Russia may be getting a new children's television channel after President Putin pledged to address growing concerns over a lack of targeted programming for younger viewers.
Article says that unprecedented assertiveness shown by the Conservative government in pushing its vision for the telecom sector may make it difficult to fill the CRTC chair position.
FRIENDS says that Bev Oda has done little of significance since becoming Heritage Minister because the Prime Minister's Office is calling the shots.
British government license fee settlement far lower than called for by the BBC.
Proposed British "public service publisher" will generate online content to rival such outlets as MySpace and Google Video.
Jim Shaw, Jr.'s letter to the Canadian Television Fund announcing the withdrawal of Shaw Communications' financial contribution.
Cartt.ca interview in which MP Charlie Angus talks about the Heritage Committee, the CBC mandate review, carriage fees and copyright legislation.
A federal judge has ruled that Ottawa has been unlawfully taxing television and radio broadcasters, along with cable and satellite distributors, for the past eight years through fees charged for their licences.
Article says the process to replace Charles Dalfen as chairman of the CRTC has stalled because Prime Minister Harper wants the final say on the choice.
A report, commissioned by Heritage Minister Bev Oda, says the government should look at rewriting parts of the Broadcasting Act, preferably by the end of the decade.
Former broadcast executive says an expert administrative tribunal is the most effective and sensible means by which government policy objectives, such as cultural sovereignty, can be advanced.
Government officials say Industry Minister Maxime Bernier's telecom agenda includes reforming the CRTC, playing a role in the selection of a new CRTC chair and possibly making changes to foreign ownership restrictions.
The House of Commons standing committee on finance recommends the federal government increase funding to the Canada Council for the Arts to $300-million over two years.
Considering changes in the telecommunications industry and recent government decisions, columnist concludes the CRTC is in its last days.
Columnist says that federal Industry Minister Maxime Bernier has seized the local telephone file from the CRTC, unilaterally opening markets across Canada to unfettered competition.
Lobbyist speculates that a CBC Radio plan to invest $20 million in 20 centres across the county was dropped when it received little support from the Conservative government.
Industry Minister Maxime Bernier has announced amendments to the Competition Act that would issue fines of up to $15-million against telecom companies if they abuse a position of market power.
Heritage Minister Bev Oda downplays recommendations in a Senate committee's report on media concentration.
FRIENDS advertisement placed in the delegates' program for the Liberal Party leadership convention, November 30 - December 3, 2006.
Kamloops City Council has unanimously agreed to send a letter to Bev Oda, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, urging her to help restore public TV to the city.
The federal telecom regulator will no longer require large telephone companies to seek its approval to change prices - provided those prices remain within approved ranges.
FRIENDS says Stephen Harper's agenda for CBC remains hidden and welcomes the House of Commons heritage committee decision to review the broadcaster's mandate.
The House of Commons heritage committee has passed a motion to begin a review of the CBC - FRIENDS says Prime Minister Stephen Harper should be the first to testify.
FRIENDS says Prime Minister Harper should testify before the Heritage Committee's review of CBC's mandate so he can explain his position on the future of Canada's public broadcaster.
Transcript of the Heritage Committee motion by NDP MP Charlie Angus to undertake a CBC mandate review.
Bev Oda speaks publicly about media convergence, the digital age, Canadian content, the future role of the CRTC and the fate of the CBC.
U.S. dramas and films airing on Canadian television could be subject to new regulations after debates on a bill to curb kids TV violence.
The Conservative cabinet has partially overturned a CRTC decision on voice over Internet protocol regulation.
The Harper government plans to take the highly unusual move to rewrite the CRTC's key ruling on Internet-based telephone services.
Columnist says that Heritage Minister Bev Oda's past campaign support from broadcasters, cable companies, record companies and copyright lobby groups could raise questions about the fairness and impartiality of upcoming policy processes.
A fundraiser organized by executives from Corus Entertainment, Rogers Communications and the Canadian Association of Broadcasters raised $15,000 for Bev Oda in May 2005.
Mark Starowicz, executive producer of CBC's documentary production, unit tells a P.E.I. crowd that funding cuts at CBC are leaving Canada in danger of raising a generation ignorant of its own culture and heritage.
A fundraiser for the Heritage Minister organized by Charlotte Bell, the regulatory affairs vice-president and a registered lobbyist for CanWest, has been cancelled.
Bloc Quebecois MPs booed Don Cherry loudly in the House of Commons because of a perceived bias the hockey analyst has against French Canadians.
Heritage Minister Bev Oda cancelled a $250-per-ticket re-election fundraiser organized by a broadcasting executive, citing concerns that the event would be negatively perceived.
Authors of the 1986 Report of the Task Force on Broadcasting Policy say that a significant role for the state is needed to ensure Canada's media system serves the common good and democracy.
Op-ed suggests there are indications that the Harper government is preparing to act on media policy.
Member of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage calls on the government to provide a clear mandate, stable funding and a new governance model for Canada's public broadcaster.
The Conservative government surprised Telus and BCE by announcing plans to tax income trusts like corporations starting next year.
RIENDS says political insiders give media companies an edge when dealing with the government on broadcast licences and laws affecting the industry.
A parliamentary committee wants the federal government to hold off on any overhaul of telecommunications governance until a report is completed in the spring of 2007.
Federal MP's have voted to rescind the Harper government's cuts to the Museums Assistance Program.
An internal Industry Canada memo says the government and the CRTC aren't giving enough information to telephone and Internet users on how to protect and inform themselves.
Telcos and cablecos pressure the federal government, and by extension, the CRTC for a telecommunication regulation revolution.
Government declines to challenge CRTC decision allowing telcos to use over-billings to expand high-speed Internet services in rural and remote communities.
Industry Minister Maxime Bernier is seeking provincial support for his open market view of how Internet-based phone services should be regulated.
Legislation passed by Congress means that by 2009 all U.S. over-the-air TV stations must switch from analog to digital transmission.
While observers don't believe government intervention is a risk, BCE investors have concerns over a possible political backlash to restructure plans.
Australian Senate clears the way for an expected flurry of media company mergers and takeovers.
Canada's music publishers are disappointed about the postponement of a Canadian Heritage funding program that promised to pump $1-million into the sector.
Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers says the Canadian broadcast industry needs a broader policy that covers technologies such as the Internet and mobile networks.
House of Commons standing committee on Canadian heritage has asked the federal government to reconsider its proposed cuts to the Museum Assistance Program.
In-depth article profiles the rising clout of Canada's religious right.
The House of Commons committee on Canadian Heritage questioned senior CBC managers about programming decisions and rumours the network could lose hockey.
Comment piece says that the CRTC should act on the government's instructions or else legislators should "seize the agenda" from the regulator.
Appearing before the House of Commons heritage committee, CBC president and acting chairman Robert Rabinovitch was grilled over a series of summer controversies.
Senior CBC management answer questions from Parliamentarians on issues such as local newscasts, new technologies, the CBC mandate, controversial programming decisions, and public broadcasting's place in the world.
Conservative government cuts $4.6-million from Canadian Heritage.
Industry Minister Maxime Bernier plans to unveil a major, market-oriented reform of Canada's $33-billion telecommunications sector this fall.
Columnist says the McGuinty government should provide funding so Ontario filmmakers are on equal footing with those in Quebec.
Friends recommends that funding for Canadian public broadcasting should be increased to at least 0.14% of GDP, and in return for reducing, or eliminating its reliance on advertising revenues, the CBC's public funding should be increased.
Canadian delegation has remained silent during deliberations on a wide-sweeping international broadcast treaty that will have significant consequences for Canadians.
The decision by the CRTC to ignore the government's wishes on Internet phone service could lead to the Conservatives pulling the plug on many of the powers held by agency.
Former president and CEO of Sirius Satellite Radio and YTV Canada has been appointed as the new chair of OMDC effective immediately.
FRIENDS recommendation to the Finance Committee states that the CBC's public funding should be increased in return for reducing, or eliminating its reliance on advertising revenues.
A Chinese director has been banned from making movies in China for five years after screening a film at Cannes without government approval.
FRIENDS reccomends that public policy should ensure that all entities which benefit from access to Canadian viewers and listeners make appropriate contributions to support Canadian content, especially drama on television.
Q & A with FRIENDS spokesperson, Ian Morrison, on the CBC and the Conservative government's plans for public broadcasting
Columnist speculates that the Conservative government may want to move CBC toward an american style, viewer-supported public broadcasting or it may abandon over-the-air transmission.
Federal officials have told Industry Minister Maxime Bernier that Ottawa should encourage more foreign takeovers and other investment from abroad.
The proposed policy directive from the Conservative government ignores the Telecom Policy Review Panel's recommendations for "significant market power" in the telecommunications industry.
Despite warnings that Canadian broadcasters are falling behind their American counterparts in developing high-definition television, Heritage Minister Bev Oda wants to see more research before making a decision.
A decision to award Allarco Entertainment a broadcasting licence to operate a new national English-language general-interest pay-television service has been upheld.
India media observer says that the most important pre-requisite of an effective media regulatory body is that it be taken seriously by the media industry.
India media observer says the primary objective of media regulation in a democracy is to preserve and protect citizens' fundamental rights to information and freedom of expression.
In India, journalists object to provisions of a proposed Broadcast Bill empowering the government to cripple media through pre-censorship; the media industry has been lobbying against the Bill's attempt to regulate ownership.
The entertainment industry wants to avoid more crackdowns by teaching parents how to block racy TV shows.
This fall the Prime Minister will pick a replacement for the outgoing CRTC Chair - the choice will provide indication on future directions for Canadian broadcasting and telecommunications.
A move by the Australian government to relax media ownership rules could see CanWest Global in the middle of a possible takeover binge in the country's radio, television and newspaper industries.
Bell Globemedia's proposed acquisition of CHUM Ltd. raises fresh questions about the concentration of media ownership in Canada and challenges the ruling Conservatives' free-market principles.
A European court has upheld a challenge to the Sony BMG merger from independent record labels - a decision that could break-up the world's second-biggest music company.
Toronto arts maven Julia Foster has been named chairwoman of the board of trustees of the National Arts Centre by Canadian Heritage Minister Bev Oda.
$325,000 indecency fines has sent radio and television stations and media giants scurrying to protect themselves from a potentially major business expense.
Canadian Heritage Minister Bev Oda has declined to give the Quebec film industry $20-million to solve "production crisis".
FRIENDS says that the expected CBC mandate review that would have fuelled interest in public broadcasting was blocked on instructions from Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office.
Hon. Andy Scott urges the Minister of Canadian Heritage to initiate the planned review of the CBC, despite intervention by the Prime Minister's office.
FRIENDS says that the record level of foreign shows on CBC-TV is more evidence that CBC needs direction from Parliament and Canadians to return to its public broadcasting mandate.
The national public broadcaster is airing approximately four times more foreign programming than in 2004 during prime time, according to FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting.
The Ontario government is modernizing and revamping TVOntario, but the spectre of advertising now looms over the province's public broadcaster.
Ontario's public broadcaster undergoes sweeping overhaul fuelled by $25-million injection.
Senate report recommends that CBC television should not provide services that inappropriately duplicate those of the private sector, such as the coverage of professional sports and the Olympics.
Ontario's public television broadcaster will receive a temporary increase in its annual $45 million base operating grant from the province help implement a new agenda.
An effort by Internet users to prohibit telephone and cable companies from creating a two-tiered internet failed to get through a Senate committee.
TVOntario will receive $25-million in new government funding over two years as part of a plan to focus more closely on education and learning.
Opposition suggests the Liberals wanted TVOntario's flagship news show, Studio 2, cancelled because it was often critical of the government.
FRIENDS believes Heritage Minister Bev Oda discreetly abandoned a plan to order a mandate review of the CBC under pressure from other members of the federal Cabinet.
Senate report helps the public understand the news media better and media people better understand themselves.
Editorial says giving elected politicians the power to make decisions on media mergers would undermine public confidence in MPs and news gatherers.
FRIENDS asked each of the eleven candidates seeking leadership of Liberal Party for their views on four key Canadian broadcasting and cultural issues.
NDP Heritage Critic Charlie Angus says CBC television appears to be a rudderless ship without a sense of its important mandate.
A "strategic review" of Ontario's public broadcaster could be released today - Minister states that big changes, but not massive job cuts are included in the offering.
Prime Minister Harper has introduced an amendment to the Federal Accountability Act to ban key members of his five-member transition team from lobbying the government.
Conservative insider Elizabeth Roscoe may lose her position with the Canadian Association of Broadcasters due to lobbying rules under the Federal Accountability Act.
The CRTC is studying recommendations made by a federal review panel that examined the telecom industry - some proposed changes are already being made.
The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has voted to reduce funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting by 17.4% for 2007 and has refused advance-funding for 2009.
Industry Minister Maxime Bernier tells the CRTC to rely on market forces in the telecommunications industry to the "maximum extent feasible."
For the first time since the adoption of the Telecommunications Act, the government has issued a policy direction to the CRTC.
CBC management is delaying layoffs to in-house production staff at CBC Toronto until May 31, 2007.
On June 12, 2006 the CRTC issued two calls for public comment on broadcasting issues.
CBC/Radio-Canada's licence renewal delayed after Federal Heritage Minister Bev Oda's announcement of a six-month review of new television technologies.
ACTRA welcomes the CRTC review of television policy and calls for a guarantee that Canadian programming has a place on the public airwaves.
Largely ratifying the policy agenda of the nation's largest telco companies, the U.S. House of Representatives last week passed the most comprehensive telecommunications legislation since 1996.
CRTC study to help the government set its broadcasting policy for the 21st century.
The Conservative government is calling for an immediate study of the effects of changing technology on the radio and television industries - expected to take precedence over a review being planned by the CRTC.
FRIENDS issues statement following the failure of Heritage Minister Bev Oda to announce a mandate review of CBC.
Federal Heritage Minister Bev Oda has asked the CRTC to determine what impact rapidly changing technology will have on the broadcast industry's future - move expected to delay the CBC's renewal licence for a year.
The Federal government and the CRTC are expected to release details of a policy review that could reshape television rules.
A discussion paper prepared for the Banff World Television Film Festival says that Canadian broadcasters need to integrate with the global media business to prosper in the new digital environment.
Blog reveals that in the final days of the last federal election campaign, Canadian Heritage Minister Bev Oda received significant contributions from many in the copyright lobby - groups that now seek support on key policy issues.
U.S. House of Representatives votes to cut $115 million in federal support from public broadcasters; may spark grass-roots campaign to restore funds.
U.S. Congress to vote on legislation that would fine broadcasters up to $325,000 for airing indecent speech.
A discussion paper on the future of public broadcasting in Canada by a former member of the CBC board of directors.
Former member of the CBC board of directors states that the federal government must better define the CBC's role and that there must be less emphasis on audience ratings and commercial revenues.
Mauril Bélanger, Liberal critic for Canadian Heritage, condemns the government's opposition of a motion to protect and promote Canadian cultural identity.
The Saskatchewan government is asking the federal cabinet to take action on a CRTC decision that restricts the public phone utility's ability to compete with new market entrants.
Columnist describes how recent controversial decisions, the inability to uphold its own rules and the current political environment make the CRTC's existence precarious.
After meeting with broadcasters and arts and cultural representatives, the Federal Heritage Minister says a process to look at broadcasting and new technology will soon be announced.
CBC's union, the Canadian Media Guild, is urging the Canadian Heritage Minister to intervene and avert what it sees as the gradual privatization of CBC-TV.
Transcript of question by Liberal opposition critic for Canadian Heritage and response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage concerning parliamentary disclosure and debate of the terms of the government’s rumoured mandate review of the CBC.
Senator comments on Conservative government’s insensitive treatment of visiting cultural dignitary, says ignorance of francophone culture reveals “staggering lack of understanding of the strategic role of culture in Canada”.
Columnist argues the CRTC's conflicting roles - to foster competition in the telecommunication industry while also ensuring Canadian artists and programming are allowed to flourish - demonstrate a need for reform.
Transcript of questions by Liberal opposition critic for Canadian Heritage and responses by the Minister of Canadian Heritage concerning funding of the Canada Council for the Arts and the commercialization of CBC television.
Transcript of comments by Liberal opposition critic for Canadian Heritage and responses by Conservative Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage concerning parliamentary grant to CBC and other aspects of Canadian cultural funding.
National Post editorial advocates reduced role for CRTC, argues that federal broadcasting regulations should be loosened quickly, including those restricting foreign ownership.
The Conservative government has ordered the CRTC to review and reconsider its decision on Internet telephony, or VoIP; the intervention marks the first time since 1994 that the federal cabinet has demanded that the CRTC change a ruling.
Federal budget provides some arts funding, but amount not commensurate with what arts organizations say they need.
Canadian Music Creators Coalition speaks out against major record label position urging U.S.-style copyright laws in Canada to halt music piracy.
Canadian performers' union expresses disappointment in Conservative budget's failure to address funding for the Canadian film and television industry, in particular the CBC, the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) and Telefilm.
Arts and culture receive total of seven lines in 302-page budget document; Canadian cultural organizations have mixed reactions.
CCA says main estimates make no mention about budget cuts for arts and culture, but also contain no indication the Conservative government intends to invest new money.
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives' 2006 Alternative Federal Budget recommends $178.4 million be allocated to implement proposed CBC local/regional strategy over three years.
Andre Arthur, former radio shock jock turned independent MP, has been named to the House of Commons standing committee that oversees the CRTC.
Conservative staffer accepts senior position with Canadian Association of Broadcasters; Prime Minister's Office says Accountability Act will be amended to block government changeover advisors from lobbying for five years.
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced legislation that would require satellite, cable and Internet broadcasters to pay fair market value for the performance of digital music and implement measures to prevent music theft.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin says broadcasting industry effort to achieve parental control of children's viewing will not satisfy the commission's standards on decency; claims 70% of U.S. television shows contain sexual content and that profanity has increased 95%.
Columnist argues the Conservative government's Accountability Act will foster a climate of suspicion within the federal bureaucracy, where cultural initiatives and other programs without immediate return will suffer.
Columnist discusses Conservative government's forthcoming mandate review of the CBC.
Article says decline in advertising resulting from of poor position of Toronto Maple Leafs in NHL playoffs could impact CBC revenues by as much as $30 million.
FRIENDS says news that Conservative government will review mandate of CBC not a surprise, questions whether intention is to give political direction to the CRTC.
Article says Conservative mandate review of the CBC will not be conducted by a parliamentary committee involving former Alliance culture critic Jim Abbott; FRIENDS notes that Conservative policy on public broadcasting has changed significantly since 2004 election.
Conservative MP Jim Abbott, who will reportedly assist Heritage Minister with review of CBC mandate, has been a harsh critic of the national public broadcaster in the past.
Op-ed by former CBC president states government must reduce role of the CRTC and advance telecom reform before Canada falls behind in the telecom industry.
Conservative election victory lamented, blamed on Liberal voter apathy; Canada called an "alternate universe" to the U.S., "too civilized and precious to be messed up".
CBC management note to staff confirms CBC licence renewal hearing has been deferred.
Article says Conservative government will allow CRTC to conduct television industry review, but under federal Heritage Department direction; CBC licence renewal to be delayed until industry review complete.
Toronto Star columnist's blog quotes from CBC management message to staff confirming that the CRTC will defer the CBC's broadcast licence renewals; raises questions about CBC's future under a Conservative government.
Conservative government Accountability Act will mean CBC is subject to access-to-information rules and investigations by the auditor-general, raising concerns about the confidentiality of journalistic sources.
Canadian performers ask the government for a commitment to maintain Canadian control over public airwaves and to preserve the ability for Canadians to see Canadian stories on those airwaves.
Liberal opposition critic comments on key culture and heritage issues, urges Conservative government to conduct broad-based consultations in planned review of the CBC's mandate.
FRIENDS joins Council of Canadians and other groups to strengthen support for Canadian culture, calls on new Conservative government to fund CBC's local/regional programming plan.
Public interest groups, including FRIENDS, identify alternative priority areas and policy direction for Stephen Harper's government.
Internet giants Amazon.com, eBay, Google, Microsoft and Yahoo ask U.S. Congress to ensure companies that control the Internet do not block or slow particular Web services.
Journalists' union questions accountability of new Conservative government as Prime Minister Harper continues to deny media access to Cabinet ministers.
NDP warns easing foreign ownership restrictions on telephone companies would lead to job losses, higher phone bills, less Canadian content.
Columnist predicts Telecom Policy Review Panel report will trigger restructuring of communications companies to separate telecom from broadcast and media assets.
Telecom Policy Review Panel recommends end to foreign ownership rules in telecom sector, but says restrictions on licensed broadcasters should remain until sector-specific review can be conducted.
Key recommendations of the report of the Telecommunications Policy Review Panel include liberalizing foreign ownership rules, scaling back the role of the CRTC, and conducting a similar policy review of the regulation of the broadcasting sector.
New Conservative Industry Minister says he would consider ending foreign ownership restrictions in the telecommunications sector.
Corporate donations credited with saving U.S public radio, allowing it to expand services, leading to significant increase in audience.
UK government white paper indicates BBC Board of Governors will be replaced by an executive board, and by the BBC Trust, which will represent viewers and to which the executive board will be accountable.
Columnist argues Canadian media surprisingly uncritical in coverage of new Conservative government.
President says CBC is "only partly" a public broadcaster; columnist notes that review of CBC mandate proposed by Heritage Minister would hold up CRTC licence renewal process.
CBC President praises idea of CBC mandate review; says CBC drama should be risk-taking, innovative.
Text of speech by CBC President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Rabinovitch, on the future of CBC.
NDP Heritage Critic calls for stable funding, end to patronage appointments at CBC.
The new Conservative Heritage Minister has reportedly instructed staff to research the best way to approach a mandate review of the CBC; article speculates that mandate could be narrowed and funding cut.
Heritage Minister's past calls for a full review of CBC's mandate raise concerns; Minister suggests government may look at CBC management appointments process.
FRIENDS responds to article criticizing CBC spending, notes that editorial independence from government and elected officials must be maintained to distinguish CBC as a public rather than a state broadcaster.
In an application filed in the Ontario Superior Court, CanWest Global says laws governing drug advertisements should be overturned on constitutional grounds.
Expenditures on CBC Radio New Orleans benefit concert criticized; NDP Member of Parliament warns that CBC budget a focus of "budget trimmers" in the Conservative government.
Francophone management at CBC/Radio-Canada not concerned over fate of CBC following election of new Conservative government.
FRIENDS comments on appointment of new Heritage Minister, Conservative government policy toward CBC.
Beverley Oda, a former private broadcaster and CRTC Commissioner, has been named the new Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women.
Summary of top political contributions to federal political parties in the fourth quarter of 2005.
New York Times profiles independent MP who believes CRTC should be eliminated.
CBC rationalizes decision by Sirius Canada, 40% owned by CBC, to carry Howard Stern.
European Commission publishes white paper on communication policy, focusing partly on media and new technologies; calls communication "first and foremost a matter of democracy."
ACTRA criticizes failure of CRTC to impose positive obligations on private broadcasters to increase production and exhibition of Canadian drama.
Health Council of Canada report concludes Canada should strengthen restrictions on advertising of pharmaceuticals; pharmaceutical industry denies direct-to-consumer advertising is a priority.
Maritimes director for CBC TV worries that Conservative government has not made its intentions for CBC clear.
Quebec MP said to want to shut down the CRTC.
Article speculates on potential appointees to Heritage portfolio.
FRIENDS comments on apparent Conservative election strategy concerning the CBC.
Former Minister of Canadian Heritage, Liza Frulla, defeated; Conservative Bev Oda tipped to replace her.
Opinion editorial says that minority governments best represent the interests of Canadians, no telling what a Harper government would cut from the budget.
Conservative advisor counsels breaking up CBC, structuring CBC radio on U.S. "fundraising drive" model.
Discussion of what a Conservative government may mean for the CBC.
Columnist notes contrast between Bloc and Conservatives in emphasis on cultural policy.
Private broadcasters donate to, fete Conservative candidate likely to become next Minister of Canadian Heritage.
Authors wonder what will happen to the CBC under a Harper government; conclude that minority governments less likely to stray from core Canadian policy values.
Responses by federal political parties to questions on Canadian cultural and communications policy posed by assistant professor of Communication Studies at the University of Windsor; lack of media attention to issues such as CBC funding, foreign ownership limits, Canadian content regulations and support for the arts called a "cultural blackout of incredible democratic significance."
A Conservative government would preserve the "role" of national cultural institutions, but unclear whether it would maintain their funding.
Article says Conservative leader is a pragmatist who has changed his image, not necessarily his ideology.
