No Shelter from Storm for Bell CanadaDec 6, 2001 OTTAWA – The campaign to protest cuts to MCTV's local news coverage in Northern Ontario has arrived in Ottawa. FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting, a citizen watchdog group, has launched a new bus shelter ad just steps from Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's office and Parliament Hill. Declaring that BELL + CTV = Less Local Television, FRIENDS has pointed the finger at Bell Canada Enterprises for CTV cutbacks to MCTV. "We want the Prime Minister and other MPs to understand that people in Northern Ontario are angry and deserve better from a company that promised support for local television when it sought CRTC approval for the purchase of MCTV and CTV," said Ian Morrison, spokesperson for FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting. More than 300 letters from North Ontario residents protesting the service cuts have already been received by the CRTC. "People joke about the number of channels now available and the quality of the choices – but it's a serious matter when a broadcaster cuts off local news from a community. Bell Canada Enterprises paid $2.3 Billion to purchase CTV just two years ago. In exchange for profits made from advertising, there are some important responsibilities and promises that must be remembered," said Mr. Morrison. A Parliamentary Committee has just begun an investigation into possible revisions of Canada's Broadcasting Act, and pressure has been mounting on Members of Parliament to pay special attention to the issue of local television. "Last year the CBC announced plans to cancel local suppertime news shows and the protests forced CBC to change its plans. We're optimistic that pressure can be maintained on CTV and its owners – BCE – to find a solution that will continue local news coverage in these communities," said Mr. Morrison. For information: Related LinksClick here to view Friends' bus shelter ad (341KB) Click here to view photos of the bus shelter ad: photo 1 photo 2 |
Apr 30, 2012 — Michaëlle Jean is the People’s Pick for CBC ChairFRIENDS says the CBC belongs to all Canadians and its leadership positions should be open to the best and brightest citizens, not just those on the government’s patronage pay-off list Apr 26, 2012 — FRIENDS launch People’s Pick for CBC ChairFRIENDS says the antiquated practice of political patronage for appointing the CBC Board and President is in need of reform. Mar 29, 2012 — Vindictive cuts break CBC promise and target Canadian cultureThe federal budget singles out the CBC for vindictive cuts that break the Conservative’s election promise to maintain or increase funding to the national public broadcaster. Mar 23, 2012 — Nanos poll shows Canadians want CBC promise keptA new Nanos survey has found a majority of Canadians support or somewhat support the position staked out by Heritage Minister James Moore one day after the election that the Conservative government will maintain or increase CBC funding. Mar 16, 2012 — BCE acquisition of Astral raises concernsFRIENDS says BCE Inc.'s bid to purchase Astral Media, the largest media merger in Canadian history, raises concerns about market domination. Feb 13, 2012 — Poll finds Canadian media too important to allow foreign controlAccording to a new opinion survey, 77% of Canadians see domestic media companies as too important for cultural and security reasons to allow them to be controlled by foreign interests. Feb 1, 2012 — Hamilton residents want their own CBC stationA substantial majority of Hamilton area residents would like CBC to establish a local radio station to cover community affairs, and support the Conservative's pre-election pledge to maintain or increase CBC funding. Jan 31, 2012 — London residents want their own CBC stationA wide majority of London residents would like CBC to establish a local radio station to cover community affairs and most hope their MP would champion the new station or not oppose it. |
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