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All Local & Regional Programming Articles — 2009

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Dec 27, 2009 — News Article: High hopes for film industry by Bill Brownstein

Quebec's film commissioner says that foreign production of feature films has taken off in the province recently.

Dec 9, 2009 — Policy Brief: Compensation Regime for the Value of Local Television Signals (BN CRTC 2009-614)

FRIENDS recommends that the CRTC re-regulate the basic service of the big four cable monopolies and ensure that cable distributors do not pass along signal compensation charges to their subscribers.

Dec 4, 2009 — News Article: CBC home rises anew in downtown Vancouver by John Mackie

CBC set to unveil its new Vancouver broadcasting centre after a $65 million renovation.

Dec 4, 2009 — News Article: Ottawa seeking input on retransmission fees by Etan Vlessing

Ottawa is urging TV viewers to go to a government Web site to offer their opinion on whether broadcasters should be paid for retransmission of their local TV station signals.

Dec 3, 2009 — News Article: Ottawa boy ordered to shut down his radio station

Industry Canada has ordered a 14-year-old Ottawa boy to shut down an unlicensed radio station.

Dec 1, 2009 — News Article: CRTC seeks public input on TV spat

CRTC launches website soliciting opinions on fee-for-carriage dispute between networks and distributors.

Nov 30, 2009 — News Article: CRTC seeks opinions on TV fee fight

http://television.askingcanadians.com seeks public's input on how the CRTC should deal with the escalating war between television broadcasters and cable companies.

Nov 30, 2009 — News Article: CanWest pensioners' lives in limbo by Janet McFarland

The pension plan of 200 CHCH Hamilton retirees and active workers has been shut down and liquidated as part of the agreement by CanWest to sell the station.

Nov 24, 2009 — News Article: Give community broadcasting back to the community, group proposes

The Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations says returning community broadcasting back to the community is a cost-effective way to both support and increase local programming content.

Nov 23, 2009 — News Article: Cable must pay, says CEP

Canada's largest media union says Canada's broadcast regulator should force cable and satellite companies to pay for the local TV stations they use.

Nov 20, 2009 — News Article: Konrad von Finckenstein 'sick' and Jim Shaw 'tired' by Susan Krashinsky

CEO of Shaw Communications says it's time to move on from fight between broadcasters, cable and satellite firms.

Nov 19, 2009 — News Article: Neck-and-neck with the networks by Etan Vlessing

According to BBM Canada CHCH in Hamilton as seen viewership for its supper-hour newscast become highly competitive this fall in nearby Toronto.

Nov 19, 2009 — News Article: TV Fees: A job for Steve Jobs by William Watson

Columnist says the public is desperate for a technology that will do for television what iTunes and the iPod have done for music and movies: enable "content-providers" to charge viewers for what they choose to watch.

Nov 19, 2009 — News Article: Broadcasters are all facing darkest of days by Martin Cash

Columnist notes that Shaw recently paid $300 million for Mountain Cablevision in Hamilton, while Canwest sold the Hamilton television station, CHCH, for $6.

Nov 18, 2009 — News Article: Reprice the channels, says Péladeau by Norma Reveler

Quebecor Media president calls for a rebalancing of the Canadian TV system that would see some subscriber fees now earmarked for specialty channels diverted to conventional TV.

Nov 18, 2009 — Blog Post: What Do We Want? More Canadian TV!

The Writers Guild of Canada says Canadians are losing out in the fight between cable and broadcasters.

Nov 18, 2009 — News Article: Give viewers more choice: Péladeau by Susan Krashinsky

Quebecor president says conventional broadcasters deserve the same fees cable and satellite carriers now pay specialty channels.

Nov 17, 2009 — News Article: Country radio goes quiet by Steve Arnold

The last country music radio station in Hamilton has switched formats to classic rock in search of larger audiences.

Nov 17, 2009 — News Article: Why should cable customers have to bail out big TV? by Yves Mayrand

Cogeco Cable executive says carriage fees will burden Canadian cable and satellite customers without getting anything in return.

Nov 17, 2009 — News Article: CTV threatens to close local stations by Iain Marlow

CTV says it will black out signals and continue to shutter local television stations if it can't get paid by cable companies for local programming.

Nov 16, 2009 — News Article: Tune in for the broadcasters vs. cable-satellite fight by Iain Marlow

Columnist says hearings before broadcast regulator on the value of "Local TV" could alter the Canadian media landscape dramatically.

Nov 14, 2009 — News Article: The battle over local TV by Grant Robertson, Nathan VanderKlippe and Susan Krashinsky

Article looks at the front-lines of the "Local TV" debate in Hamilton, ON and Red Deer, AB.

Nov 13, 2009 — News Article: Video: A Pox on Both Their Houses: Cable and TV

Roundtable discussion on the issue of fee-for-carriage, featuring broadcast industry observers including FRIENDS spokesperson, Ian Morrison.

Nov 9, 2009 — News Article: Seven-year licence approved for Victoria's CHEK TV by Darron Kloster

CHEK news director says the locally owned TV station is already exceeding the amount of local content required under a new seven-year licence.

Nov 8, 2009 — News Article: News Erupts, and So Does a Web Debut by David Carr

Columnist profiles a new web-based news organization that was conceived and devised to exclusively cover the politics and policy of Texas state government.

Nov 5, 2009 — News Article: Unprecedented Support for Local TV by Canadian Consumers

Broadcasters say more than 130,000 comments were submitted to the CRTC in support of local TV.

Nov 3, 2009 — News Article: Cable guys, broadcasters: Time to look at the big picture by John Doyle

Columnist says it's time for the cable monopolies to share their large profits with the TV networks.

Nov 3, 2009 — News Article: Consumers weigh in with CRTC on TV fees

Article says the federal broadcast regulator has been inundated with emails from consumers who are lining up on both sides of the battle over local TV.

Nov 2, 2009 — News Release: Canadian consumers need protection from big cable

FRIENDS says CRTC should protect consumers from skyrocketing basic cable TV rates in the face of price increases of up to 85% since 2002.

Nov 2, 2009 — Policy Brief: Re: Compensation Regime for the Value of Local Television Signals: Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2009-614

FRIENDS recommends that the CRTC re-regulate basic cable rates, ensure that big cable companies do not pass along signal costs to subscribers and new compensation be divided among local conventional stations based on viewership of Canadian programs.

Nov 2, 2009 — News Article: Save local TV, stop the TV tax! by Andrew Coyne

Columnist says the broadcasters should be allowed to charge a fee for their signals, but cable companies should be under no obligation to carry them.

Oct 29, 2009 — News Article: Poll finds most Canadians want BDUs to help save local TV

A Nanos Research research study shows about 70% of respondents support the statement: 'local TV stations should receive a portion of the amount that customers pay on their monthly bill for cable or satellite TV'.

Oct 29, 2009 — News Article: Canadians Support Local TV Matters Campaign

A Nanos Research study shows strong support for local television stations securing financial compensation from cable and satellite companies.

Oct 28, 2009 — News Article: Save local TV

Editorial says it's long past time for cable to pay for carrying conventional television stations.

Oct 27, 2009 — News Article: CBC gets OK to convert Whitehorse AM signal

The CRTC has given the CBC permission to change its Whitehorse radio signal from the AM to FM band, disappointing rural listeners who wanted the AM signal to stay on.

Oct 21, 2009 — News Article: Media-hungry Canadians seek access to geoblocked Hulu, Spotify by Ted Kritsonis

Broadcasters on both sides of the border are trying to recreate existing real-world boundaries into the digital world.

Oct 20, 2009 — News Article: Canada's conventional TV networks agree on zero fee

Canada's three conventional television networks, Global, CTV and CBC, have arrived at a figure they feel is appropriate for consumers to pay to support local programming — zero.

Oct 20, 2009 — News Article: Canada's Superstation joins Local TV Matters Campaign

Newfoundland broadcaster NTV, has joined CTV, 'A', CBC, Global, CHEK NEWS and V in the Local TV Matters campaign.

Oct 20, 2009 — News Article: News Corporation's STAR Launches 7-Channels on Rogers' Canadian Platform

STAR, Asia's leading media and Entertainment company, has launched seven Mandarin and Hindi-language channels on Rogers Cable.

Oct 19, 2009 — News Article: V Joins the Local TV Matters Campaign

Quebec French-language broadcaster "V" has announced it will take an active part in the Local TV Matters campaign.

Oct 9, 2009 — News Article: Local TV takes on cable giants

Viral video guru helps local TV stations take anti-cable message online in bid to win carriage-fee fight.

Oct 8, 2009 — News Article: Broadcasters, carriers, vie for hearts of the consumer by Greg O'Brien

Columnist says duelling campaigns over fee-for-carriage leave consumers confused and not knowing what to believe.

Oct 8, 2009 — News Article: Our Canadian TV Matters

ACTRA National President says "It's time to stop the cable rip-offs and get more Canada on Canadian TV."

Oct 8, 2009 — News Article: Canwest's legacy large by Martin Cash

Article discusses the Canwest's importance to the city of Winnipeg.

Oct 7, 2009 — News Article: Canwest assures viewers, TV partners of regularly scheduled programming by Cassandra Szklarski

FRIENDS says financial weakness has caused Canwest to cut corners and that the restructuring can only improve the company's TV programming.

Oct 7, 2009 — News Article: The Asper dream ends, the selloff begins by Grant Robertson and Andrew Willis

Article says the restructuring of CanWest will lead to the biggest sell-off of media assets in Canadian history, including potential sale of Global TV and daily newspapers.

Oct 7, 2009 — News Article: The debate over 'fee-for-carriage' heats up

In a radio interview, FRIENDS spokesperson, Ian Morrison, discusses the need for "fee-for-carriage" to preserve local television and the misinformation being presented by Canada's cable monopolies.

Oct 6, 2009 — News Article: Would-be CKX buyer decries BDUs' "total control of the system" while pursuing network dream by Greg O'Brien

After a deal to purchase the local CTV station in Brandon, MB, Bruce Claassen lays the blame on the direct-to-home satellite companies and the CRTC.

Oct 5, 2009 — News Article: BDUs launch campaign to "stop the TV tax" by Lesley Hunter

Bell, Bell Aliant, Cogeco, EastLink, Rogers and Telus have joined forces on lobbying campaign which they say is designed to ensure "that Canadians hear the whole story".

Oct 2, 2009 — News Article: A New Vision for Community TV by Steve Anderson and Michael Lithgow

Article looks at what community TV may look like in the 21st century.

Oct 1, 2009 — News Article: Deal for Manitoba TV station falls through

CKX in Brandon will stop broadcasting Friday evening after a deal to keep the station running fell through.

Sep 28, 2009 — News Article: Another CHEK TV backer emerges by Carla Wilson

BC Investor Graham Barnes is putting in money and expertise to help Victoria's CHEK TV get on its business feet under new owners.

Sep 24, 2009 — News Article: Broadband campaign spurs 20,000 letters to MPs by Peter Nowak

A campaign launched by small internet providers for government intervention in the broadband market has spurred more than 20,000 letters to MPs, the companies say.

Sep 20, 2009 — News Article: Serials make killing in digital TV universe by Emiliano de Pablos

Article profiles the expansion of U.S. TV programming into Spain's broadcasting system.

Sep 19, 2009 — News Article: Tories dominate broadcast debate by Jamie Sturgeon

"The government has told the CRTC that it wishes to make the ultimate decision," says Bell Canada executive.

Sep 15, 2009 — News Article: BDU-broadcaster battle renewed; BDUs want commissioners recused by Greg O'Brien

Article looks at submissions to the CRTC by cable/satellite companies and broadcasters on the issue of fee-for-carriage.

Sep 14, 2009 — News Article: Canada's Television Broadcasters Unite to Stand Up for Viewers and to Protect Local Television

CTV, 'A', Global and CBC have joined together to launch a national campaign - Local TV Matters - aimed at rallying viewers and all Canadians to support local television.

Sep 14, 2009 — Policy Brief: Re: Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2009-411 – Policy proceeding on a group-based approach to licensing of television services

FRIENDS recommends that Cable broadcast distributors should share a portion of their considerable profit with local TV broadcasters and that those fees should be divided based upon the total audience assembled for Canadian programs.

Sep 14, 2009 — News Article: Don't let Gabriola drown in the Ocean - OPPOSE the Rogers expansion

Community radio co-op asks concerned parties to file a CRTC intervention and oppose the Rogers expansion on Gabriola Island, BC.

Sep 14, 2009 — News Article: Networks, cable firms gird for battle by Grant Robertson

The country's major television networks and its biggest cable companies are set to launch public appeals for support in their debate over new fees on customer bills.

Sep 14, 2009 — News Article: Carriage fee fight is on the air by Rita Trichur

CTV, Global and CBC launch localtvmatters.ca, along with TV, radio and print advertisements in their ongoing fight to collect fees from cable and satellite companies.

Sep 11, 2009 — News Article: CBC's Regina signal should be on satellite: CRTC

The Star Choice satellite television company has been told it should offer the CBC Regina signal to subscribers.

Sep 9, 2009 — News Article: CHEK employee group has plan to save local TV

Victoria's CHEK-TV plans to stay on the air with a combination of local news and older programming it believes will appeal to its audiences.

Sep 9, 2009 — News Article: Cable firms 'not telling truth' about fund by Brett Clarkson

FRIENDS says cable and satellite TV providers are misleading their subscribers by slapping a 1.5% fee on monthly bills and then trying to shift blame to the CRTC for the price hike.

Sep 7, 2009 — News Article: Canada's CHEK-TV saved from closure by Etan Vlessing

Around 45 jobs have been saved after employees at Victoria-based CHEK-TV secured an eleventh-hour deal to buy the local TV station.

Sep 4, 2009 — News Article: Canwest outsourcing advertising production work in Calgary and Regina overseas

Canwest is outsourcing some of its advertising production work done in Calgary and Regina to a company with operations in India and the Philippines.

Sep 4, 2009 — News Article: Employees buy CanWest TV station in Victoria for $2 by Grant Robertson

CanWest has sold its Victoria television station to a group of employees for $2, a move that will prevent the station from going off the air.

Sep 4, 2009 — News Article: CHEK-TV buys station from Canwest by Lesley Hunter

Employees of CHEK-TV in Victoria have purchased the station from Canwest.

Sep 2, 2009 — News Article: Corporate crisis, community opportunity: Rebuilding local media for the 21st century by Jacqueline Cusack McDonald and Steve Anderson

Article authors say the current media system in Canada does not adequately address the social, ecological and economic challenges facing communities across the country.

Sep 2, 2009 — News Article: Canada's TV industry

In a radio interview with host Roger Currie, FRIENDS spokesperson, Ian Morrison, discusses recent changes in Canada's TV industry.

Sep 2, 2009 — News Article: End of a short era for E! network by Etan Vlessing

The CRTC has sealed the fate of Canwest Global Communications' secondary E! network by approving the transfer of ownership of CHCH in Hamilton and CJNT in Montreal to Channel Zero.

Sep 2, 2009 — News Article: CHEK TV gets last-minute extension as local investors seek to buy it

An employee-led bid to buy CHEK TV in Victoria has won a last-minute extension.

Aug 31, 2009 — News Article: A week of reckoning for Canadian TV by Grant Robertson

Over the next few days, money-losing TV stations in in Victoria and Red Deer will be shut down, while others with new owners will attempt to climb back to profitability.

Aug 28, 2009 — News Article: Canadian E! stations will be rebranded by Etan Vlessing

The CRTC has given the go-ahead for the E!-branded TV stations in Hamilton and Montreal to be acquired and rebranded by indie broadcaster Channel Zero.

Aug 28, 2009 — News Article: CHEK TV employee bid fails to save local station by Darron Kloster

CHEK TV is set to fade to black after Canwest announced an employee-owned initiative did not meet its guidelines to keep the station operating.

Aug 27, 2009 — News Article: CBC dumbs down news by Bruce Wark

Editorial says that in search of higher TV ad revenues, CBC is pulling resources from radio.

Aug 20, 2009 — News Article: This hour has 90 minutes by Regan Ray

Journalism professor says changes to CBC's local suppertime news is all about maximizing ad revenue for the network.

Aug 14, 2009 — News Article: Long odds on gambit to save CHEK by Amy Haggar

Despite raising more than $500,000, questions remain and time is quickly running out for employees trying to purchase CHEK-TV in Victoria.

Aug 13, 2009 — News Article: Employees at CHEK-TV raise money to buy Victoria station from CanWest by James Keller

Employees are raising money to buy CHEK-TV from Canwest Global in an effort to stop the struggling media giant from shutting down the Victoria operation at the end of the month.

Aug 3, 2009 — News Article: City doesn't get it about culture, economic development by Loretto Beninger

Artist writes that city politicians in Ottawa must re-evaluate priorities that give low ranking to culture.

Aug 3, 2009 — Policy Brief: Re: Broadcast Notice CRTC 2009-425: Proposed acquisition of CJNT & CHCH by Channel Zero (applications 2009-1020-0, 2009-1018-4, 2009-1021-7 & 2009-1019-2)

In a submission to the CRTC, FRIENDS supports Channel Zero's applications to acquire the television stations CJNT and CHCH.

Aug 1, 2009 — News Article: CHCH-TV workers OK deal to sell station

Unionized workers at CHCH-TV in Hamilton have approved Canwest Global Communication's proposal to sell the station to Channel Zero.

Jul 31, 2009 — News Article: CBC adds drama reruns, expands local news

Despite criticism for purchasing U.S. imports such as Wheel and Jeopardy, CBC president Hubert Lacroix has says the series draw audiences to the network's prime-time lineup.

Jul 22, 2009 — News Article: Canwest closing TV stations in Alberta, B.C.

Canwest Global Communications Corp. is closing two TV stations in its second network, CHEK-TV in Victoria and CHCA-TV in Red Deer, Alta., effective Aug. 31.

Jul 15, 2009 — News Article: Whitehorse AM transmitter's future undecided: CBC

The CBC's top official in the North says the Yukon government's move to extend the CBC's lease for its AM transmitter in Whitehorse does not necessarily mean the broadcaster will scrap plans to switch from AM to FM.

Jul 13, 2009 — News Article: Free, over-the-air TV fades to black By Michael Geist

Columnist says since the debut of broadcast television in this country more than 50 years ago, millions of Canadians have grown to expect free access to local television signals. Last week, Canada's broadcast regulator issued a decision that will bring the era of free local television to an end for many Canadians.

Jul 8, 2009 — News Article: Reprieve for Windsor station By Sean Davidson

CTV is staying in Windsor for at least another year. The network confirmed on Wednesday that it will keep the lights on at CHWI, one of the three stations it planned to close at the end of this summer when its licence ran out.

Jul 8, 2009 — News Article: Windsor A Channel Gets Reprieve from CTV

CTV says the Windsor A Channel station CHWI-TV will continue to operate for the license renewal term that all of CTV's conventional stations have received (expiring August 31, 2010).

Jul 8, 2009 — News Article: CRTC Rejects Rogers Bid to Reduce CanCon

Broadcasters should make “meaningful commitments” to Canadian content, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has re-stated in its decision to reject a request from Rogers Broadcasting to reduce requirements for airing Canadian content.

Jul 7, 2009 — News Article: Local TV precarious, despite increased funding: networks

The CRTC's move to boost funding for local TV programming may not be enough to save some stations, the networks say.

Jul 7, 2009 — News Article: TV firms score victory in fight over fees By Karim Bardeesy

Columnist says television broadcasters have won concessions from Ottawa that will help pay for programming, in a move that escalates their long-running battle with the cable and satellite companies that carry their signals.

Jul 6, 2009 — News Article: Door open on fee-for-carriage By Norma Reveler

Canada's broadcast regulator has opened the doors to fee-for-carriage, increased the size of a yet-to-launch local TV fund, and harmonized the amount of local programming the English-language networks have to broadcast.

Jul 5, 2009 — News Article: Conventional TV stations fight for their lives By Jamie Sturgeon

With advertising dollars evaporating amid the recession and the migration of viewers to online and specialty channels gathering pace, smaller conventional television stations are fighting for their lives, their parent networks say. Monday, they'll look to federal broadcasting regulators in Ottawa for help.

Jul 2, 2009 — News Article: Al Jazeera gaining favour in Canada By Joanna Smith

Columnist says positive public reaction to proposed expansion of news agency outweighs the negative

Jul 2, 2009 — News Article: No deal, no explanation from CTV, Shaw By Etan Vlessing

Columnist discusses if Shaw Communication backed out of a May offer to buy three of its stations — CKX in Brandon, MB, and Ontario stations CKNX in Wingham and CHWI near Windsor — for $1 each was a publicity stunt or a serious deal gone sour

Jul 1, 2009 — News Article: Four things we should be proud of By Antonia Zerbisias

Columnist discusses the four things Canadians should be proud of.

Jul 1, 2009 — News Article: Shaw cancels purchase of 3 CTV stations

Canadian television giant CTV Inc. said yesterday that Shaw Communications Inc. will not proceed with the purchase of three over-the-air TV stations for $1 each.

Jun 30, 2009 — News Article: Al-Jazeera decision coming this summer

Columnist says Canadian Jewish groups have indicated to the CRTC that they will not oppose making the English version of the Al Jazeera available to Canadians.

Jun 30, 2009 — News Release: CBC Cancon light

Canadian content during prime time on CBC English TV has reached a 20-year low, according to new research about what’s on TV released this morning by the watchdog group Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.

Jun 30, 2009 — News Article: Canwest selling TV stations in Montreal, Hamilton

Money-troubled Canwest Global Communications Corp. said Tuesday it is selling two conventional television stations in Montreal and Hamilton to an affiliate of Channel Zero Inc., an independent Canadian television broadcaster.

Jun 30, 2009 — News Article: Channel Zero buying two Es By Etan Vlessing

Columnist says Canwest Global Communications has begun to shift its struggling E!-branded stations, with specialty and pay broadcaster Channel Zero picking up CHCH in Hamilton and CJNT in Montreal.

Jun 30, 2009 — News Article: With LPIF decision, TV review PN coming on Monday, CBC offers up its own distribution order

CRTC has a big day coming up on Monday. Not only is the network management hearing beginning that day, the Regulator is also launching a new proceeding seeking structural reform of the TV sector while releasing new rules (and potentially a new amount) for its yet-to-be-launched Local Programming Improvement Fund.

Jun 30, 2009 — News Article: CBC Canadian Content 'Light'

Canadian content during prime time on CBC English TV has reached a 20-year low, according to new research about what's on TV released this morning by the watchdog group Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.

Jun 27, 2009 — News Article: Broadcasters wait anxiously for CRTC decisions key to future of conventional TV By Tamsyn Burgmann

Rita Cugini spoke at a meeting held by RTNDA Canada on concerns about the loss of local programming as a CRTC official set the stage for crucial upcoming decisions by the federal regulator that will impact the future of conventional Canadian television.

Jun 24, 2009 — News Article: It's decision time for local television

A columnist says a "fee-for-carriage" in the range of $6 a month per subscriber – would undoubtedly be passed on to consumers, and there is no guarantee it would be spent on local TV programming.

Jun 23, 2009 — News Article: Ten licences for ATN

The CRTC has granted licences for 10 new digital channels to Asian Television Network, covering movies, sports and music.

Jun 20, 2009 — News Article: Committee seeks to raise local-programming levy

Television distributors such as cable companies should pay more money into a proposed fund designed to save local programming, a parliamentary committee has recommended.

Jun 19, 2009 — News Article: No fee for carriage decision in Heritage committee's TV report By Lesley Hunter

After dominating the three months worth of hearings earlier this Spring, the House of Commons committee on Canadian Heritage left out any recommendation on the controversial issue of fee for carriage in its report on the state of local television released Friday.

Jun 19, 2009 — News Article: Windsor residents seek injunction against CBC By Guy Dixon

A group of local residents has filed a legal injunction to try to stop the CBC from discontinuing its French-language local radio news and programming in Windsor, Ont.

Jun 17, 2009 — News Article: More broadcast plans for 2010 Paralympic Games unveiled by consortium By Stephanie Levitz

A Canadian first, all of Team Canada's sledge hockey games during the 2010 Paralympic Games in Vancouver will be broadcast.

Jun 16, 2009 — News Article: Globe and Mail staff to hold strike vote By Wojtek Dabrowski

Approximately 480 workers at Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper will vote this weekend on whether to give their union a strike mandate.

Jun 16, 2009 — News Article: CBC: we're not a TV network anymore, says Stursberg By John Bugailiskis

Breaking news from the CBC: It is no longer a TV network but a "content provider." This, according to the CBC's Richard Stursberg who was a keynote speaker at Tuesday afternoon's Canadian Telecom Summit in Toronto.

Jun 15, 2009 — News Article: Community Television Policies and Practices Around the World

Report says both access and local origination principles have suffered in Canadian community television since 1997, when the sector was partially deregulated.

Jun 11, 2009 — News Article: Canadian over-the-air TV following U.S. down digital path by John Bowman

Columnist says those Canadians who live in small towns and who use an antenna TV could lose some channels altogether with the shutdown of analog TV signals in 2011.

Jun 4, 2009 — News Article: Stursberg, Lafrance mull CBC's future by Patricia Bailey

The head of CBC's English language operations says "So few people [in English Canada] are preoccupied with CBC TV."

Jun 1, 2009 — News Article: CTV and 'A' Thank Viewers for their Overwhelming Support to Help Save Local Television

CTV says their 'Save Local Television' campaign has received more than 100,000 Expressions of Support from Canadians.

May 29, 2009 — News Article: It's CTV, not local news, that is facing threat by Bob Cox

In response to the CTV "save local TV" campaign, the publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press says "local news and news coverage is not threatened".

May 25, 2009 — News Article: CRTC chairman says his inaccurate testimony was not deliberate

The chairman of the CRTC says he simply misspoke when he suggested to heritage committee members that the broadcast regulator wasn't allowing broadcasters to charge cable companies a fee for carrying their signals because the broadcasters weren't going to direct the money they received to local programming.

May 24, 2009 — News Article: TV Antennas making a comeback in Canada by Jennifer Ditchburn

Columnist says there is anecdotal evidence that TV antennas are making a tentative comeback in this country.

May 24, 2009 — News Article: Cable companies, CTV spar over money for local TV in advance of national campaign by Cassandra Szklarski

Rogers, Bell, Telus, Cogeco, Eastlink and the Canadian Cable Systems Alliance are accusing CTV of "one-sided and unbalanced coverage" of its "Save Local TV" advocacy campaign.

May 23, 2009 — News Article: Huge crowd turns out to support local TV by Kate Jaimet

Reports indicate more than a thousand people came out recently to support CTV Ottawa's "Save Local Television" campaign.

May 22, 2009 — News Article: Campaign: Don't Tax My TV!

Cable company says local TV doesn't need saving and that Canada's major broadcasters should be responsible for their own businesses instead of looking for a new TV tax.

May 22, 2009 — News Article: Converting to digital too costly: broadcasters by Jennifer Ditchburn

Broadcasting executives say there's no business case for spending $1 million to upgrade a transmission tower that serves a small pocket of people who don't have cable or satellite dishes.

May 22, 2009 — News Article: TV operators file formal complaint against CTV by Jamie Sturgeon

The country's largest cable and satellite TV operators have filed a formal complaint with communications authorities alleging CTVglobemedia "Save Local TV" advertising campaign has violated the Broadcasting Act.

May 16, 2009 — News Article: Support local television bt Mike Elgie

The general manager of CTV Atlantic invites Canadians to join a campaign advocating fee-for-carriage for conventional broadcasters.

May 15, 2009 — News Article: Francophone fans at mercy of TV giants by Chris Zelkovich

CBC president Hubert Lacroix tells a parliamentary committee that CTV is refusing to compensate Radio-Canada to carry its Olympic coverage to francophones outside Quebec.

May 12, 2009 — News Article: The future of conventional TV by Pierre Karl Peladeau

The president and CEO of Quebecor Media says "rather than using quotas and regulatory requirements... the evolution of Canadian broadcasting must be driven by the success of Canadian programming".

May 11, 2009 — Policy Brief: Evolution of the television industry in Canada and its impact on local communication

In a presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, FRIENDS cites a survey that says three-quarters of Canadians believe annual support to the CBC should rise to at least $40 per Canadian per year.

May 11, 2009 — News Article: Campaign: Help Save Local Television

CTV launches an online campaign encouraging Canadians to advocate on behalf of local TV news and programming.

May 4, 2009 — News Article: Shaw makes official bid for 3 CTV stations by Grant Robertson

Jim Shaw has sent a letter to CTV formalizing his offer to buy three of the network's struggling small-market stations for $1 each, but the letter suggests certain adjustments might be necessary to complete the deal.

May 4, 2009 — News Article: Sudbury shows anger at CBC over nickel-and-diming in regions by Roy MacGregor

The mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury is outraged, angry and frustrated that the CBC is cutting half its staff in his community.

May 2, 2009 — News Article: Shaw's TV deal is all about the optics by Derek DeCloet

Columnist says with purchase of three stations for $3 from CTV, Jim Shaw is trying to make a statement that local television can stand on its own.

May 2, 2009 — News Article: CRTC cuts value of local TV to cost of a coffee by David Asper

Columnist says local television is dying, and the most sensible strategy for saving it involves cable companies paying a fee.

May 2, 2009 — News Article: Shaw's purchase of CTV stations for $1 each a strategic political move: observers

Industry watcher says Jim Shaw's motivation for purchasing three local TV stations is to "embarrass the broadcasters, weaken their argument and put pressure on the CRTC and politicians."

May 1, 2009 — News Article: Shaw pays $1 each for 3 CTV stations

Shaw Communications of Calgary is buying three television stations CTV had pegged for closure.

Apr 30, 2009 — News Article: Stop the silliness. Charge the cable companies and save local TV by John Doyle

Columnist says conventional TV is worth saving and the CRTC should introduce fee-for-carriage and direct the funds to local services.

Apr 29, 2009 — News Article: CRTC fails to secure local TV stations by Grant Robertson

Columnist says the CRTC is trying to get CTVglobemedia and Canwest to commit to not closing money-losing stations in exchange for new financial concessions, but has failed to win the necessary assurances.

Apr 28, 2009 — News Article: Smaller towns could lose TV signal in move to digital

Broadcasters say the cost of replacing analog transmitters with digital ones, as required by August 2011, will be too high in some smaller communities.

Apr 27, 2009 — News Article: Black, White, Read All Over By David Akin

Under siege from all around, many say the newspaper won't survive. Others, say it's premature to pronounce its death.

Apr 24, 2009 — News Article: Get ready for a shakeup in local radio by Randy Shore

Article profiles Vancouver's changing radio landscape that now sees CBC Radio One as the the top rated station.

Apr 23, 2009 — News Article: Battle over Canadian TV rescue package by Etan Vlessing

CTVglobemedia and Canwest say they will sell or shut down local TV stations in small or medium-size markets if their pleas for new funding sources are turned down.

Apr 23, 2009 — News Article: CTV, Global press fee-for-carriage case by Grant Robertson

Broadcasters tell House committee profits are in decline and that they want to charge cable and satellite companies for their signals.

Apr 23, 2009 — News Article: Carriage fee 'a matter of survival,' MPs told by Paul Vieira

Executives from CTVglobemedia and Canwest Global tell MPs that the industry is in the midst of a crisis from which it can recover only with a second source of revenue and fewer regulatory obligations.

Apr 22, 2009 — News Article: Audio: The Canadian Broadcasting Industry

In a radio interview, FRIENDS spokesperson Ian Morrison discusses, local programming, "fee-for-carriage", the plight of CanWest.

Apr 20, 2009 — News Article: Why CBC wants the boring news stuff out of the way by John Doyle

Columnist says CBC executives are really bumping up local news programming so that Coronation Street can air at 6:30 p.m., followed by Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.

Apr 20, 2009 — News Article: Old issues in modern TV 'crisis'

Columnist says that the solution to the crisis in the television industry will likely involve Canadians paying – directly or indirectly – for the continuation of local broadcasting.

Apr 18, 2009 — News Article: Pull out all stops to save small TV stations, Barrie MP urges by Bruce Campion-Smith

MP for Barrie says Ottawa should be looking at all options – including new cable fees and an infusion of government advertising – to help ensure the survival of local television stations.

Apr 16, 2009 — News Article: TV rescue idea is no smarter than a bad reality show by John Doyle

Columnist says the government should look at fee-for-carriage, not ad buys as a way to support the local TV industry.

Apr 15, 2009 — News Article: Maritime Noon: A rural tradition by Geoff Agombar

Columnist calls CBC management's decision to cut 'Maritime Noon' an "attack on rural Canada".

Apr 14, 2009 — Letter: Re: Cuts to the CBC by Mike Bradley

Letter from the Mayor of Sarnia, Ontario urging the Prime Minister to provide bridge financing and increase the parliamentary allocation to Canada's public broadcaster.

Apr 14, 2009 — News Article: Ottawa considers ad boost to help broadcasters by Brian Laghi

Ottawa is looking at a proposal to buy more government ads to help local TV stations make it through the recession.

Apr 11, 2009 — News Article: TV station cuts jobs by Jeremy Warren

CTV Saskatoon will lose 10.5 positions this summer when the television station moves a large chunk of technical operations to Calgary.

Apr 11, 2009 — News Article: Thunder Bay Rally to support CBC by Evelina Pan

Photos from a rally to support the local CBC station in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Apr 9, 2009 — News Article: Fans rally to save their CBC by Tera Camus

More than 200 CBC fans showed up to protest coming job cuts at the corporation's Cape Breton bureau.

Apr 8, 2009 — News Article: Don't ignore CBC while bailing out private broadcasters

ACTRA is concerned by reports that the government is considering bailing out private broadcasters while the CBC is being forced to cut staff and programming.

Apr 8, 2009 — News Article: Ottawa mulls help for small TV stations by Grant Robertson

Faced with the potential closing of several small-market television stations across the country, the federal government is considering a $150-million fund to keep community TV in business.

Apr 7, 2009 — News Article: Ottawa weighs $150-million private TV fund by Jennifer Ditchburn

Columnist says the federal cabinet is considering a $150-million fund for the country's private broadcasters to help rescue local TV stations and their newscasts.

Apr 2, 2009 — News Article: Regulatory changes put station at risk by Kathy Michaels

Canwest has applied to reduce local programming commitments from 18.5 hours to 5 hours at a Southern BC TV station.

Mar 30, 2009 — Policy Brief: Re: Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2009-113 - Licence Renewals for Private Conventional Television Stations

FRIENDS' submission to the CRTC recommends that the quality and quantity of Canadian programming – especially local programming - be maintained as part of the private conventional television licence renewal process.

Mar 30, 2009 — News Article: Don't care about the CBC? You should by Dan Leger

Columnist says that unless something changes, hundreds of communities across Canada will shortly lose most, if not all, of their local news coverage.

Mar 27, 2009 — News Article: CBC Maritime Noon

Listener talkback to CBC's Maritime Noon regarding CBC's plan to cut the program in half.

Mar 27, 2009 — News Article: Specialty, pay TV channels profitable in Canada

Data show that while while conventional television broadcasters slash staff and close stations, Canada's specialty and pay TV operators are in solid health.

Mar 27, 2009 — News Article: CBC cutbacks swing a wide axe by Greg Quill and Raju Mudhar

FRIENDS says cuts at the CBC will result in the regions becoming  hinterland, receiving programming from a centralized operation, rather than places where their own stories can be told.

Mar 26, 2009 — News Article: CBC cuts hit city hard by Brendan Kelly and Kevin Dougherty

260 jobs will be eliminated from the Montreal staff of Radio-Canada, the French-language service of CBC.

Mar 26, 2009 — News Article: Maritime Noon chopped to hour-long phone-in show in CBC cuts

CBC executives say regional stations in Sydney, N.S., Saint John and Moncton, N.B. will lose between three and seven full-time positions.

Mar 26, 2009 — News Article: Reruns on tap as CBC cuts by Bruce Campion-Smith and Greg Quill

Canadians will see fewer regional programs and more reruns in the wake of the CBC's plans to slash 800 jobs.

Mar 26, 2009 — News Article: MPs query watchdog over crisis in TV industry by Grant Robertson

MPs criticize the CRTC for not moving quickly enough to address problems in the television industry that could cause several cities to lose local TV service.

Mar 25, 2009 — News Release: Local broadcasting fading to black with CBC cuts

FRIENDS says an 8% cut to the CBC workforce will diminish the quality and quantity of local programming on the public broadcaster.

Mar 25, 2009 — News Article: 'Painful decisions' ahead as CBC steels to slash 800 jobs by Chris Cobb

FRIENDS says regional and local CBC programming will be hit hard by budget cuts.

Mar 25, 2009 — News Article: CRTC hints at allowing carriage fees for TV by Paul Vieira

CRTC chairman Konrad von Finckenstein says that the broadcasting industry is in "desperate" need of a "systemic solution" to withstand the economic and structural storm that is hitting the sector.

Mar 25, 2009 — News Article: CHUM AM dies again, is reborn as CP24 Radio 1050 by Rob Roberts and Adam McDowell

Toronto's CHUM AM radio station has been rebranded CP24 Radio 1050, and will run programming from TV's CP24 all-news channel.

Mar 25, 2009 — News Article: CBC to cut up to 800 jobs, sell assets

FRIENDS says Canadians will be upset when they see cuts to CBC's local and regional programming implemented.

Mar 24, 2009 — News Article: Up to 600 jobs on block as CBC faces shortfall by Bruce Campion-Smith

FRIENDS says that facing an estimated $65 - $100 million shortfall, it's almost certain that CBC local programming nationwide will take a hit.

Mar 23, 2009 — News Article: Focus, people: Saving local TV is the top priority by John Doyle

Columnist says then the government's TV industry policy priority should be the application of fee-for-carriage in order to keep local TV stations viable and thriving.

Mar 23, 2009 — News Article: Saving local TV and the CBC by Ian Morrison, Peter Murdoch And Steve Waddell

Op-ed says CBC should reduce ads on TV in exchange for stable, long-term funding; but, this is not a new idea...

Mar 20, 2009 — News Article: The CBC is Canada's eyes and ears by Curt Petrovich

Radio reporter says that "more than ever in this age of opinion-fuelled bloggers, specialty channels and PVRs, Canada needs the CBC".

Mar 18, 2009 — News Article: Rogers wants community radio to give up frequency by Dustin Walker

A non-profit society that wants to set up a low-wattage, community radio station on in B.C. is worried opposition from Rogers Communications will stop its application for a broadcast licence.

Mar 18, 2009 — News Article: CBC won't air ads on radio programming by Tu Thanh Ha and James Bradshaw

CBC spokesman says "Ads on radio are not currently among the things that are being looked at."

Mar 16, 2009 — News Article: CBC approves budget; cuts expected

The CBC's board of directors, faced with a possible $200-million shortfall, has approved a budget for the coming year that includes deep cuts.

Mar 15, 2009 — News Article: Will townsfolk save the House of Frightenstein? by Bill Brioux

A Hamilton community group is hoping to purchase CHCH TV and return it to its roots of quality local programming.

Mar 14, 2009 — News Article: TV land trouble by Rita Trichur

FRIENDS says that local programming on over-the-air television doesn't shouldn't be allowed to wither away and die forever because of a temporary economic down cycle.

Mar 12, 2009 — News Article: CanWest drama heats up by Andrew Willis

Columnist says the closure of local TV stations may get politicians interested in making rapid changes to the economics of conventional TV.

Mar 11, 2009 — News Article: CTV cuts 24 staff at Canada AM across the country, axes Montreal morning newscast

CTV Television has laid off more than 24 employees at its Canada AM morning show and cancelled First News in Montreal.

Mar 11, 2009 — News Article: In these grim times, we need local TV coverage more than ever by John Doyle

Columnist says the optics of the CBC's plight would be improved if it committed itself to local coverage when commercial broadcasters are balking at the cost and their regulatory requirements.

Mar 11, 2009 — News Article: Heritage Minister should protect local news

Canada's largest media union says Canada's Heritage Minister should step in to demand that local news and information remain a cornerstone of the Canadian broadcasting system.

Mar 10, 2009 — News Article: Local TV's future fuzzy by Raymond Bowe

FRIENDS says losing a local TV station would be devastating to a community because of the effect on the economy and decrease in local information.

Mar 10, 2009 — News Article: We still watch TV. So why are stations going out of business? by John Doyle

Columnist says the decisions by CanWest and CTV to cut staff and programs at small-market channels are part of a strategy to force regulatory changes.

Mar 6, 2009 — News Article: New fund gives hope to distressed local TV

The Canadian Media Guild says a new fund to improve local TV programming in small markets is the key to saving local news.

Mar 5, 2009 — News Article: Artists decline as percentage of work force by James Adams

An analysis of the 2006 census reveals that artists are declining as a percentage of the overall Canadian work force.

Mar 5, 2009 — News Article: CRTC fiddles as conventional TV model burns by Konrad Yakabuski

Columnist says that without giving TVA, TQS and Radio-Canada access to new sources of revenue – such as fees-for-carriage – more dubbed U.S. programming appears inevitable on Quebec TV.

Mar 4, 2009 — News Article: Broadcasters seek changes for 'broken' industry by Matt Hartley

CTVglobemedia executive says "Without fee for carriage, we're only going to be witness to the demise of conventional television in this country."

Mar 4, 2009 — News Article: CTV cuts 118 jobs at A channels by Grant Surridge

CTVglobemedia executive says "We are doing everything we can to hang on to conventional television, but as we continue to stress, the conventional model is now broken."

Mar 3, 2009 — News Article: Rogers tells CRTC that Citytv stations will focus on local programming

Rogers has submitted licence renewal applications to the CRTC for its conventional TV stations, seeking a seven-year extension and telling the regulator it wants to focus on local programming.

Mar 3, 2009 — News Article: 118 jobs cut at A channels by Etan Vlessing

CTVglobemedia is canceling the 6-9 a.m. morning shows produced in Victoria, London and Barrie, and the 6 p.m., 11 p.m. and weekend newscasts produced in Ottawa.

Mar 3, 2009 — News Article: CTV again calls for carriage fees by Etan Vlessing

Broadcasters call for lower local programming obligations and ending priority programming requirements in primetime.

Feb 27, 2009 — News Article: Note to Staff by Ivan Fecan

The President and CEO of CTVglobemedia discusses the closure of local TV stations and the financial state of the company in a note to staff.

Feb 27, 2009 — News Article: The media and the message by Brian Laghi

Columnist says Stephen Harper's political strategy of aiming his message directly at local voters may be threatened with the possible closures of many community television stations.

Feb 26, 2009 — Policy Brief: Re: Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2008-102

FRIENDS says a proposal from cable and satellite companies on the sale of advertising would have a negative impact on television broadcasters at a time of great financial peril, likely resulting in further reductions in local service.

Feb 26, 2009 — News Article: CTV closes two stations, raising fears for local TV by Grant Robertson

CTV says it would rather close two Ontario stations in Windsor and Wingham than continue to absorb financial losses in those cities.

Feb 25, 2009 — News Article: CTV says economic model for TV is broken, shuts two Ontario stations

FRIENDS says CTV's decision to close two small Ontario television stations put's pressure on the CRTC to re-examine its ruling on fee-for-carriage.

Feb 14, 2009 — News Article: Cash trumps content: CRTC reviews TV licences by Rob Faulkner

FRIENDS says a CRTC plan to issue one-year licences and review local programming rules will be good for TV companies but bad for viewers.

Feb 13, 2009 — News Article: The future of Canwest's Hamilton TV station

FRIENDS spokesperson Ian Morrison discusses options for CHCH  TV Hamilton and the importance of local news in a radio interview with host Bill Kelly.

Feb 13, 2009 — News Article: CRTC to put broadcasters on short lead

Canada's broadcast regulator says it wants to allow one-year licence renewals to conventional television broadcasters because of the financial issues faced by the industry.

Feb 13, 2009 — News Article: Local News Could Save Satellite Radio by Renay San Miguel

Columnist says that investing in quality local news programming could save Sirius XM satellite radio.

Feb 13, 2009 — News Article: Picture looks fuzzy for CHCH by Mark McNeil

FRIENDS says it is likely that CHCH television will continue to operate in Hamilton, but the sagging financial fortunes of parent company Canwest may mean less local programming.

Feb 13, 2009 — News Article: CRTC to ease burden on cash-strapped stations by Grant Robertson

Columnist says the CRTC is expected to announce a new kind of television licence designed to give some of the country's cash-strapped small-market TV stations some relief in an economic downturn.

Feb 8, 2009 — News Article: Throwing salt on Windsor's wounds by Bruce DeMara

Columnist says the imminent closure of A-channel Windsor is another example of the fragile state of local news in Canada.

Feb 7, 2009 — News Article: Legislature may dump TV broadcasts by Darcy Henton

When contracts with CTV and ACCESS TV expire next year, the Alberta legislature will have to choose between creating its own broadcasts or scrapping coverage of question period.

Feb 7, 2009 — News Article: Hard times hit all-sport radio by William Houston

Columnist says all-sport radio can expect cuts and perhaps a decrease in local content as a result of the recession.

Feb 6, 2009 — News Article: E! nets for sale: re-brand, re-program, or shutdown, are other possibilities by Greg O'Brien

Canwest says five of the company's E!-branded conventional television stations are no longer "core assets."

Feb 5, 2009 — News Article: E! stations up for sale by Etan Vlessing

Canwest says it retained RBC Capital Markets to shop five E! Entertainment-branded TV stations in Montreal, Hamilton, Red Deer, AB, Kelowna, BC and Victoria.

Feb 4, 2009 — News Article: Que. artists angry over Toronto festival funding by Mike De Souza

Quebec artists are furious about a $25-million grant in the federal budget they say will reward two businessmen from Toronto to stage an international competition, while it leaves local professionals on the verge of bankruptcy.

Jan 24, 2009 — News Article: Embattled film, TV industry seeking sweeter tax credits

Toronto's film and television industry is pleading for help from the federal government, hoping to lure American productions back with bigger tax credits.

Jan 22, 2009 — News Article: Canadian b'casters continue scaling back by Etan Vlessing

Canwest has canceled its Global Television's noon newscast from Toronto and rival Astral has cut 23 jobs from its English-language radio station business.

Jan 22, 2009 — News Article: CRTC should not be cowed by broadcasters' threats

Canada's largest media union says the CRTC should demand that broadcasters who are threatening to shut down service in small Canadian communities return their licences now, and give others the chance to run them.

Jan 22, 2009 — News Article: TV networks float idea of shutting smaller stations by Grant Robertson

Columnist says CTV and Canwest are considering shutting down smaller stations across the country, fearing that some local markets may never again be profitable in a TV industry where dollars are increasingly migrating to cable.

Jan 21, 2009 — News Article: Global Toronto cuts noon-hour newscast by Kristine Owram

Global TV's Toronto station is eliminating its noon newscast, resulting in an unspecified number of layoffs.

Jan 20, 2009 — News Article: Cuts continue at Global by Etan Vlessing

Columnist says between 20 and 35 people will lose their jobs as a result of Canwest's decision to scrap its Toronto noon-hour newscast.

Jan 19, 2009 — News Article: Time to lift newsroom rules, says Canwest by Sean Davidson

Canwest wants to loosen the rules governing its newsrooms and has asked the CRTC to lift certain conditions of licence at its E! and Global stations.

Jan 13, 2009 — News Article: Moore reaches out in Montreal by Patricia Bailey

The Heritage Minister defends his government's cuts to cultural programs last summer at a meeting with representatives from the Quebec arts community.

Jan 5, 2009 — Fact Sheet: Impact of a $200 Million Cut on CBC's Services

A memo to the FRIENDS Steering Committee describes scenarios by which CBC management could cut services if a Conservative Party plan to slash the public broadcaster's Parliamentary allocation by $200 million were to be implemented.