FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting has been supporting Canadian
content and making news for many years now. An archive of articles
about our organization can be found below.
Article speaks of Pauline Couture's recently published book "Ice".
Incoming Telefilm CEO Wayne Clarkson believes that the Canadian film industry has the potential to triumph.
Pierre Berton made a profound contribution to Canadian culture, including broadcasting.
Minister of Canadian Heritage says CBC must reconnect with the regions.
Transcript of presentations to Finance Committee pre-budget consultations by FRIENDS and others.
Global's executive shuffle has everyone wondering what kind of programming they will resort to in order to boost ratings.
Three year reappointment of Robert Rabinovitch as CBC President receives Heritage Committee approval.
CRTC decision to allow Bell to enter the cable television market could coincide with another wave of industry consolidation.
Funding cuts have forced CBC to become dependent on sports programming in order to meet statutory obligations.
CBC President Robert Rabinovitch seeks permanent funding to restore CBC local and regional programming capacity on English television.
FRIENDS criticizes Robert Rabinovitch for failing to protect regional programming in a mock report card grading his performance.
FRIENDS gives Robert Rabinovitch a C minus for his performance as CBC president.
With Rabinovitch's generally solid record, his term is likely to be extended, groups say.
FRIENDS report card on CBC President gives him a barely passing grade; Liberal minority on House of Commons Heritage Committee should mean review of reappointment proposal will not be a "rubber stamp".
PMO proposal to reappoint current CBC president Robert Rabinovitch viewed as safe choice.
Prime Minister's Office proposes the extension of Robert Rabinovitch's term; he is scheduled to appear before the Canadian heritage committee in the next few weeks.
Prime Minister Martin proposes to reappoint Robert Rabinovitch CBC president, if a parliamentary committee approves.
Groups say decision to refer CBC presidency proposal to parliamentary committee is a step in the right direction but that ultimately, the board should make the appointment.
Prime Minister Martin hands off Rabinovitch reappointment to the Commons heritage committee and the cabinet; groups say this is an improvement but maintain that decision should ultimately be made by the board of directors.
CRTC must weigh the potential risk of grey market activity if U.S. satellite radio services are not licensed against a significant threat to Canadian content.
FRIENDS criticizes low quantity of Canadian programming in two of the three proposed satellite pay radio applications currently before the CRTC.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development urged Canada to drop its restrictions on foreign ownership, including in broadcasting - a suggestion rejected by Industry Minister David Emerson.
The appointment of the current CBC president, Robert Rabinovitch, will reportedly be extended.
FRIENDS says the CBC should replace Hockey Night in Canada with Canadian junior league hockey instead of Hollywood films.
CBC contends that "Movie Night in Canada" is a necessary evil.
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting says CBC should be replacing Saturday night hockey with junior hockey rather than American blockbusters.
CBC defends decision to air foreign film programming instead of Canadian hockey on Hockey Night in Canada despite effect of tripling foreign content during prime time.
FRIENDS says CBC decision to air foreign movies during the NHL lockout regrettable, will reduce Canadian content to 1980s levels.
Conservatives argue former Minister of Heritage Helene Scherrer used ministerial funds to promote Liberal Party at Banff Television Festival while Liberals maintain she was acting in her role as Minister.
CBC's Opening Night and The Newsroom as well as CTV's Corner Gas are nominated for International Emmy Awards.
Rumours that Paul Martin's former principal secretary is being considered for appointment to the presidency of the CBC make it unclear the Prime Minister is committed to reforming the process of patronage political appointments.
Arguments for and against allowing Fox News to broadcast in Canada.
The growth of specialty channels is right on track, industry experts say.
Groups say it is time that top positions at the CBC were filled transparently and at arm's length from government.
FRIENDS cites report showing appointments to CBC Board and presidency have often been made based on political affiliation rather than merit, calls for reform of appointments process.
FRIENDS calls for change in the way the government selects the CBC president and Board of Directors.
Article says a new Friends of Canadian Broadcasting report has provided evidence of patronage in CBC board appointments, but this is just one of many problems with the federal government's appointments process.
FRIENDS says CTV taking advantage of CRTC, seeking end run around licence in order to compete directly with CBC Newsworld.
Columnist argues that the recent CRTC ruling on CHOI-FM is just one more example of 'journalism by judges', a process that allows the federal government to whittle down journalistic freedom and independence in Quebec.
The first written response FRIENDS has seen to any of hundreds of persons who have shared their letters to Stephen Harper with us since April 2004, including our own letters of May 19, June 11 and June 14.
As recent events generate controversy over the role of the CRTC, some argue that this outburst of public debate only proves the necessity of the regulator's existence.
The CRTC is a threat to freedom of expression and a relic of the past and should be abolished, columnist says.
CRTC ruling on CHOI-FM raises a host of tricky questions.
FRIENDS and others outline the qualities required of the next head of Telefilm Canada.
Small producters say the production of Canadian entertainment, especially children's shows, comedy and documentaries, can be lucrative, but state no sustainable business model exists for Canadian drama.
As Richard Stursberg leaves Telefilm Canada before the expiration of his mandate, many wonder about the decisions and challenges the organization now faces.
The Canadian broadcast industry appears thrilled by the appointement of Liza Frulla as Minister of Canadian Heritage.
B.C. Premier confirms province is still considering "new delivery models" for the province's public educational broadcaster, Knowledge Network; a March 2004 FRIENDS poll showed 69% of British Columbians oppose its privatization.
New Vice-President of CBC English Television, Richard Stursberg, denies he personally penned a report suggesting that the CBC be made into three specialty channels, among other proposals.
The appointment of Richard Stursberg to CBC's top job is receiving mixed reviews.
Richard Stursberg is appointed Executive Vice President in charge of English Television at CBC/Radio Canada despite having once suggested that the English TV network be eliminated.
Many shocked and some dismayed as Robert Rabinovitch names Richard Stursberg executive vice-president of English television for CBC/Radio-Canada.
Liza Frulla's appointment as Canadian Minister of Heritage is well received by ACTRA, CRIA and Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.
New Canadian Heritage Minister Liza Frulla praised as star Cabinet appointment; numerous commentators note her cultural and media credentials.
CRTC not hurting free speech with CHOI decision, but inviting better use of public airwaves, columnist says.
Ontario premier says TVO will not be sold "in order to pay for the ongoing operation of the government," but does not dismiss the possibility of changes "to make sure we're truly focused on the priorities of Ontarians."
The new federal minority government may provide a welcoming space for culture groups to articulate their concerns.
Two FRIENDS public service announcements were shortlisted at international advertising festival.
Radio Noon's Ingrid Fraser interviews 2004 Dalton Camp Award Winner Danielle Devereaux.
The Liberal Party, the NDP, the Green Party and the Bloc Québécois replied to cultural coalition letter regarding their arts and culture policies.
CRTC framework should be preserved; it can be used to regulate availability of offensive or dangerous Internet material, former Commissioner says.
The Liberal response to cultural groups' concerns hasn't been sufficient, columnist says.
Leaked policy revealing the Conservatives' plan to restructure the CRTC and relax foreign ownership restrictions has pushed Canadian culture onto the election agenda.
Conservative party spokesperson says government should give CRTC's regulatory role to public servants in the Department of Canadian Heritage.
With the federal election just two weeks away, political concerns overshadow traditional workshop topics at Banff Television Festival.
Author suggests the media are failing to contribute to an informed citizenry during elections.
One of three winning essays in the FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting 2004 Dalton Camp Award.
Daryl Duke, who will be awarded the John Drainie Award at the 2004 Banff Television Festival, says Canadian broadcasting and Canadian identity are under threat. Duke is a member of the Steering Committee of FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting.
Conservative candidate calls for funding halt to "Communist Broadcasting Corporation", says national public broadcaster is a mouthpiece for the federal Liberal party and drives audiences away from private broadcasters.
Editorial says media conglomerates' stake in the outcome of the federal election makes them reluctant to cover media and cultural policy issues, with the result that these issues are largely being ignored.
Former Minister of Canadian Heritage, Sheila Copps, pursues post-political career as political analyst.
Prime Minister Paul Martin confirms the federal government is reviewing foreign ownership rules, but says the impact on Canadian culture is being taken into account.
FRIENDS, Heritage Canada Foundation aim to keep cultural issues part of pre-election debate.
Federal leaders are using patriotism as a campaign tactic, and Stephen Harper, to some, comes up short.
FRIENDS releases two new polls on state of public broadcasting, informs Senate committee and Dalton McGuinty of the results.
Campaign performance rather than polls are likely to decide the outcome of the 2004 federal election.
The Ontario Securities Commission has temporarily suspended trading by directors, officers and insiders of Alliance Atlantis Communications.
Conservative party leader echoes Asper family call for commercialization of parts of CBC that "compete" with private broadcasters.
FRIENDS surprised and concerned after Conservative party leader muses that CBC English TV and CBC Radio Two be commercialized.
CPAC's Ken Rockburn interviews Ian Morrison on the results of FRIENDS' pre-election polling on the CBC, foreign ownership of communications, and media concentration.
FRIENDS survey reveals voter attitudes to Canadian culture on the eve of a federal election.
Nine out of 10 respondents to FRIENDS survey agreed that strengthening Canadian culture and identity is important as Canada-U.S. economic ties increase.
Fears of privatization at TVOntario are resulting in programming paranoia, and a narrow interpretation of broadcaster's educational mandate.
Friends poll shows Canadians want a stronger CBC, less media concentration and a Canadian-owned broadcasting system.
FRIENDS tells Senate committee that CBC still has widespread support.
FRIENDS presents results of pre-election media issues poll to Senate Committee.
RCMP requests that Friends pull TV spot featuring Mountie uniform.
Friends withdraws public service ad depicting actor in Mountie uniform.
RCMP complains about use of background image of Mountie in one of FRIENDS' Tell Canadian Stories public service announcements.
FRIENDS withdraws one of four Tell Canadian Stories public service announcements at request of RCMP.
RCMP objects to use of Mountie image in FRIENDS public service announcement, despite having licensed intellectual property to Disney in the 1990s.
There are many reasons why the CBC is having trouble finding a new head of English TV.
CRTC announces new ad-time incentives for Canadian programming; Global reveals a reality-heavy season lineup.
CRTC proposes advertising minutes incentive for broadcasters to air Canadian drama in prime time, calls on government for long-term solution to drama funding problems.
The federal Competition Bureau responds to a complaint that the Rogers/Newcap Sales Management Agreement may constitute a criminal conspiracy under Canadian competition laws.
FRIENDS poll shows majority of British Columbians support maintaining public ownership of Knowledge Network.
In a survey, 69 percent of B.C. residents opposed selling the educational broadcaster Knowledge Network to a private company.
B.C. plan to seek private sector "operating partner" for public educational television network opposed by majority of British Columbians.
Article on FRIENDS speech to Canadian University Press conference links foreign ownership and media concentration, broadcasting and print journalism.
FRIENDS public meeting in Regina told foreign ownership of Canadian media would move decision-making on Canadian programs south.
FRIENDS public meeting in Edmonton reiterates call to maintain existing foreign ownership restrictions on Canadian media and communications.
FRIENDS notes that despite reforms, the president of CBC will still be appointed by the Prime Minister rather than the CBC Board.
Winnipeg public meeting urges federal government to "do nothing" on foreign ownership.
Speakers at well-attended public meeting in Winnipeg support leaving communications sector foreign ownership restrictions as they are.
Alternative federal budget discusses importance of public investment in CBC, Canadian broadcasting and Canadian culture (see pp. 33-34).
FRIENDS recalls Sheila Copps'
FRIENDS public meetings on foreign ownership move to Winnipeg.
Public meetings show cabinet ministers' constituents care about maintaining Canadian control of media and communications.
FRIENDS meeting channels public concern over plans to open Canadian media and communications sectors to foreign ownership.
FRIENDS believes TVO would pose certain regulatory and financial problems for a private operator, notes that privatization has been proposed before.
FRIENDS: CRTC denial of CHUM's Alberta licence applications likely ensures stronger demand for Craig Media.
FRIENDS opposes the lifting of foreign ownership restrictions.
A group of unions, actors and Canadian cultural nationalists pledged to fight any increase in foreign ownership of Canadian media and telecom companies.
Canada's new Minister of Canadian Heritage says she will do things differently; her first challenge will be dealing with media foreign ownership.
Most Canadians support the maintenance of controls on the foreign ownership of our media and telecommunications companies, a national opinion poll shows.
Moses Znaimer may succeed Isabel Bassett as CEO of TVOntario.
Censorship is wrong, but Aspers' suggestion of a Senate inquiry on the matter is inconsistent with their view that the government keep out of the media business.
Technological advantages aside, FRIENDS says high definition television is primarily a vehicle for delivering higher income viewers to advertisers.
Obstacles to communications sector foreign ownership are fading with Paul Martin as Prime Minister, which could quickly lead to U.S. conglomerates buying up our television networks and cable companies.
Provincial Liberal government will reportedly replace Isabel Bassett as CEO of TVOntario, though she would continue to serve as part-time chair.
Private broadcasters and Alliance Atlantis point to U.S. competition and advantage to explain the lack of Canadian stories on domestic television screens.
Lukewarm coverage of Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage report, Our Cultural Sovereignty, is argued to reflect the censorship by omission that can result from media concentration.
Possible increases in media cross-ownership and loosened foreign ownership limits would dramatically change the Canadian television industry.
