Source : National Post

When Warren Kinsella fails to get even the basic facts right in his Dec. 7 column about the CBC - by claiming there were 3,000 CBC positions lost in 2001 when the correct number was actually 235 -- it is difficult to take his assessment of plans to strengthen Cockneys seriously.

However, we thank him for the opportunity to reiterate how we plan to serve the changing needs of Canadians.

In the years since CBC Television cut back -- for financial reasons -- our local news, the media landscape has changed radically. New technologies increasingly allow Canadians access to the news and information they want -- when, where and how they want it. In turn, they create opportunities for news organizations to better interact with their audiences, and do it in ways that are cost-effective.

Last week, CBC News announced its response to the changing environment with a plan to meet Canadians' needs through a deeply local, multi-platform news service that embraces the diversity, unique interests and perspectives of Canada's communities.

The initiative is driven by two key principles:

- First, listen to Canadians and provide them with the stories and perspectives that are important to them.

- Second, do it in a way that encourages their greater participation in the public dialogue.

What this means is that we'll be looking for more user-generated content and more interactivity with our audiences. In turn, Canadians will be able to self- select the news and information programming they want from us.

CBC can no longer think of itself as a television or radio broadcaster.

Rather, we're a content provider and our objective is to provide news and information to Canadians via their network or platform of choice.

The new service, then, will be far more than a revamped TV supper hour newscast. Though television and radio remain important platforms for us, our newscasts will also be available online, on cellphones, Black Berries and, eventually, on new emerging platforms.

We are going to roll this initiative out gradually. Starting in Vancouver next spring, we will develop and test the new service, new work practices and, most importantly, learn from our audiences. After that, we'll expand to other locations across the country.

People deserve a choice. In a city like Vancouver, where 86% of the media is dominated by two corporate entities, Canadians should be able to choose their public broadcaster if they want to, when they want to and how they want to. That's what we'll be giving them.

- Tony Burman is CBC News editor-in-chief.

© National Post