19, 2011 — Calgary Herald: Bell's claims of Internet congestion may be overblown by Michael Geist

Columnist says CRTC commissioners have recognized that proposals based on limiting the volume of Internet use are not only bad policy but are ineffective in dealing with network congestion.

Jul 16, 2011 — Playback: TVO’s IdeaShaker turns its focus to tablets by Emily Claire Afan

With unit shipments of media tablets around the world expected to grow from current 17 million to 145 million in 2015, TVO is readying its foray into the space with its forthcoming video app players.

Jul 14, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: Letter to the Toronto Sun editor

CBC says Sun Media has published incorrect information about CBC/Radio-Canada regarding reports that "the latest federal budget quietly gave the CBC an extra $60 million in welfare."

Jul 14, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: CBC 'has to do its part,' minister says

CBC/Radio-Canada could see its federal funding cut in the next budget, Heritage Minister James Moore says.

Jul 13, 2011 — Toronto Star: Sun Media ditches press council, citing issues with ‘political correctness’ by Allison Jones

Sun Media has pulled its newspapers out of the Ontario Press Council, complaining about the “politically correct mentality” of the province’s print-media watchdog.

Jul 13, 2011 — Toronto Sun: Tories take us for fools on CBC

Editorial states that the latest federal budget quietly gave the CBC an extra $60 million which can be handed back to the government in order to meet demands to find 5% efficiencies within the CBC.

Jul 13, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: CRTC postpones CBC/Radio-Canada’s licence renewal hearings by Hubert Lacroix

CBC President thanks all those who submitted interventions to the CRTC re: CBC's upcoming license renewal.

Jul 13, 2011 — Canada.com: Sun Media embracing 'shock value' over accountability: media watchdog by Bradley Bouzane

Jeffrey Dvorkin of the Organization of News Ombudsmen says the departure of the Sun Media chain of newspapers from Ontario's print media watchdog is a blow to the accountability of Sun publications and does not bode well for the company going forward.

Jul 12, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: Heritage Minister James Moore on Q

James Moore, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, says FRIENDS has "lied to the public about what our government has done."

Jul 12, 2011 — StarPhoenix: Murdoch pressured to rethink British bid by Kate Holton and Georgina Prodhan

The British government has asked a media regulator and consumer watchdog to reassess the Rupert Murdoch's bid to purchase BSkyB in light of a phone hacking scandal, a move that could provide a basis to block the buyout.

Jul 11, 2011 — Newsweek: Murdoch’s Watergate? by Carl Bernstein

Columnist says Rupert Murdoch's anything-goes approach has spread through journalism like a contagion, but it now threatens to undermine the influence he so covets.

Jul 8, 2011 — Calgary Herald: Internet major player in ethical issues arising from News of the World scandal by Laura Baziuk

Columnist says the closure of a bestselling British tabloid over a phone-hacking scandal has thrown journalistic ethics back into the hot seat.

Jul 8, 2011 — National Post: Rupert Murdoch’s epic smash-up by Robert Fulford

Columnist says The News of the World will forever be known as the first publishers ever so consumed by shame and humiliation that they felt compelled to close the doors of a successful paper.

Jul 8, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: CRTC Delays CBC License Renewal Hearing To 2012 by Etan Vlessing

A question mark over government funding for Canada's public broadcaster has pushed upcoming license renewal hearings to June 2012.

Jul 8, 2011 — CBC News: CRTC enforcement of net neutrality lax: advocate

Michael Geist, the Canada Research Chair of Internet and E-commerce Law at the University of Ottawa suggests the federal communications regulator's response to consumer complaints has been "superficial" and that complaints are "often dismissed without serious inquiry."

Jul 8, 2011 — CBC News: CBC licence-renewal process delayed by CRTC

The CRTC has postponed hearings to renew broadcast licences for CBC/Radio-Canada until next year after numerous interveners have requested a postponement to the licence renewal process.

Jul 8, 2011 — iPolitics: CBC licence hearing delay fuels speculation about budget cuts by by Elizabeth Thompson

Speculation that the government is preparing to slash the CBC’s budget is on the rise after the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission announced it is postponing the CBC’s licence renewal hearing for almost a year.

Jul 6, 2011 — Newad: Newad reveals the results of a pan-Canadian survey on the habits of 18-to-34 year-old adults

A survey conducted by Newad in collaboration with TNS Canada reveals that 18-to-34 year-old Canadians  surpass the total Canadian adult population in their use of the web, mobiles and social networks.

Jul 4, 2011 — Chronicle Herald: Arts and culture: making the case for federal cash by Dan Leger

Columnist says there's little political capital in recognizing that many Canadians value the arts and treasure how they define our country.

Jul 4, 2011 — CBC/Radio Canada: CBC's pitch for support of its CRTC licence renewal applications

Canada's public broadcaster outlines its requests to the CRTC in their license renewal application.

Jul 3, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Terry Milewski: an equal-opportunity offender by John Allemang

CBC Senior Political Correspondent, Terry Milewski, says Canada suffers from an outrage shortage.

Jul 2, 2011 — Toronto Star: Geist: Why competition holds the key to a broken broadcast system by Michael Geist

Columnist says that after the CRTC's hearing on the consolidation of the Canadian communications market the only obvious conclusion from the hundreds of submissions and hours of debate is that Canada’s broadcast law framework is broken.

Jun 29, 2011 — Canadian Actors' Equity Association: Potential Loss of Annual Funding is Attack on the Arts

Equity condemns the Finance Minister's recent statements warning arts institutions to "stay on their toes" on the assumption that grants to cultural institutions and festivals will not be automatically continued.

Jun 26, 2011 — Toronto Star: CRTC faces charges of bias in online video consultation by Michael Geist

Columnist says there is a pervasive sense that the CRTC is caving to pressure from a small group of powerful stakeholders without regard for consumer interests.

Jun 24, 2011 — National Post: Canada Post's defenders destroy their own argument by Lorne Gunter

Equating government funding to the CBC to goverment funding for Canada Post, Columnist says Canadians are free to listen to whatever they like, but not to expect taxpayers to subsidize personal preference.

Jun 24, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Slim and skewed: C.D. Howe report on media ownership misses big picture by Dwayne Winseck

Columnist says C.D. Howe report on media ownership misses the big picture with not "one wild-eyed crazy lawyer, not a single communication or media scholar or a historian" on the panel of authors.

Jun 23, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: CRTC wants Shaw's help to draft new rules by Jamie Sturgeon

Columnist says the CRTC has asked Shaw Communications Inc. to draft rules that would curb it and other giants in the sector from using "excessive market power" against smaller firms.

Jun 23, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Integrated media market open to abuse, Cogeco tells CRTC by Susan Krashinsky

Cogeco says integrated media companies that own both TV channels and the means to distribute them are playing with “money that goes from the left hand to the right hand within the same entity” – a reality that opens the market up to abuse.

Jun 23, 2011 — CRTC: CRTC response to FRIENDS' request by Robert Morin

The CRTC responds to FRIENDS' June 20th request to extend the July 18 deadline for comments from Canadians regarding the licence renewals of the CBC’s various services.

Jun 22, 2011 — Playback: Fewer regs and stable coin on CBC/Radio-Canada wishlist by Etan Vlessing

CBC/Radio-Canada is pushing for stable funding and less regulation as it heads towards radio and TV license renewal hearings before the CRTC.

Jun 21, 2011 — Playback: Rogers’ mobile TV stance under attack at CRTC hearings by Etan Vlessing

Columnist says Quebecor CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau has played the Netflix card by urging the CRTC to end red tape for Canadian carriers to help them fend off competition from over-the-top U.S. digital platforms.

Jun 20, 2011 — CTV News: Telcoms big and small to face CRTC in digital content hearings by LuAnn LaSalle

With more and more TV content in Canada being delivered online through mobile devices, Canadian regulators open hearings on possible measures to ensure a level field for service providers.

Jun 18, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: The CBC deserves a better argument by Brian Lee Crowley

Columnist says the CBC should be justifying its continued existence based on the benefit it provides, not on what it costs Canadians.

Jun 17, 2011 — Playback: CRTC: Has the CBC strayed from its pubcaster mandate? by Etan Vlessing

The CBC’s relevance with Canadians, and whether it should distinguish itself from its private sector rivals, are the focus of the CRTC’s online probe before hearings on renewing the network’s radio and TV licenses start on September 12th.

Jun 17, 2011 — Yahoo! News: Is the CBC’s funding in jeopardy under a Stephen Harper majority? by Andy Radia

A recent report, commissioned by the CBC and prepared by Deloitte & Touche, claims the public broadcaster contributed $3.7 billion in "gross value added" to the Canadian economy in 2010 based on expenses of $1.7 billion.

Jun 15, 2011 — Playback: CBC/Radio Canada of net benefit to Canada, study says by Etan Vlessing

CBC/Radio Canada offers a net benefit to the Canadian economy, according to a Deloitte and Touche LLP report commissioned by the public broadcaster.

Jun 15, 2011 — Playback: Rogers, Netflix square off in Banff by Etan Vlessing

Columnist says the Netflix Canada debate continued to dominate the Banff World Media Festival, with industry players warning against OTT digital platforms.

Jun 15, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: NBC Chairman Robert Greenblatt Shares His Plan to Rebuild the Network (Exclusive Q&A) by Kim Masters, Lacey Rose

New NBC Chairman says he "would like to revive the brand that used to exist, which is innovative, fresh, bold, original, upscale and groundbreaking at times."

Jun 14, 2011 — CTV News: CRTC chief talks legislation for services such as Netflix by Marsha Lederman

The CRTC has raised the possibility of legislation to deal with the onslaught of so-called over-the-top services such as Netflix, Google TV and Apple TV.

Jun 14, 2011 — CBC News: Que. man crusades against switch to digital TV

A Quebec City man is trying to draw attention to his fight to be able to keep watching Hockey Night in Canada for free after the CRTC's August 31 deadline for over-the-air television broadcasters to switch their analog signals to digital.

Jun 13, 2011 — Globe & Mail: CBC Television: From arts champion to glorified karaoke club by John Doyle

Columnist says the CBC is reneging on its responsibility as a public broadcaster by failing to present the arts to Canadians on TV.

Jun 12, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Media festival shines positive spotlight on future of Canadian television by Marsha Lederman

Columnist says The Banff World Media Festival kicked off with a look at the state of the Canadian television industry, which, according to the high-powered panelists, is exciting - with tremendous changes that will provide new opportunities for broadcasters, content providers and viewers.

Jun 9, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Goodbye cable bills, now I get my TV for free by Michael Snider

Columnist explains his take on switching to OTA, why he did it, what it cost and how it has changed his household’s viewing habits.

Jun 8, 2011 — Playback: Cancon drives CBC to second place by Etan Vlessing

Columnist says the CBC's consistent ratings for homegrown shows like Rick Mercer Report and Dragons’ Den has allowed the it to vault over Global Television and Citytv in the Canadian broadcast league table.

Jun 8, 2011 — Mediacaster: CBC Builds on Success with Fall TV, Digital Strategy

CBC Executive Vice-President sets out what the public broadcaster has in store for the next five years, including plans to introduce new online and digital media services and an increase in regional programming.

Jun 8, 2011 — Deloitte & Touche LLP: The Economic Impact of CBC/Radio- Canada

Deloitte & Touche study estimates the contribution of CBC/Radio-Canada to the Canadian economy, or the gross value added (“GVA”), in 2010 was $3.7 billion, arising from an expenditure of $1.7 billion.

Jun 7, 2011 — Playback: Ottawa confirms CBC and CMF funding in budget by Etan Vlessing

Columnist says Finance minister Jim Flaherty made good on an earlier commitment to give the Canada Media Fund $100 million per year in on-going funding, and for the ninth year running gave the CBC “one-time” funding of $60 million.

Jun 4, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Canadian cellphone costs inflated by restrictions: Globalive by Scott Simpson

Globalive Chairman says federal laws that restrict foreign investment are keeping mobile phone costs unnecessarily high for Canadian consumers.

Jun 4, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: Robertson to anchor last CTV newscast on Sept. 1

CTV News anchor Lloyd Robertson says he will host his last CTV newscast on Sept. 1 and give over the anchor chair to Lisa Laflamme on Sept. 5.

Jun 3, 2011 — Daily Gleaner: Grad student honoured with Camp award by Tara Chislett

Nancy Black's winning essay, "Dismantling the Scarecrow: An Exploration into Calgary's Cultural Coming of Age", explores the role of social, political and media institutions in defining culture in Calgary.

Jun 3, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: CRTC rejects Globalive complaint that Rogers drops too many roaming calls by Sunny Freeman

Columnist says customers of Wind Mobile and other new wireless players will continue to face dropped calls when roaming onto another network after the CRTC has refused to intervene.

Jun 3, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: CRTC launches online consultation on billing

The CRTC is asking the public to comment on how cable and telephone companies charge Internet service providers for their wires.

Jun 2, 2011 — Toronto Star: Dismantling the Scarecrow by Nancy Black

Dalton Camp Award Winner Nancy Black probes Calgary’s social, political, and media institutions to understand the extent to which the stereotype of Calgary as a predominantly isolationist culture continues to hold true.

Jun 2, 2011 — Toronto Star: WikiLeaks, Canadian media and democracy: Media with a face by Joshua Noble

Dalton Camp Award finalist Joshua Noble says there is no doubt that in daily journalism practice, Canadian democracy needs a media with a face.

Jun 2, 2011 — Toronto Star: How Canadian newspaperwomen won the vote by Megan Cécile Radford

Dalton Camp Award finalist Megan Cécile Radford says what was considered a women’s issue was plunged into the general discourse by the women of the media, helping to usher in a new era of democracy when suffrage was won.

Jun 1, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Ottawa wavering on telecom restrictions by Steven Chase & Iain Marlow

Columnists say the Conservative government is sounding more ambiguous and indefinite on its vow to allow foreign investors a bigger stake in the telecom industry.

Jun 1, 2011 — Sun News: Sun News interview with Margie Gillis

Sun News host Krista Erickson challenges Canadian dance icon Margie Gillis on the public funding she's received over her 39-year career.

May 31, 2011 — Canoe.ca: Paradis to proceed cautiously on telecom portfolio by Stefania Moretti

Columnist says Industry Minister Christian Paradis is noticeably less aggressive on plans to open up Canada’s telecommunications industry to foreign-owned companies than his predecessor.

May 29, 2011 — Toronto Star: Geist: What Harper's ministers should be doing digitally by Michael Geist

Columnist explores what Canadians focused on digital policies might say in their mandate letters to new Cabinet Ministers if they were given the chance.

May 27, 2011 — Calgary Herald: Canadian TV deregulation urged by Jason Magder and Jamie Sturgeon

Head of Quebecor Media says rather than regulate Netflix, as television operators suggested in a letter to the CRTC, all existing regulations should be eliminated to make the playing field more fair.

May 26, 2011 — News Article: Why Harper’s majority is good news for the left by Gerry Nicholls

The former vice-president of the National Citizens Coalition says Stephen Harper’s recent majority victory may motivate people to support organizations that are seen to defend their progressive values.

May 26, 2011 — Newswire: CBC Takes First Steps to Improve Service for Millions as Part of "Everyone, Every Way" 2015 Strategic Plan

CBC announced the first details of an initiative with an increased local focus, part of its recent commitment under the 2015 strategic plan "Everyone, Every Way," to introduce or improve services to more than six million Canadians.

May 25, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Shaw changes pricing plans in response to public outcry by Iain Marlow

Shaw Communications Inc. has become the first telecom company to alter its pricing plans as a result of public outcry over Internet pricing in Canada, more than doubling the amount users can download while introducing new, unlimited plans.

May 24, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: Broadcasters vs. free Internet streaming by Michael Geist

Columnist says claims that broadcast versions of free streamed programs have no market value may be an exaggeration, but there is a harsh truth in the reality that Internet streaming is having a disruptive effect on both Canadian broadcasters and broadcast distributors.

May 22, 2011 — Toronto Sun: Levant: Time to cut public funding for so-called musicians by Ezra Levant

Columnist says Stephen Harper should privatize the CBC and to get out of the business of funding grants for Canadian musicians.

May 21, 2011 — Globe & Mail: CKLN: From revolution to radio silence by Adrian Morrow

Earlier this year, the CRTC pulled CKLN's license in the wake of an internal power struggle two years ago and has now lost its radio frequency and is confined to broadcasting online.

May 21, 2011 — Variety: German pubcasters hone new edge by Ed Meza

German pubcasters are taking a radical approach as they seek to shed their stodgy, geriatric image in an effort to attract more youthful audiences.

May 20, 2011 — Playback: CBC goes to pilot with a police procedural by Etan Vlessing

Phyllis Platt, CBC Television’s interim executive director, confirmed the pubcaster is going to pilot with Cracked, a police drama from White Pine Pictures.

May 20, 2011 — Sun News: Minister Moore speaks to Sun TV's Krista Erickson

Federal Heritage Minister James Moore takes Sun News anchor Krista Erickson to task on her reference to the CBC as a "state broadcaster."

May 17, 2011 — Globe & Mail: ‘Ill-prepared’ NDP strikes dissonant chord in pressing arts agenda by Jane Taber

Columnist says NDP MPs were accused of being ill prepared during a new conference set to highlight the need for more arts funding and artist support.

May 16, 2011 — Cartt.ca: The Cartt.ca INTERVIEW: OpenMedia.ca's Steve Anderson talks about its creation, funding and UBB by Perry Hoffman

Steve Anderson, founder and executive director of OpenMedia.ca, describes the mission of the consumer advocacy organization with respect to the ongoing battle over usage-based billing as ensuring Canadians have access to an open and affordable Internet.

May 14, 2011 — The Independent: Christopher Bland: A gross media manipulation that has eroded public trust in Government

Columnist says Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair's Director of Communications and Strategy, used the faults of the BBC to draw attention away from a real threat to the Government's credibility.

May 12, 2011 — Globe & Mail: BCE gets boost from its investment in TV by Iain Marlow

Columnist says BCE expects a strong financial boost from buying the CTV network, the valuable TSN franchise and other specialty channels for $1.3-billion, a deal that closed earlier than expected.

May 12, 2011 — CRTC: CRTC finds that radio stations are supporting new Canadian artists

The CRTC says two studies on the airplay given to new Canadian artists indicate that no new regulations are required at this time since these artists are receiving adequate airplay.

May 11, 2011 — CBC News: CRTC kills changes to false news rules by Laura Payton

The CRTC has announced that it has decided not to pursue changes to broadcast regulations that would have narrowed a prohibition on false or misleading news.

May 9, 2011 — Variety: Canada culture anxiety by Brendan Kelly

FRIENDS says there is a wariness in the film and television industry towards the new Conservative majority government.

May 6, 2011 — eChannel News: CRTC requires Bell TV and Shaw Direct to carry more local television stations

The CRTC updated its satellite distribution policy to require Bell TV and Shaw Direct to carry all local television stations supported by the Local Programming Improvement Fund.

May 6, 2011 — Critics at Large: Lamenting Canada's Public Broadcaster: Does it Matter? by Shlomo Schwartzberg

After being impressed by CBC's coverage of the federal election, Sclomo Swartzberg discusses the need for a public broadcaster in Canada.

May 5, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: CRTC gives local programs a hand by Jason Magder

CRTC has ordered Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. and Shaw Communications Inc. to carry more local stations starting on Sept. 1.

May 5, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Telus CEO says easing foreign ownership restrictions must be fair to all players by LuAnn LaSalle

Telus CEO says only easing restrictions for small wireless players disadvantages a number of companies that have taken the biggest risks and invested heavily in technology.

May 4, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: News Corp. Quarterly Earnings No Match for 'Avatar'-Fueled Year-Ago Period by Georg Szalai

The entertainment conglomerate's profit for its fiscal third quarter drops 24 percent, but the broadcast and cable TV units record strong growth as Fox News posts its highest quarterly profit ever.

May 4, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: CRTC sets high-speed internet deadline by Jameson Berkow

The CRTC expects 100% of the Canadian population to have access to high-speed Internet service by mid-decade.

May 3, 2011 — Calgary Herald: Aritha Van Herk among six named to Alberta Order of Excellence

FRIENDS Steering Committee Member Aritha Van Herk is among six Albertans named to the Alberta Order of Excellence.

May 3, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Sun News Network pulled from Bell TV in fee dispute by Susan Krashinsky

Canada's newest 24-hour news channel, Sun News Network, has been yanked off the air by Bell TV in a dispute about fees.

May 3, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Why did we ignore Obama’s social media lesson? by Don Tapscott

Columnist says that after watching how Barack Obama revolutionized campaigning for the digital age, it’s bizarre that the parties in our election all ran old-style campaigns of the broadcast era.

May 3, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Tories likely to boost foreign ownership in telecom industry: analysts by LuAnn LaSalle

Columnist says analysts predict that a Conservative majority government will likely mean more foreign ownership in Canada's telecom industry, fostering competition that will ultimately benefit consumers.

May 3, 2011 — CBC News: CBC funding secure, heritage minister says

Conservative Heritage Minister James Moore says his government believes in the CBC as a key cultural institution and has no plans to cut its funding following his party's recent electoral victory.

May 2, 2011 — Globe & Mail: As shown during this election, TV is clueless about TV by John Doyle

Columnist says the fact that there is widespread puzzlement about the surge in NDP support at the end of the federal election campaign underlines the faults of TV coverage.

Apr 30, 2011 — Toronto Star: Harper ducks questions on Governor General and coalition by Robert Benzie

Columnist says an invite-only group of Tory supporters tried to shout CBC Reporter Terry Milewski down after asking Stephern Harper if he would honour any decision by the Governor General to invite the NDP Leader to form a government if the Tories fail to win a majority.

Apr 30, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Video: Tory supporters boo CBC reporter

Conservative supporters booed CBC journalist Terry Milewski at a GTA campaign stop after he challenged Stephen Harper on whether he would accept a decision by the Governor General to hand power to the opposition parties in the wake of the May 2 election.

Apr 30, 2011 — National Post: Why are Harper supporters heckling the media? by John Ivison

Columnist says supporters of Stephen Harper called for the shut down of the CBC during a campaign stop in Richmond Hill.

Apr 29, 2011 — StarPhoenix: Think about your vote by Irene Hall

Columnist says FRIENDS warns how Stephen Harper is destroying the CBC by cutting funding and and by appointing people to control the CRTC who are in favour of his agenda.

Apr 28, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Don't allow content-hording, Telus urges CRTC by Jason Magder

Telecommunications company Telus Corp. is urging the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission not to allow its competitors to horde the content for the exclusive use of their subscribers.

Apr 28, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: All Canadians deserve to be connected by Shireen Jeejeebhoy

Columnist says: "When you're isolated through illness, injury, or poverty, the Internet provides you with the only social life you may have."

Apr 28, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: What's missing from this picture? The Tories by Jamie Portman

Columnist says the Conservative Party's election platform is sparse on culture and that Tory candidates won't turn up to discuss it.

Apr 26, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: What would a Harper majority look like? by Andrew Cohen

Columnist says with a Conservative majority, Stephen Harper may slash public services, eventually starving or selling the CBC.

Apr 26, 2011 — Canada.com: Harper government, enemy of the arts? by Jamie Portman

FRIENDS says in key cultural areas, such as broadcasting, the government has shown "a slender attachment to the truth."

Apr 25, 2011 — Peterborough Examiner: Del Mastro called broadcasting advocacy group spokesman a fraud just prior to election call By Brendan Wedley

Columnist says Conservative incumbent Dean Del Mastro called FRIENDS spokesperson a fraud one week before the Tory government fell on a contempt of Parliament motion.

Apr 24, 2011 — Rabble.ca: A glimpse behind the curtain that hides the Harper Conservatives: Are plans afoot to kill the CBC? by David J. Climenhaga

At an all candidates meeting, an Alberta Conservative MP says "I don't know that we need a national broadcaster in 2011… We have to wean them off … of the taxpayer's dollar…"

Apr 23, 2011 — New York Times: BBC, Under Criticism, Struggles to Tighten Its Belt by Sarah Lyall and Eric Pfanner

Television producer and media analyst Paul Pazalgette says, "In the Internet age, in a Tower of Babel of rumor and paranoia and the place where people think that Elvis is alive, Paul McCartney is dead and the Jews blew up the Twin Towers, there is more of an argument than ever for an independent, state-funded, trusted and reliable source of news and information."

Apr 21, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Arts groups launch election manifesto by Jamie Portman

More than 70 arts services organizations from British Columbia to Newfoundland have joined ranks to issue an unprecedented election manifesto calling on politicians of all stripes to safeguard federal cultural institutions such as the CBC and Canada Council for the Arts.

Apr 21, 2011 — Cartt.ca: COMMENTARY: Are our regs coming apart at the streams? by Greg O’Brien

Columnist says we're approaching a point where digital, ubiquitous, instant, global content delivery now means our Canadian-made shows will have to sink or swim on their merits as a business, competing actively, globally, where the home-town funding props we’ve become accustomed to become unsustainable.

Apr 21, 2011 — Liberal Party of Canada: Press Release: Michael Ignatieff announces new support for Canadian artists

The Liberal Party says they will provide the CBC and Radio-Canada with stable and predictable funding in support of their unique and crucial roles as well as double funding to the Canada Council for the Arts.

Apr 20, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Lights might switch off in Phoenix, but TV stays on by David Shoalts

Columnist says that while the Phoenix Coyotes may play their last game in the desert, there is one big reason why the NHL has fought long and hard to prevent a possible franchise move to Winnipeg: Television.

Apr 20, 2011 — CBC - Power and Politics podcast: Conservative Senator Pam Wallin accuses the CBC of bias

Conservative Senator Pam Wallin says that the CBC is giving Michael Ignatieff a disproportionate amount of coverage because “the CBC (is) concerned about what will happen with its funding.”

Apr 19, 2011 — Cartt.ca: Group Licensing: Von Finckenstein 'disappointed" during hearing's final days by Perry Hoffman

Columnist says that while Bell Media maintains its position on symmetrical regulation of Canadian content spending requirements Rogers Media has shocked commissioners by asking to be excluded from the group licensing regime.

Apr 19, 2011 — TheRecord.com: Braid faces feisty crowd at forum by Frances Barrick

Kitchener Waterloo Conservative incumbent accuses the former Liberal government of cutting CBC funding while the Liberal candidate says they had no choice as the previous Conservative government had built up a deficit.

Apr 19, 2011 — Toronto.com: Salem: Rookie TV mistakes for Sun News Network on Day 1 by Rob Salem

Columnist says "There is no doubt that Sun News' annoying, over-amped introductory enthusiasm will soon settle down into something merely loudly contentious."

Apr 18, 2011 — Canadian Press: Sun News anchor featured as Sunshine Girl as network set to launch

The Sun News Network heralded its launch by featuring Krista Erickson, who will host a daily show from 3 to 5 p.m., as a Sunshine Girl in the company’s newspaper chain.

Apr 18, 2011 — News Article: Canada's Fox News North to Launch Monday by Etan Vlessing

Columnist says Canadian conservatives get their own 24 hour all-news channel modeled on Fox News Channel in the U.S. market.

Apr 18, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Sun News Network hits the airwaves with a hard right By Steve Ladurantaye

Columnist says after a year of preparations, the all-news network wasted little time in hammering home its message of "hard news and straight talk" with frequent attacks on the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. and other media outlets that "want the government to do everything."

Apr 15, 2011 — National Post: CanCon, the Opera by Terence Corcoran

Columnist says Canada’s cultural industries — telecoms, broadcasters, TV networks, filmmakers —  want the Internet controlled through new rules and new charges that would expand their existing protection.

Apr 15, 2011 — Wire Report: Quebecor to replace over-the-air Sun TV signal with all-news channel programming

Quebecor Media Inc.’s new Sun News Network will air its programming on the company’s Toronto conventional station Sun TV to deliver the all-news channel into Ontario living rooms.

Apr 15, 2011 — Toronto Star: Uncle Sun wants you! by Geoff Pevere

Columnist says the extent to which Canadians are ready to act like the Fox News approximation of Americans will play a key role in the successful selling of Sun TV’s hard news and straight talk stance.

Apr 14, 2011 — Wire Report: CRTC working group joins call for proceeding on Netflix

A CRTC working group, tasked with looking at over-the-top programming services, asked the commission in an April 1 letter to open a proceeding on “whether and how such non-Canadian companies [like Netflix] should support Canadian cultural programming.”

Apr 14, 2011 — The Wire Report: Rogers says CRTC's group-licensing framework too onerous, asks to pull out by Mark Burgess

Rogers Communications Inc. says it wants out of the CRTC’s group licensing framework, telling commissioners that it can’t meet the policy’s requirements for Canadian programming expenditures.

Apr 12, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: May accuses TV media of 'spectacular hypocrisy' by Doug Ward

Green Party leader faults broadcasters and the other party leaders for refusing to change the debate format to allow her participation, while being willing to switch the day of the Frenchlanguage debate because of a Stanley Cup hockey game.

Apr 11, 2011 — StarPhoenix: Consortium bumps up French debate to avoid Habs-Bruins conflict by Tobi Cohen and Monique Muise

Columnist says the consortium of broadcasters behind the televised leaders' debates has agreed to bump the French language event up a day to in order to avoid having to compete with Thursday's Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins game for viewers.

Apr 11, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: CRTC gives its blessing for marriage of XM, Sirius satellite radio in Canada

Apr 11, 2011 — National Post: CRTC approves Sirius-XM Canada deal

More than two years after their U.S. affiliates joined forces, Canada’s two satellite radio companies have been given clearance for their own merger.

Apr 9, 2011 — Wall Street Journal: Cable, Innovative? You Don't Say!

Columnist says cable TV's iPad apps are just another attempt to hold back the digital tide.

Apr 8, 2011 — Calgary Herald: CBC looks ahead with ambitious five-year plan by Eric Volmers

The head of CBC/Radio Canada says the public broadcaster is moving ahead with its plan to increase local and regional news, enhance its digital platforms and generally make the CBC more Canadian as part of a five-year strategy.

Apr 7, 2011 — Calgary Herald: Newspapers won’t disappear: Postmedia president

Postmedia, which owns several large Canadian dailies, including the National Post, filed documents recently with Canadian securities regulators indicating its intention to list on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Apr 6, 2011 — News Article: Canadian producers, broadcasters agree to terms by Brendan Kelly

Columnist says new deal gives producers more power when negotiating license deals with the likes of Shaw Media, CTV, Rogers, Astral and Corus.

Apr 6, 2011 — Toronto Star: Harper and Ignatieff to face off in leaders’ debates, after all

Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff will square off face-to-face for 6 minutes during each of the nationally televised debates April 12 (English) and April 14 (French).

Apr 5, 2011 — CTV News: Greens' bid to get into leaders' debates rejected

Federal Court of Appeal Judge Marc Nadon decides he will not expedite the court process, meaning a decision cannot come down in time for Green Party Leader Elizabeth May to join the debate.

Apr 5, 2011 — Canadian Heritage: Check Your Television Sets

The Department of Canadian Heritage explains how Canadians will be affected by the transition to digital broadcasting.

Apr 5, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Elizabeth May unlikely to join leaders debate after judge dismisses Green party's court case by Carmen Chai

Columnist says Green leader Elizabeth May likely won't appear in the televised leaders' debates, after a Federal Court judge shot down a last-ditch attempt to expedite her party's case.

Apr 5, 2011 — Cartt.ca: Group Licensing: "You're nickel and diming us" on Cancon, Bell Media told by Perry Hoffman

CRTC chair Konrad von Finckenstein says that Bell Media is taking a “one step forward and two steps backward” approach to its Canadian content commitments.

Apr 3, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: May going to court over debate exclusion; Legal appeal to be heard on Tuesday

Green Party lawyer Peter Rosenthal will appear on behalf of May before the Federal Court of Appeal in Ottawa where the Court will determine whether it will hear May's application.

Apr 3, 2011 — Cartt.ca: ELECTION: Libs want neutral network; would use spectrum auction cash to fund broadband for all by Perry Hoffman

Liberals have proposed to use the proceeds from the upcoming auction of the 700 MHz and 2500 MHz bands to bring high-speed Internet connectivity to every single household in Canada within three years.

Apr 1, 2011 — Toronto Star: BCE completes $3.2B acquisition of CTV

The CRTC has ordered BCE to invest $245 million in the Canadian broadcasting industry, including $100 million to commission independently produced programs of national interest such as drama and comedy series.

Apr 1, 2011 — Playback: Bell Media launches with Mobile TV service by Katie Bailey

Columnist says Bell Media has come out with a strong statement in the mobile arena by tying the debut of a new mobile content media package to the official announcement that it has completed its acquisition of CTV.

Apr 1, 2011 — TVTechnology: Canada's Minimalist Approach to the DTV Transition by James Careless

Columnist says the Canadian media is not focused on the approaching analog TV shutdown, and hence, the public that relies on it.

Mar 31, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: The Office of the Ombudsman: The consortium decision on the leaders' election debates

CBC Ombudsman says the obligation to provide equitable coverage does not mean the need to provide equal coverage, and there is reason to believe that media will find many other ways to integrate the Green Party into political journalism.

Mar 31, 2011 — Globe & Mail: A look at the CRTC from the inside out by Duncan Stewart

Columnist weighs in on the decision to hold a recent CRTC meeting under Chatham House Rules, in which participants can share what they heard, but not who said it or with which organization they are affiliated.

Mar 31, 2011 — Straight.com: Vancouver turns 125: Top 10 pioneers of Vancouver's screen scene by Ken Eisner

Columnist says from directors making gritty indies to intrepid producers and inspired editors, these 10 trailblazers pointed the way for moviemakers to come.

Mar 31, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: CBC-TV doesn't need 'crutches' like Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune

CBC-TV says it is reducing the amount of U.S. programming on the main network, calling its reliance on foreign imports "a crutch."

Mar 29, 2011 — StarPhoenix: Bell withdraws usage-based billing proposal by Matt Hartley

Bell has put forth a proposal for a new pricing model that charges third party Internet service providers for the total amount of data they use.

Mar 28, 2011 — CBC News: Air Farce actor Roger Abbott dies

Roger Abbott, co-founder of the political satire group Royal Canadian Air Farce, has died 14 years after being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Mar 25, 2011 — Chronicle Herald: High court to eye web copyright

The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to look at the question of copyright on material downloaded from the Internet.

Mar 24, 2011 — Playback: Shaw cuts 500 jobs by Etan Vlessing

Shaw Communications has eliminated around 500 jobs in western Canada as part of a surprise restructuring.

Mar 23, 2011 — Canada.com: New CRTC VP tells critics he earned posting by Carmen Chai

The newly appointed vice-chairman of the CRTC says he earned his high-ranking posting following interviews and rigorous screening.

Mar 22, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: Government of Canada renews investment in CBC/Radio-Canada

The Government of Canada announced that the investment of $60 million in funding that CBC/Radio-Canada been receiving since 2001 for Canadian programming initiatives has been renewed for another year.

Mar 22, 2011 — Toronto Sun: Harper government blocks release of CBC information by Brian Lilley

Columnist says the federal government has stripped out relevant information from documents it released about the CBC.

Mar 21, 2011 — Toronto Star: McQuaig: Luxury for the rich but ‘realism’ for the rest of us by Linda McQuaig

Columnist asks if CBC executives consider Kevin O’Leary’s "homage to greed" a profound message for Canadians.

Mar 21, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: Get The Facts

Letter to MP Dean Del Mastro clarifying that CBC/Radio-Canada has no relationship with FRIENDS.

Mar 20, 2011 — The Guardian: BBC World Service to sign funding deal with US state department by Ben Dowell

Columnist says the BBC World Service is to receive a "significant" sum of money from the US government to help combat the blocking of TV and internet services in countries including Iran and China.

Mar 18, 2011 — Toronto Star: Liberals ads finally turn tigerish by Heather Mallick

Columnist says Stephen Harper is trying to create a new Canada, a place without kindness, decency and truth.

Mar 18, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: CRTC makes it easier to change providers by Jamie Sturgeon

The CRTC has put in place new rules to make switching mobile-phone, Internet and television providers easier for consumers, and perhaps net them a better deal.

Mar 17, 2011 — The Guardian: BBC 'wasting nearly £80m a year through poor staff management' by John Plunkett

Columnist says an internal report finds some staff are under-performing and thousands are paid salary top-up for which they do not qualify.

Mar 16, 2011 — Playback: CBC announces three key exec changes by Brendan Christie

The CBC has announced three key executive changes to take effect April 4th.

Mar 16, 2011 — CBC News: CRTC decision on BCE-CTV deal will benefit CanCon: experts by Ryan Charkow

FRIENDS says high quality Canadian programming will be the result of the CRTC doing its job.

Mar 14, 2011 — Toronto Star: Harper’s shadow public service by Carol Goar

Economist David Macdonald says the government is building a parallel hiring system to replace workers who leave or retire, where employees are exempt from normal hiring requirements such as bilingualism and proven ability to do the job.

Mar 14, 2011 — Playback: CACTUS welcomes community TV ruling from CRTC by Etan Vlessing

The Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations (CACTUS) is applauding BCE being asked by the CRTC to carry seven indie community TV channels by 2012 to secure outright control of CTVglobemedia.

Mar 13, 2011 — Toronto Star: Teachers’ confirms Maple Leafs for sale by Tony Van Alphen

Market expert says Rogers, which already owns the Toronto Blue Jays, is far and away the most motivated buyer in the MLSE sweepstakes.

Mar 12, 2011 — StarPhoenix: CRTC refuses to widen probe into Internet pricing by Sarah Schmidt

Canada’s telecom regulator says it will not expand its probe into Internet pricing to look at the billing practices of retail Internet services because market forces are working just fine for consumers.

Mar 11, 2011 — National Post: Net pricing means service flexibility by Mark Goldberg

Columnist says with more than 500 Internet service providers in Canada, there is no need for the government to regulate how we choose to buy our Internet service.

Mar 10, 2011 — Playback: CTV super-sizes Junos by Etan Vlessing

The 40th edition of the music awards on March 27 will be extended from 8 p.m. EST in most of the Canadian TV market.

Mar 10, 2011 — Now the Details: The Stumbles of Two Public Broadcasters by Jeffrey Dvorkin

Former Managing Editor and Chief Journalist for CBC Radio says the role of news and information at the CBC seems to be clearly in decline.

Mar 10, 2011 — The Uniter: Is CBC in danger? by Chris Hunter

FRIENDS says because media perpetuates Canadian cultural sovereignty, deteriorating funding for the CBC would have a vast impact on Canadian identity.

Mar 10, 2011 — Salon.com: In defense of NPR by Bill Moyers and Michael Winship

Columnists say that only the creation of a substantial trust fund for public media will free it from the whims and biases of politicians.

Mar 10, 2011 — News Article: Atwood and MP scrap over copyright by Jessica Murphy

Margaret Atwood testified she fears fair dealing reforms proposed under Bill C-32 will harm authors by opening a loophole that would let educators copy works without paying to do so.

Mar 10, 2011 — Green Party of Canada: Fund the CBC: Pennies a Day to Protect Canadian Identity

Green Party Leader says, “Canadians care deeply about the CBC and want to see its high quality of programming maintained—that can only be done with increased federal funding."

Mar 9, 2011 — TideExchange.ca: Harper cuts CBC’s grant

Approximately 100,000 voters have signed the I Love CBC petition, which calls on the Prime Minister to increase CBC funding from the current level of $33 per Canadian per year to $40.

Mar 8, 2011 — National Post: CBC pundit censured for offensive exchange by Sarah Boesveld

The CBC’s Ombudsman has blasted businessman and commentator Kevin O’Leary for using the term ‘‘Indian giver’’ on his CBC News Network show, denouncing the term as “unambiguously offensive.”

Mar 8, 2011 — National Post: CRTC approves BCE's CTV purchase by Jamie Sturgeon

Columnist says regulators have approved BCE Inc.'s $1.3-billion acquisition of CTV Inc., paving the way for the largest telecommunications company in Canada to gain complete control over the country's biggest broadcaster.

Mar 8, 2011 — National Post: Clement's telecom confusion by Paul Beaudry and Martin Masse

Columnists say the likely outcome of the government overturning the CRTC's UBB decision will be the maintenance of a regulatory straitjacket on large telecommunications and cable companies, which will discourage genuine competition and innovation.

Mar 7, 2011 — Chronicle Herald: CBC bets regional future on the web by Andrea Nemetz

CBC President Hubert Lacroix talks about the future of the CBC in the different regions, the importance of sports broadcasting and where public radio fits in the national fabric moving forward.

Mar 7, 2011 — The Townships Sun: Standing on Guard for the CBC by Brenda Hartwell

Columnist says a strong national broadcaster is absolutely essential to our country and our democracy.

Mar 7, 2011 — Investor Village: CRTC gives green light to BCE's $1.3-billion purchase of CTVglobemedia

FRIENDS praises the CRTC for extracting $245 million in tangible benefits, discarding BCE's original argument that since it paid $230 million the first time it bought CTV in 2000, it shouldn't be forced to contribute a second time.

Mar 7, 2011 — Globe & Mail: CRTC bars media companies from content exclusivity by Susan Krashinsky

As part of its approval of BCE Inc.’s $1.3-billion acquisition of CTVglobemedia, the federal broadcast regulator has moved to block telecommunications companies from locking up their video content for their own wireless subscribers.

Mar 7, 2011 — CRTC: CRTC approves BCE’s purchase of CTVglobemedia

CRTC Chairman says “We are pleased that BCE has addressed our questions regarding how this transaction would contribute to the vitality of the Canadian broadcasting system.”

Mar 7, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: Organizational Announcement by Kirstine Stewart

CBC's Executive Vice-President of English Services announces a new senior management team and a new organizational structure for English Services.

Mar 6, 2011 — ShellyPalmer.com: Public Broadcasting Needs Three More Years by Shelly Palmer

Columnist says within three years, Internet-connected television sets will reach a critical mass in households that make up (demographically speaking) the vast majority of the Public Broadcasting audience.

Mar 5, 2011 — Toronto Star: Geist: Content rules, not Canadian ownership, protect our culture by Michael Geist

Columnist says that the cultural concerns associated with greater foreign ownership of broadcasters are vastly overblown.

Mar 5, 2011 — Time: ICANN vs. the World by Jerry Brito

Internet freedom advocates have vowed to fight to preserve the Internet's independent, non-governmental governance structure.

Mar 3, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Quebecor's Péladeau posts hat-trick week by Max Harrold

Quebec Court of Appeal has ordered the removal of a Superior Court judge deemed biased against Péladeau in an ongoing defamation suit launched by the media magnate after he was likened to a hoodlum by the head of Radio-Canada.

Mar 3, 2011 — Cartt.ca: Clement sticks to his talking points on UBB and Globalive at Industry Committee by Perry Hoffman

Industry Minister says usage-based billing (UBB) threatens to limit the benefits that innovative and creative businesses, such as those involved in cloud computing, could bring to the Canadian economy.

Mar 3, 2011 — Cartt.ca: Rogers will appeal value-for-signal decision

Rogers plans to appeal the Federal Court's decision which confirmed that the CRTC does have the authority to permit broadcasters to negotiate a fee from BDUs for their off-air signals.

Mar 2, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: CTVglobemedia Losses Grow Before BCE Acquisition by Etan Vlessing

Canadian ratings king CTV posts losses before takeover by domestic phone giant.

Mar 2, 2011 — PEICanada.com: Our culture is not a commodity and it shouldn't be treated as such by Jack MacAndrew

FRIENDS poll shows 88 per cent of respondents believe that as our economic ties with the USA get closer, it is becoming more important to strengthen Canadian culture and identity.

Mar 2, 2011 — News Article: A way out of the Globalive mess by Larry Herman and Finn Poschmann

Columnists say if the government wants to allow foreign direct investment decisions to be made according to criteria that include greater access to foreign capital and technology it should amend the Telecommunications Act to make that clear.

Mar 1, 2011 — Cartt.ca: Moot court? CRTC has right to okay value-for-signal, says Federal Court by Greg O'Brien

In a 2-1 decision, the Federal Court of Canada said the CRTC does, in fact, have jurisdiction and can let broadcasters demand a fee from satellite, cable and telco TV carriers for the broadcasters’ off-air signals.

Mar 1, 2011 — Cartt.ca: GROUP LICENSE RENEWALS: Vertically integrated broadcasters can do much better on Cancon by Perry Hoffman

TV and film production stakeholders are urging the CRTC to not lose sight of its Canadian programming expenditure (CPE) benchmarks when considering the group-based licence renewals of the large, vertically integrated, broadcasters.

Mar 1, 2011 — Cartt.ca: COMMENT: Canadians still in the dark, politicians clueless, as analog TV approaches its end by Greg O’Brien

Columnist says that while the usage-based billing issue is receiving much attention, another media issue that will affect tens of thousands more Canadians is still receiving scant notice: the transition from analog over-the-air TV to digital.

Mar 1, 2011 — Moneyville: Rogers will battle fees charge for TV signal by Michael Lewis

Columnist says a Federal Court of Appeal decision clears the way for broadcasters to charge satellite and TV cable providers for the right to transmit their programs.

Feb 28, 2011 — The Hill Times: CBC not asking for funding to fill holes in controversial digital transition plan by Karen Fournier

FRIENDS says they hope the CRTC will not accept the CBC's proposal stop over-the-air reception to Moncton and Saint John.

Feb 28, 2011 — Huffington Post: Regulators Reject Proposal That Would Bring Fox-Style News to Canada by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Columnist says Canada's requirement that "a licenser may not broadcast....any false or misleading news" has kept Fox News and right wing talk radio out of Canada and helped make Canada a model for liberal democracy and freedom.

Feb 27, 2011 — New York Times: Public Broadcasting Faces New Threat in Federal Budget by Elizabeth Jensen

NPR’s vice president of policy and representation says a confluence of events  have created “the most determined, organized and sophisticated challenge to federal funding for public radio — ever.”

Feb 27, 2011 — Crux of the Matter: CBC Ombudsman report on cigarette packaging complaint evasive by Sandy Crux

Blogger says CBC officials and staff do not see their organization’s intrinsic lack of respect and even-handedness for alternative opinions.

Feb 27, 2011 — The Guardian: We're such a feeble nation that Murdoch was bound to triumphby by Will Hotton

Columnist says England's cross-ownership rules within the media are the lamest of any in an industrialised country.

Feb 27, 2011 — Lilley's Pad: Yes it is fair to call CBC the state broadcaster by Brian Lilley

Senior Correspondent for Sun Media's National Bureau says referring to the CBC as "state broadcaster" is accurate and factual.

Feb 24, 2011 — WGBH: Tell your Senators how you feel - about eliminating federal funding for public TV and radio

PBS affiliate asks its viewers to contact their senators, urging them to maintain funding for public broadcasting.

Feb 24, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: Netflix Hires Lobbyists To Bend Canadian Ears by Etan Vlessing

Netflix has hired its first Canadian lobbyists as the country’s Internet usage-based billing debate heats up.

Feb 22, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Netflix model hurts TV, film: group by Jason Magder

The Canadian Media Production Association says policy-makers need to consider whether Netflix and similar Web services should be charged a fee to help fund Canadian productions.

Feb 22, 2011 — CBC News: But is it broadcasting? by Dan Misener

The CRTC says Netflix is not a broadcaster, but the broadcast industry begs to differ.

Feb 22, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Telecom needs a dose of foreign money

Columnist says allowing foreign investment would give Canadians and businesses more certainty, would lower prices for consumers and would send a clear signal that Canada is confident in the strength of its culture, without outdated, unnecessary regulations.

Feb 22, 2011 — Toronto Star: Stand up for an independent media by Denis Hall

Columnist says that through the current Canadian government, forces outside and within the CRTC have been trying to weaken Canada’s media standards by overruling CRTC decisions.

Feb 18, 2011 — J-Source.ca: "The CBC lies all the time": Immigration Minister Jason Kenney by Dana Lacey

FRIENDS says recent comments made by Immigration Minister Jason Kenney betray a sinister and hostile view of Canadian public broadcasting.

Feb 17, 2011 — International Media Concentration Research Project: International Media Concentration Research Project

The International Media Concentration Research Project's goal is to go beyond the rhetoric to an academic, empirical, dispassionate, and data-driven analysis of trends and their drivers.

Feb 17, 2011 — Cartt.ca: Feds will appeal Globalive ruling by John Bugailiskis

Saying he’s defending consumer choice and competition, Industry Minister Tony Clement says the government will appeal a Federal Court of Canada ruling that quashed a cabinet order allowing Globalive Wireless to operate in Canada.

Feb 17, 2011 — Cartt.ca: Moore defends Pentefountas' appointment to CRTC by Perry Hoffman

Columnist says the naming of Tom Pentefountas to vice-chair of the CRTC has sparked a maelstrom of outrage from opposition MPs who believe the Conservative government is deliberately trying to undermine the independence of the broadcast and telecom regulator.

Feb 17, 2011 — Cartt.ca: Minister Moore likes CBC's five-year plan, but makes no cash commitments by Perry Hoffman

Minister of Canadian Heritage applauds CBC/Radio-Canada for its new five-year strategic plan, but remains unclear on whether the public broadcaster can expect to see any increases in funding from the federal government.

Feb 17, 2011 — Le Devoir: Nouveau vice-président du CRTC - Pentefountas devra expliquer sa nomination en comité by Guillaume Bourgault-Côté

Le Devoir, February 17: New CRTC Vice Chair Pentefountas will have to explain his nomination at the Commons Heritage Committee, by Guillaume Bourgault-Côté.

Feb 17, 2011 — Toronto Sun: Comment: Why right-wingers aren't the scary ones by Eric Duhaime

Columnist accuses Bloc and Liberal MPs of "caving in to the most radical elements of the Islamists in the name of political correctness" while at the same time denouncing people of Christian faith within the Conservative party.

Feb 17, 2011 — Marketing Magazine: Fox News Not? by Chris Powell

Columnist says that in the lead-up to Sun TV News’ debut, Quebecor has been unrelenting in its criticism of Canada’s incumbent news services.

Feb 17, 2011 — Playback: Lacroix committed to working with indie producers by Patricia Bailey

CBC President says he’s committed to working with independent producers but that they must keep production costs down and be innovative.

Feb 16, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Bev Oda ‘has to go,’ Ignatieff says

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney quoted by the Canadian Press saying “The CBC lies all the time. What media are you with?”

Feb 16, 2011 — La Presse: Translation: CBC/Radio-Canada: Minister Kenney Piles On by Hugo De Grandpré

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney accuses CBC of lying all the time.

Feb 16, 2011 — La Presse: SRC: le ministre Kenney en rajoute by Hugo De Grandpré

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney accuses CBC of lying all the time.

Feb 16, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: Harper is governing by sledgehammer by Dan Gardner

Columnist says Stephen Harper does not deserve the credit he receives for being a competent manager as his government is poorly run and incoherent.

Feb 16, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: Immigration Minister Jason Kenney accuses French CBC of lying "all the time"

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is in hot water after accusing Radio-Canada of "lying all the time".

Feb 15, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Rural Canadians deserve access to the new digital frontier, too by Ron Styles

President of SaskTel says that rather than concentrating our focus and efforts on ensuring universal access to broadband for all Canadians across the country, we have suddenly shifted our concerns to a small minority of heavy Internet users, residing primarily in large urban areas.

Feb 15, 2011 — Am 1150: Tory senator's social network finds its way into federal posts by Jennifer Ditchburn

Members of the House of Commons heritage committee are set to vote on a motion to call Tom Pentefountas, recently appointed vice-chair of the CRTC, to ask questions about his credentials and the appointment process.

Feb 15, 2011 — Toronto Star: Federal policy first casualty of election politics by James Travers

Columnist says that from potash to Internet billing and beyond, Conservatives are setting the country’s policy course by their own political stars.

Feb 14, 2011 — La Presse: Le CRTC rappelle le VP sortant by Hugo de Grandpré

The CRTC engages its former Vice Chairman of Broadcating, sent packing by the Harper government, to brief the newly appointed Vice Chairman of Broadcasting.

Feb 14, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Former CRTC boss Bertrand won’t stay mum on Internet decision by Jennifer Ditchburn

Former chairwoman Francoise Bertrand says that repeatedly questioning the decisions of the CRTC will only sow confusion in the telecom and broadcasting industries and potentially hamper investment.

Feb 12, 2011 — Mediamorphis: From the Open Internet to the Evolution of UBB, 1998-2011: the Rise and Fall of the Canadian Internet? by Dwayne Winseck

Columnist presents a chronology of CRTC decisions that has led to the current status regarding Usage Based Billing.

Feb 12, 2011 — Mediamorphis: Media Concentration in Canada and the Internet by Dwayne Winseck

Columnist says while Bell and other large internet providers throw obstacles in the path of others, their own services get a free ride.

Feb 12, 2011 — New York Times: E.P.A. and Public Broadcasting Are on House Republicans’ List for Deep Cuts by Carl Hulse & David M. Herszenhorn

House Republicans have rolled out what they called historic cuts in federal spending after conservatives in the party’s new majority demanded leadership follow through on a pledge to carve $100 billion from the current year’s budget.

Feb 11, 2011 — StarPhoenix: Critics of CRTC missing point by Devin Dubois

Columnist says that consumers must understand that neither the CRTC, nor the incumbents can be blamed for the potential rising cost of providing unlimited broadband service to Canadians.

Feb 10, 2011 — McGill Daily: CRTC accused of nepotism by Laurin Liu

FRIENDS says the current government has seen fit to exercise its legal right to give the CRTC direction and overturn its decisions on a frequency that is unprecedented.

Feb 9, 2011 — Mediacaster: Cable Operators Post Highest Profits in Decade: Statscan Report

According to Statistics Canada's Business Special Surveys and Technology Statistics Division, revenue growth exceeded 10% for the fourth consecutive year.

Feb 9, 2011 — Playback: Pentefountas steps in for Arpin at CRTC as opposition accuses gov’t of cronyism by Patricia Bailey Share

Opposition parties are accusing the government of political cronyism after it appointed two former members of the conservative Action Démocratique du Québec (ADQ) party to key positions at both the CRTC and the CBC in less than a week.

Feb 9, 2011 — Le Devoir: CRTC - Troublantes coïncidences by Jean-Robert Sansfaçon

Le Devoir, February 9: CRTC – Troubling coincidences, by Jean-Robert Sansfaçon

Feb 8, 2011 — Marketing Magazine: With Bell taking over, CTV cleans house at the top by David Brown

Columnist says that with its takeover by BCE near completion, CTV will also undergo a sweeping management overhaul.

Feb 8, 2011 — CBC News: CRTC seeks internet billing feedback

Canada's internet regulator has launched a review of decisions that would have eliminated unlimited internet plans and drastically lowered downloading limits for customers of small internet service providers.

Feb 8, 2011 — CBC News: Government preparing Globalive ruling response

Industry Minister Tony Clement has hinted the government will formally respond to a surprise Federal Court ruling that quashed a cabinet order allowing Egyptian-backed Globalive Wireless Management Corp. to operate in the country’s wireless sector.

Feb 8, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Shaw backs away from usage-based Internet billing by Gillian Shaw

Shaw Communications has announced it is suspending its plan to charge customers for going over their Internet usage limits.

Feb 8, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: Tories deny plans to control CRTC by Mark Kennedy

Opposition parties say Tom Pentefountas, the recently appointed CRTC vice-chairman, lacks the necessary credentials for the job and is only there because of his political connection to the Conservative government.

Feb 8, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: Cell decision could change foreign ownership laws by Vito Pilieci

Iain Grant, principal at Toronto based telecommunication researcher the Seaboard Group, says forcing Globalive out now would result in mass inconvenience for its customers and a likely lawsuit against the federal government.

Feb 8, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Harper under fire for appointment by Mark Kennedy

Columnist says the Harper government is under fire for trying to take control of the CRTC by making a partisan appointment to the senior ranks of the regulatory agency.

Feb 8, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: CRTC Internet decision gouges users by David Buffett

Columnist says consumers are getting gouged and have little choice in the matter because Canada has little competition in the Internet service market.

Feb 8, 2011 — House of Commons: Question Period discussion on Government Appointments

New Democratic Party MPs ask the Minister of Canadian Heritage about recent appointments to the board of the CBC and the position of vice-chair at the CRTC, claiming the only qualification of those appointed is being friends of the government.

Feb 8, 2011 — Le Devoir: Médias: l'influence conservatrice s'accroît by Guillaume Bourgault-Côté & Hélène Buzzetti

Columnists see the appointment of Tom Pentefountas to vice-chair of the CRTC as an attempt by the Conservative government to influence the media universe it its favour.

Feb 7, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: BCE defends CTV deal to CRTC by Jamie Sturgeon

BCE Inc. chief executive defended the telecom giant's bid for the CTV television network on the grounds that its biggest competitors already operate under the same model.

Feb 7, 2011 — Globe & Mail: CRTC plan to lift ban on false news prompts political investigation by Gloria Galloway

A CRTC proposal that could make it easier to broadcast false or misleading news has prompted confusion and criticism among opposition MPs and consternation in at least one of the unions that represents Canadian journalists.

Feb 6, 2011 — Globe & Mail: CBC’s sports operations dwindle toward extinction by Bruce Dowbiggin

With conventional delivery models for content being squeezed by new technologies, CBC is left to compete against well-capitalized communications giants that can amortize rights purchases and talent raids against their cellphone or cable TV businesses.

Feb 5, 2011 — Le Devoir: Les conservateurs confient un poste-clé du CRTC à un allié by Guillaume Bourgault-Côté

Le Devoir, February 5: The Conservatives place an ally in a key CRTC post, by Guillaume Bourgault-Côté

Feb 4, 2011 — National Post: Toothless CRTC an easy Tory target by Nicolas Van Praet

Former vice-chairman of the CRTC says the federal system has disintegrated into a "Wild West atmosphere in which the most politically expedient path lies over the bodies of public servants trying to do their jobs."

Feb 4, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Text: Federal court ruling on Globalive

Federal Court decision overturning the federal government’s decision to licence foreign-owned wireless telecom Globalive.

Feb 4, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Court scraps cabinet ruling on Globalive, dealing blow to new entrant by Iain Marlow

Columnist says the federal court’s move to overturn a cabinet decision that allowed Globalive to operate in Canada throws a new obstacle at the largest of the new independent cell phone companies, just as it was beginning to build a critical mass of subscribers.

Feb 4, 2011 — CEP, ACTRA, Friends of Canadian Broadcasting: ACTRA, CEP, Friends: Federal Court rules government unlawfully licensed Globalive

In their press release, CEP, ACTRA and FRIENDS say The Federal Court has effectively restored the foreign ownership restrictions of Canada’s Telecommunications Act by quashing the federal government’s decision to licence foreign-owned wireless telecom Globalive.

Feb 4, 2011 — The Independent: Pity those who are 'too busy' to read by Terence Blacker

Columnist says that those engaged in a campaign to prevent libraries in the UK from being closed down could learn a lot from the four-year tussle between a novelist Yann Martel and Stephen Harper.

Feb 4, 2011 — House of Commons: Question Period discussion on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

The Liberal Heritage critic asks the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage if the Conservative government will provide the CBC with adequate funding to implement it's newly released five year strategic plan.

Feb 3, 2011 — Playback: Richard Stursberg lands at Telus as advisor by Etan Vlessing

After his exit last August, former CBC head of English language services Richard Stursberg has resurfaced as a senior advisor on media and entertainment strategy for Telus Corp.

Feb 3, 2011 — StarPhoenix: CRTC decision strikes a blow to innovation

Editorial says the CRTC,  "blew it" by allowing major Internet service providers to cap usage and charge consumers and businesses significantly more for exceeding those stringent limits.

Feb 3, 2011 — Calgary Herald: Ottawa threatens to kill CRTC ruling on Internet fees by Mark Kennedy

Columnist says the government will overrule a decision by the CRTC that effectively kills unlimited Internet-pricing packages, unless the regulator backs down first.

Feb 2, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: 2015: Everyone, Every Way

In its five year strategic plan, CBC/Radio-Canada says that whether it’s connecting them to this country, to their communities, or to each other as individuals, CBC/Radio-Canada will be there — for everyone, every way.

Feb 2, 2011 — Cartt.ca: Richard Stursberg returns by Greg O'Brien

Columnist says former CBC executive vice-president Richard Stursberg made his first official industry appearance since he was let go by the public broadcaster, appearing for Telus as an expert consultant during the big carrier’s appearance in front of the CRTC.

Feb 2, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: CBC five-year plan includes new radio stations

The CBC says it will open new radio stations and expand others across the country as part of a new, five-year plan.

Feb 1, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: Media merger debate ignores key issue by Michael Geist

Columnist says the implications a merger between BCE Inc. and CTVglobemedia Inc. are enormous, yet competition concerns will take a back seat to the "benefits package" BCE must pay to the Canadian cultural community.

Feb 1, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Bell's purchase of CTV a conflict: group by Jason Magder

With hearings set to begin today on the proposal by Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. to purchase television network CTV, several advocates are concerned the issue of net neutrality will get short shrift.

Feb 1, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Caps worry Internet users by Gillian Shaw

Canada's Industry Minister responds to growing political and consumer backlash concerning the CRTC's decision that effectively put an end to unlimited Internet plans in Canada.

Jan 30, 2011 — Guelph Mercury: CBC champions set to present petition by Rob O’Flanagan

A local co-ordinator of I Love CBC petition says he doubts whether Canada would be intact if it were not for the unifying influence of the public broadcaster.

Jan 28, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Usage-based Internet billing: A concept whose time has come by Harvey Enchin

Columnist says limited bandwidth makes unlimited Internet service simply unsustainable.

Jan 28, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: The CRTC are the good guys. Really! by Vito Pilieci

Columnist says the recent outcry over Usage Based Billing tells legislators just how much Canadians care about Internet charges.

Jan 27, 2011 — Peterborough Examiner: More than 100 show up to support CBC by Elizabeth Bower

About 120 people chanted and marched in downtown Peterborough in support of the CBC following a remark by MP Dean Del Mastro questioning if the government should stay in the broadcasting business.

Jan 27, 2011 — Guelph Tribune: CBC petition at market

People shopping at the Guelph Farmers’ Market have a chance to sign a petition being circulated by local FRIENDS supporters who are alarmed at recent anti-CBC remarks by a federal government official.

Jan 27, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Share content: CRTC by Jamie Sturgeon

The CRTC has ordered Quebecor Media Inc. to abolish a pact between its broadcast network, Groupe TVA Inc., and cable division Videotron that gives the latter exclusive access to on-demand programming.

Jan 27, 2011 — CBC News: CRTC's internet billing decision appealed

The federal government is being formally asked to overturn a CRTC decision that will force smaller internet service providers to charge similar usage-based fees as Bell, Rogers and Shaw.

Jan 27, 2011 — CHEX TV: I Love CBC

Noisy protesters gathered outside the Peterborough Public Library to show their support for the CBC Network.

Jan 27, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: Quebecor Told to Stop Offering VOD Content Exclusively to Subscribers by Etan Vlessing

Canada’s broadcast regulator has told Montreal-based Quebecor to end an arrangement that gave cable operator Videotron Ltd. exclusive access to content from over-the-air network TVA Group, both of which are owned by the Quebec media player.

Jan 27, 2011 — myKawartha.com: CBC supporters rally at library by Joel Wiebe

In response to MP Dean Del Mastro's comment questioning if the government should stay in the broadcasting business, a crowd filled the square in front of the Peterborough Library to chant, sing, and wave signs in support of the CBC.

Jan 26, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: CRTC voices continued support for consumer telecom watchdog agency by LuAnn LaSalle

The CRTC has voiced continued support for Canada's telecommunications consumer watchdog agency, which tries to resolve cellphone, Internet and telephone complaints.

Jan 25, 2011 — The Link: Public Displays of Disaffection by Michael Bramadat-Willcock

A recent FRIENDS poll shows that the majority of respondents feel Stephen Harper's government has a hidden agenda that favours private corporate broadcasters.

Jan 25, 2011 — LakeCountryCalendar.com: Undivided attention by Jim Taylor

Columnist talks about positive experiences with callers from Friends of Canadian Broadcasting and the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Society, highlighting the importance of focusing on people, not simply tasks, problems or theories.

Jan 24, 2011 — CBC News: BBC Online to slash jobs, websites

The BBC will trim its online budget by 25 per cent, eliminate about 360 jobs and close hundreds of websites as part of overall cost-cutting efforts and a desire to streamline its internet offerings.

Jan 24, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: TV Ontario Connects To Boxee and Yahoo! TV by Etan Vlessing

TVOntario has introduced Boxee and Yahoo! TV apps to get its kids content onto the next-generation online TV devices.

Jan 24, 2011 — Saint John Radio: CBC TV digital transition in New Brunswick

In a radio interview, FRIENDS spokesperson Ian Morrison discusses the impending shut down of over-the-air TV signals scheduled for Aug 31, 2011, and it's potential impact on New Brunswickers.

Jan 24, 2011 — Ottawa Citizen: Editorial: A Smarter CBC

Columnist says CBC needs to think hard about becoming a public broadcaster again and that dropping Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy is an impressive improvement.

Jan 23, 2011 — Norfolk International: Rupert Murdoch's arrogant empire must be reined in by Henry Porter

Columnist says British society must examine the role played by Murdoch in their national life.

Jan 21, 2011 — Cartt.ca: Cartt.ca In-Depth: Smashing the CBC's silos hasn't been easy, says CEO Hubert T. Lacroix by Greg O'Brien

CBC Preseident Hubert Lacroix talks about the public broadcaster's place in the new media landscape.

Jan 21, 2011 — News 91.9 Moncton: Over-the-air to digital TV transition in New Brunswick

In a radio interview, FRIENDS spokesperson Ian Morrison discusses the impending shut down of over-the-air TV signals scheduled for Aug 31, 2011, and it's potential impact on New Brunswickers.

Jan 20, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Conservative attack ads set a standard for conduct that undercuts all politicians by Craig McInnes

Columnist says attack ads are a combination of phrases taken out of context, half-truths and deliberately misleading statements, and wonders if that's the way politicians treat each other, is it any wonder other Canadians follow their lead?

Jan 20, 2011 — The Record: Don’t touch our CBC, local supporters say by Mathew McCarthy

CBC supporters are circulating FRIENDS' I Love CBC petition which they want to send to Ottawa in advance of the upcoming Parliamentary session, where the CBC’s budget will be on the agenda.

Jan 20, 2011 — CBC News: Extra billing for internet use a 'ripoff': NDP

The NDP says the CRTC's decision to allow internet service providers to charge their customers for downloading excessive amounts of data threatens "free and open access to the internet in Canada".

Jan 20, 2011 — Canoe.ca: CBC to drop popular game shows by Brian Lilley

FRIENDS says the deal to carry Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy came with a price tag of $20 million per year.

Jan 20, 2011 — Saint John Telegraph Journal: TV rabbit ears set to go way of the dodo by Greg Weston

FRIENDS says about three million people, often elderly and low-income, still depend on over-the-air service.

Jan 20, 2011 — Prairie Dog: Tremonti Wants You by Stephen LaRose

Columnist says the commercial media aren’t interested in delivering information to their audience and that their mission is to attract eyeballs and ears to advertisers.

Jan 19, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Tories thumb nose at CBC demand they pull clip from ads by Jane Taber

According to a recent memo, Conservatives argue the use of CBC footage falls under fair-dealing provisions in copyright law.

Jan 19, 2011 — Globe & Mail: New CBC head to undo predecessor’s controversial legacy by Guy Dixon

Kirstine Stewart wants to replace Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy with Canadian shows – which she insists can pull in the same kind of ratings.

Jan 19, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Telecom foreign ownership case a test of cabinet power by Steven Chase

Columnist says a federal court will begin hearing a case that could answer profound questions in Ottawa: How much power do Stephen Harper and his cabinet really have – and are there any limits to it?

Jan 19, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: CBC to Jettison U.S. Game Shows for Homegrown Fare by Etan Vlessing

CBC is looking to get out of U.S. syndicated game show business by replacing Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! with homegrown fare.

Jan 19, 2011 — ACTRA, CEP & Friends of Canadian Broadcasting: PRESS RELEASE: Cultural Groups Urge Federal Court to Consider Canadian Culture in Globalive Case

A coalition of leading cultural organizations is asking the Federal Court to consider the impact on Canadian culture in its judicial review of the federal government's decision to licence foreign-owned wireless telecom Globalive.

Jan 19, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: Canadian Unions Urge Court to Block Feds on Foreign Ownership Decision by Etan Vlessing

FRIENDS says the government's decision concerning Globalive raises fundamental questions about the relationship between foreign ownership and Canadian cultural sovereignty.

Jan 19, 2011 — Toronto Star: CBC to keep U.S. game shows by Raju Mudhar

CBC Spokesperson says Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy average between 800,000 and 1 million viewers nightly.

Jan 18, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Why a PM shouldn’t watch CBC (or other) newscasts by Norman Spector

Columnist says the Canadian news media is increasingly finding themselves in the entertainment business with their success dependent upon selling eye-balls to advertisers.

Jan 18, 2011 — Globe & Mail: New CBC head to undo predecessor’s controversial legacy by Guy Dixon

Kirstine Stewart, the new head of CBC English-language services says she will replace Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! with Canadian shows – which she insists can pull in the same kind of ratings.

Jan 18, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: Outgoing MuchFACT chair doesn't support Much cutting funding to Canuck artists by Nick Patch

Outgoing MuchFACT chairman Bernie Finkelstein says he can't support MuchMusic's move to decrease funding for independent Canadian artists.

Jan 18, 2011 — National Post: CRTC takes a pass on honesty in broadcasting by Matt Gurney

Editorial says the CRTC doesn’t seem to understand that media is already a highly competitive industry, and if one organization deliberately broadcasts something that’s untrue, it will quickly get raked over the coals by its competition.

Jan 18, 2011 — Winnipeg Free Press: CBC wants file footage yanked from Conservative ads; Tories say No by Marie Vastel

CBC spokesperson says the Conservatives did not seek permission to use CBC content in three ads that were posted online and broadcast on TV.

Jan 18, 2011 — CJSW Calgary: Canadian Content Rules Come into Effect

In a radio interview for the program 'Today in Canadian History' FRIENDS spokesperson discusses the rationale and impact of Canadian content rules.

Jan 17, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Shaw's cable potential under-appreciated: Scotia by Darcy Keith

Scotia Capital Inc. says investors should own Shaw Communications stock because of the contribution to revenues the CanWest acquisition can bring, plus the future opportunity the wireless arena presents.

Jan 16, 2011 — Toronto Star: CRTC may ease ban on broadcasting false or misleading news by Joan Bryden

Columnist says the CRTC is proposing a regulatory change that would give Canadian TV and radio stations more leeway to broadcast false or misleading news by narrowing the scope of the current prohibition.

Jan 14, 2011 — Montreal Gazette: Canwest charges take a bite out of Shaw's profits by Jamie Sturgeon

Shaw Communications Inc. says profit for the first quarter plunged more than 82 per cent because of one-time charges related to its acquisition of Canwest Global Communications Corp.'s broadcast television assets.

Jan 13, 2011 — Vancouver Sun: Shaw delays launch of cellphone network until 2012 by Kim Gutterson

Shaw Communications is delaying the launch of its new cellphone network by three months, now looking at an early 2012 launch date for its first major market.

Jan 13, 2011 — National Post: Cogeco moves to block Astral over Quebec radio stations deal by Jamie Sturgeon

The Montreal-based Cogeco Inc. "will vigorously oppose" a motion from Astral with the Federal Court of Appeal asking for a stop to the $80-million bid for 11 radio properties owned by Corus Entertainment Inc.

Jan 13, 2011 — StarPhoenix: New CEO takes over at Shaw Communications by Jamie Sturgeon

Roughly two months after the abrupt departure of older sibling and former CEO Jim Shaw, Shaw Communications Inc. formally introduced Bradley Shaw, the second son of company founder JR as its new chief executive.

Jan 13, 2011 — Hollywood Reporter: Ad Market Recovery Drives Canadian TV Revenue Momentum by Etan Vlessing

Columnist says that with rebounding ad markets and subscriber growth signaling industry recovery, Canadian broadcasters and cable operators are enjoying an impressive start to 2011.

Jan 12, 2011 — MichaelGeist.ca: CRTC Proposes to Change Standard for Broadcasting False or Misleading News

Columnist says new CRTC proposal would make it perfectly permissible for a broadcaster to air false or misleading news, provided that it not endanger the lives, health or safety of the public.

Jan 12, 2011 — Newswire: Rogers Gives Conditional Support to BCE Acquisition of CTV but Says No Again to Value For Signal (VFS) /Fee-for-Cariage (FFC)

Rogers Vice Chairman says that while CTV and Global argued that value for signal was required in order to support the economic viability of their operations, with both broadcasters being acquired by large distributors, the rationale for this fee is no longer evident.

Jan 11, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Fox News and the poisoning of American political debate by John Doyle

Columnist says there will be neither silence nor a change of tone in American politics until the Fox News Channel changes, or is quiet.

Jan 11, 2011 — Toronto Star: Roseman: Days of unlimited Internet plans may be over Image by Ellen Roseman

Primus Canada is getting rid of the unlimited Internet plans that customers used to enjoy, starting Feb. 1.

Jan 10, 2011 — Toronto Star: CRTC reality show is a disaster by Richard Nielson

Columnist says that as a result of CRTC decisions, Canadians now find themselves with a divided and compromised regulatory agency and that private broadcasters are forced to pursue a financial model dependent on the importation U.S. productions.

Jan 10, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: Appointment of New Executive Vice-President, English Services

Message from CBC President Hubert Lacroix to CBC employees, January 10, 2011.

Jan 10, 2011 — CBC/Radio-Canada: Kirstine Stewart appointed Executive Vice-president, English services

CBC/Radio-Canada has announced that Kirstine Stewart, since August 2010 the interim Executive Vice-president of English Services, has been appointed to the position.

Jan 8, 2011 — StarPhoenix: Filmmakers cheer SCN renewal by Sean Trembath

Columnist says local filmmakers are optimistic about the year ahead following the approval of a new five-year broadcasting licence for the Saskatchewan Communications Network.

Jan 7, 2011 — MediaPost: Democratizing Media: The Transition To A 'Have It Your Way' Stage by Barrett Lyon

Columnist says there is a power shift happening and that the era of individualized consumption is beginning.

Jan 7, 2011 — Calgary Herald: Shaw wireless chief to quit: sources by Jamie Sturgeon

Columnist says Laurence Cooke, head of Shaw Communications Inc.'s wireless operations, is expected to leave the company imminently, throwing further uncertainty over Shaw's expected push into mobile and perhaps leading to more delays.

Jan 7, 2011 — CBC News: Internet downloading costs to rise

Surfing and downloading from the internet is about to get more expensive for many Canadians as internet companies Shaw and Primus have announced plans to impose new fees and caps on internet usage.

Jan 7, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Harper’s embrace of ‘ethical’ oil sands reignites 'dirty' arguments by Steven Chase

The Pembina Institute’s Ed Whittingham says that hearing Peter Kent use the phrase "ethical oil" sounds like Ezra Levant, recently hired to play a leading role with Sun TV, is writing media lines for the Minister.

Jan 6, 2011 — Forget the Box: CBC on the Cutting Room Floor by Quiet Mike

Blogger urges readers to join with FRIENDS in supporting the CBC by signing their "I Love CBC" petition.

Jan 4, 2011 — Toronto Star: Torstar completes first stage of CTVglobemedia sale

Torstar Corp. says it has received $40 million in proceeds in connection with the acquisition by The Woodbridge Co. Ltd. of a direct interest in the Globe and Mail newspaper, which was completed on December 21st.

Jan 3, 2011 — Canadian Media Research Inc.: CBC Revenues, Expenses and Salaries, 2009

Study shows CBC salaries totalled $929 million dollars in 2009, or 56.9% of all expenses and 83.2% of program expenses.

Jan 2, 2011 — Globe & Mail: Sports Broadcasters ready to wage war in 2011 by Bruce Dowbiggin

Columnist says the biggest Canadian sports story in the coming year will be played off the fields and rinks as Rogers Communications and CTV/TSN size each other up in the wake of some unprecedented managerial shuffles in 2010.