Dec 17, 2010 — News Article: CHRC releases Cultural HR Study 2010
The CHRC's report documents the breadth and strength of the sector with a labour force of 539,000 employers and workers across the country, and an economic impact of $39 billion or 3.1% of GDP.
Dec 13, 2010 — News Article: Open Government: My Appearance Before the Standing Committee on Ethics, Accountability & Privacy by Michael Geist
University of Ottawa law professor says Canada should consider following the Australian model of leaving Crown copyright in place but overlaying it with an open licence approach.
Dec 6, 2010 — News Article: Question Period discussion on the CBC
Heritage Minister James Moore is asked to disavow comments by his Parliamentary Secretary in regards to cutting all funding to the CBC.
Nov 27, 2010 — News Article: Sun TV and a Conservative ‘scandal’ by Norman Spector
Columnist questions the 2007 story of Krista Erickson, former CBC reporter and new chief daytime anchor for Sun TV, feeding questions to Liberal MP Pablo Rodriguez.
Nov 23, 2010 — News Article: Dean Del Mastro on the CBC
In a Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage hearing, Dean Del Mastro, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, openly muses about cutting all funding to the CBC.
Nov 17, 2010 — News Article: Tony Clement won’t stand for a tax on his iPhone – or yours by Steven Chase
Columnist says the Industry Minister is unmoved by a renewed call for a federal fee on smart phones and handhelds to compensate artists for file-swapping.
Nov 17, 2010 — News Article: DISCUSSION: How should Canada protect its culture (or should it)?
Online chat regarding Bill C-32, which if passed will re-write much of the country’s laws on copyright.
Nov 16, 2010 — News Article: Canadian TV stars lobby MPs on copyright bill by Laura Stone
A group of Canadian television actors are lobbying MPs to make changes to a copyright bill that they claim would cost artists millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Oct 14, 2010 — News Release: FRIENDS responds to Sun Media story
A recent Sun Media report about Friends of Canadian Broadcasting contains innuendo, outright errors and little if any news.
Oct 8, 2010 — News Article: China blacks out Nobel TV broadcasts by Jonathan Landreth
Columnist says China’s government blocked all media coverage of the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to jailed dissident Liu Xiaobo, keeping the world's largest television and online audiences in the dark about one of its most prestigious honors.
Oct 2, 2010 — News Article: A tribute to Norman Atkins by Gerald Caplan
Former NDP political organizer says Norman Atkins was one of the last Progressive Conservatives and that Canada has never needed his kind more.
Sep 17, 2010 — News Article: Signing on to Save the Soul of Canadian Democracy
United Church of Canada Moderator, Mardi Tindal, says "Too often voices that are critical of government policies are finding themselves marginalized" and asking others to join her in signing the Raise Your Voices Declaration.
Sep 12, 2010 — News Article: Ottawa’s media rules muzzling federal scientists, say observers by Margaret Munro
Columnist says the Harper government has tightened the muzzle on federal scientists, going so far as to control when and what they can say about floods at the end of the last ice age.
Sep 7, 2010 — News Article: Province promises funding for new Quebec City arena by Rheal Seguin and Sean Gordon
Columnist says Premier Jean Charest said his government is prepared to pay 45 per cent of the cost of a new arena in Quebec City – an estimated $180-million – regardless of whether the city attracts an NHL franchise or wins a future bid to host the Winter Olympics, possibly in 2022.
Aug 21, 2010 — News Article: How to fix the CBC by Ian Morrison
In an op-ed, FRIENDS spokesperson Ian Morrison says the departure of the executive responsible for CBC's English language operations presents an opportunity for all of CBC’s 34 million shareholders to reflect on what kind of national public broadcaster Canada needs.
Aug 21, 2010 — Blog Post: How to fix the CBC
The departure of the executive responsible for CBC's English language operations presents an opportunity for all of CBC’s 34 million shareholders to reflect on what kind of national public broadcaster Canada needs.
Aug 19, 2010 — News Article: Is Stephen Harper set to move against the CRTC? by Lawrence Martin
FRIENDS says the integrity of the CRTC has to be defended.
Aug 13, 2010 — Policy Brief: Re: Pre-Budget Consultation Submission
FRIENDS says The Standing Committee on Finance should adopt the 2008 recommendation of the Canadian Heritage Committee to increase the CBC's per‐capita grant to $40 per annum.
Aug 10, 2010 — News Article: Separation of church and fourth estate by Ken Paradis
Book explores how evangelical Christian organizations have affected Canadian public policy and opinion by pressuring the media and borrowing lobby tactics imported from the U.S.
Aug 9, 2010 — News Article: Sudan suspends license for BBC Arabic radio in the north over alleged agreement violations
Sudan's government alleges that a BBC crew smuggled satellite equipment for live transmission into the country and began working in south Sudan without proper approval — both in violation of a broadcast agreement.
Jul 30, 2010 — Policy Brief: Opening Canada’s Doors to Foreign Investment in Telecommunications: Options for Reform
In a submission to Industry Canada, FRIENDS says that in an integrated communications environment, changing the foreign ownership requirement for one sector - telecom - can be expected to cause a domino effect in the other sectors - such as broadcasting.
Jul 20, 2010 — Letter: The CRTC's powers under the Broadcasting Act
Documents filed to the Federal Court of Appeal regarding the CRTC's power to implement a negotiated signal compensation regime.
Jul 19, 2010 — News Article: Give R.B. Bennett his place on the Hill by John Turner
Former Prime Minister John Turner says R. B. Bennett ensured Canada would forever have a voice on the airwaves by founding what soon became the CBC.
Jul 14, 2010 — News Article: Cablecos should devote 10 per cent of revenues to Canadian programming: Broadcasting watchdog by Karen Fournier
FRIENDS recommends a 10% levy on cable revenues for Canadian content, and a prevention of these monopolies from recouping the contribution from their subscribers.
Jul 13, 2010 — Policy Brief: Digital Economy Consultation
FRIENDS recommends that the Canadian Media Fund, and other federally-sponsored funds, be augmented by tapping into the huge profits of the four big cable monopolies, whose profit before interest and taxes in 2009 exceeded 25%.
Jul 7, 2010 — Blog Post: Video: Francine Pelletier, guest speaker at the 2010 Dalton Camp Award presentation
Journalist, documentary filmmaker and former co-host of CBC's The Fifth Estate speaks at the 2010 Dalton Camp Award presentation about the state of Canadian documentaries.
Jun 20, 2010 — News Article: Liberals want further study on foreign ownership by Iain Marlow
Liberal industry critic, Marc Garneau, says the federal Liberals will not support any move to ease foreign ownership restrictions in the telecom sector that might endanger Canadian culture.
Jun 17, 2010 — News Article: F.C.C. Moves to Expand Role in Broadband By Edward Wyatt
The Federal Communications Commission believes giving itself the authority to regulate the transmission component of broadband Internet service is central to expanding the availability of broadband.
Jun 16, 2010 — Blog Post: Street Gospels: Political Cartoons and Their Role in Canadian Democracy [i]
2010 Dalton Camp Award winning essay on the history and impact of political cartoons in Canada.
Jun 8, 2010 — Letter: Public Mobile Inc. v Attorney General of Canada et al
Decision of the Federal Court approving the application of ACTRA, CEP and Friends of Canadian Broadcasting to intervene in proceedings between Public Mobile and the Attorney General of Canada, Globalive Wireless Management Corp., Bell Canada, Rogers Communications Inc., Shaw Communications Inc. and Telus Communications Company.
Jun 8, 2010 — News Article: Former Harper spokesman to take over Ottawa bureau of Quebecor by Janice Tibbetts
Columnist says opponents of Teneycke's appointment call him "a hatchet man for Stephen Harper" who has no business working in the Ottawa bureau of a major news organization due to his previous post as the prime minister's former communications director.
Jun 4, 2010 — News Article: The Dalton Camp Award
In a radio interview, FRIENDS spokesperson Ian Morrison and 2010 Dalton Camp Award winner Ethan Rabidoux discuss the award and the man who inspired it.
Jun 3, 2010 — News Release: 2010 Dalton Camp Award winners announced
Ethan Rabidoux of Stratford, Ontario and Rosalyn Yake of Peterborough, Ontario are the 2010 winners of the Dalton Camp Award.
Jun 3, 2010 — News Article: CBC hit for information access stonewalling
Information commissioner, Suzanne Legault, and the CBC are in Federal Court disputing access to information the broadcaster says is related to programming and therefore is exempt under the Access to Information Act.
Jun 3, 2010 — News Article: Private Broadcasters Support Government's Modernization of Copyright Act by Canadian Association of Broadcasters
In their press release, Canadian private broadcasters applaud the Ministers of Industry and Canadian Heritage for introducing a new copyright bill they say "aims to strike an important balance between the interests of creators, users and intermediaries."
Jun 1, 2010 — News Release: Winners of the 2010 Dalton Camp Award to be announced
The winners of the 2010 Dalton Camp Award will be announced Thursday, June 3 at the Musée des beaux-arts in Montreal.
May 31, 2010 — News Article: NHK to end analog broadcasts early by Gavin J. Blair
Columnist says pubcaster NHK is ending analog satellite broadcasts four months ahead of schedule as part of a reorganization of its non-terrestrial channels.
Apr 19, 2010 — Opinion Poll: Foreign Ownership of Canadian Broadcasting and Telephone Companies
New Harris/Decima survey says the majority of Canadians agree that it's important the Canadian government work to maintain and build a culture and identity distinct from the United States.
Apr 14, 2010 — News Article: CRTC does the policy time warp again by Robert Silver
Columnist questions CRTC position on foreign ownership and calls for changes to telecommunications legislation.
Apr 13, 2010 — News Article: CRTC wants massive media, telecom rules reform by Jamie Sturgeon
CRTC Chair says his commission's powers are becoming "outdated" and a single "comprehensive" piece of legislation is needed.
Apr 8, 2010 — News Article: Coalition Seeks to Overturn Decision to License Globalive by Andrea Hayley
FRIENDS says "the government has done something it doesn't have the right to do" regarding a ruling that allows Globalive a wireless license in Canada.
Apr 7, 2010 — News Article: Industry minister doesn't want delays in transition to digital TV by Jennifer Dithburn
Despite warnings that Canada isn't ready for the transition from analog to digital TV, Tony Clement says he wants to stick to the August 2011 deadline.
Apr 6, 2010 — News Article: U.S. Court Curbs F.C.C. Authority on Web Traffic By Edward Wyatt
Reporter says ruling could raise obstacles in the effort to increase access to high-speed Internet networks.
Apr 1, 2010 — News Release: Harper failed to consider Canadian culture in Globalive decision
ACTRA, CEP and FRIENDS have announced they are seeking intervenor status in an application to the Federal Court for judicial review of the federal government's decision to licence wireless telecom Globalive.
Apr 1, 2010 — News Article: Harper failed to consider Canadian culture in Globalive decision
FRIENDS says several generations of hard work to maintain our cultural sovereignty will go down the drain if foreign ownership rules are gutted.
Mar 30, 2010 — Policy Brief: Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science & Technology
FRIENDS tells parliamentarians that tinkering with foreign ownership rules in one part of the media and communications industry will place other parts, such as broadcasting, at risk.
Mar 27, 2010 — News Article: Ottawa merges funds by Jamie Sturgeon
The Federal Heritage Minister has launched a new $350-million Canada Media Fund, which will give grants to Canadian producers that develop content for movie, television and computer screens.
Mar 26, 2010 — News Article: TV, digital content gets $350M fund
The federal government has launched a $350-million Canadian Media Fund designed to support development of Canadian content for big and small screens.
Mar 25, 2010 — News Article: Saskatchewan pulls plug on SCN by Etan Vlessing
ACTRA Saskatchewan representative says the province's TV production industry will take a huge hit if the government cuts SCN.
Mar 24, 2010 — News Article: Government fears consumer casualties in TV wars by Mike De Souza and Jamie Sturgeon
The federal government says it is studying options to protect consumers from fee hikes as a result of an ongoing war between television broadcasters and cable distributors.
Mar 23, 2010 — News Article: Evil genius logic at CRTC by Don Martin
Columnist says the CRTC has proposed a standoff scenario filled with enough mutually assured discomfort to force both sides to the table to deliver popular programming for shared financial benefit.
Mar 22, 2010 — News Article: MP shakes up copyright landscape by Michael Geist
NDP MP Charlie Angus proposes an extension of the private copying levy to audio recording devices such as iPods and greater flexibility in the fair dealing provision.
Mar 17, 2010 — News Article: Punish BDUs for anti-competitive behaviour, Allarco tells Heritage Committee
The owners of Super Channel say Canada’s current broadcast legislation fosters anti-competitive behaviour among the dominant cable companies.
Mar 16, 2010 — News Article: The fight is on for Canadian communications and culture by Fred Wilson
Media union executive says the fate of Canada's broadcasting industry is linked to the decisions being made in telecom and book-selling by the Conservative government.
Mar 15, 2010 — News Article: Foreign ownership rules: The plot thickens by Omar el Akkad and Marina Strauss
Columnists say Ottawa's review of Amazon.com bid to set up shop in Canada is one of several steps that the Harper government is taking to loosen its restrictions on foreign ownership in an array of cultural industries.
Mar 15, 2010 — News Article: Book-sales rules about competition, not culture by Michael Geist
Columnist says greater retail competition for books will increase the availability of Canadian publications.
Mar 15, 2010 — News Article: Canada to review foreign ownership limits by Etan Vlessing
A Conservative MP has been tapped to look into Canada's foreign ownership laws as it relates to the Broadcasting Act, the Telecommunications Act, the Radiocommunications Act and "any other legislation deemed appropriate."
Mar 14, 2010 — News Article: Freed by the feds, Telesat begins the hunt for deals by Iain Marlow
The largest satellite company in Canada weighs global acquisitions after the federal government loosens restrictions.
Mar 12, 2010 — News Article: Owning the podium, selling the stadium by Bruce Campbell
The Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says the Harper government is preparing a major sell-off of Canadian interests that will compromise our cultural sovereignty, national identity and national security.
Mar 12, 2010 — News Article: Effort to Widen U.S. Internet Access Sets Up Battle by Brian Stelter and Jenna Wortham
In the U.S. the FCC is is proposing a 10-year plan that will reimagine the nation’s media and technology priorities by establishing high-speed Internet as the country’s dominant communication network.
Mar 10, 2010 — News Article: Wireless sector at forefront of Tories' deregulation plans by Steven Chase, Jacquie McNish and Omar El Akkad
Industry Minister Tony Clement indicates foreign ownership restrictions likely to be relaxed, but not without public consultations.
Mar 8, 2010 — News Article: Amazon.com seeks Canadian foothold by Etan Vlessing
Efforts to pry open the Canadian media industry to more foreign ownership continue with Amazon.com asking Ottawa for permission to start a new business in Canada.
Mar 8, 2010 — News Article: An open letter from CBA president Stephen Cribar to Heritage Minister James Moore
The President of the Canadian Booksellers Association says if the government allows Amazon.com to open in Canada serious concerns would be raised over the protection of Canada's cultural industries.
Mar 5, 2010 — News Article: Federal Budget 'Good News' for CBC: President
In a note to staff the Hubert Lacroix says he's pleased that the CBC's budget wasn't cut like other departments, however there are other issues affecting the corporation's finances to deal with.
Mar 5, 2010 — News Article: Boosting broadband by Vito Pilieci
Columnist says Canada was once seen as a leader in high-speed Internet access and technologies, but this status has been steadily slipping and innovation is now struggling to keep up with other nations.
Mar 4, 2010 — News Article: Foreign ownership: Another broken promise of the Conservatives
Canada's largest media union says a Conservative government plan to weaken Canada's foreign ownership regulations in telecommunications constitutes yet another attack on Canada's sovereignty.
Mar 4, 2010 — News Article: Ottawa to rewrite telecom rules by Iain Marlow, Bill Curry and Jacquie McNish
Ottawa's proposed liberalization of foreign ownership rules in Canada's telecom sector sets the stage for a wave of mergers and acquisitions that would reshape the industry.
Mar 4, 2010 — News Article: Budget sows confusion over telecom rules by Peter Nowak
The federal budget has confused opposition politicians and industry observers alike as to whether Canada will open its doors to foreign telecommunications companies.
Mar 4, 2010 — News Article: Canada to relax foreign ownership rules by Etan Vlessing
FRIENDS says the sale of telecom companies to foreigners will inevitably lead to cable operators and broadcasters similarly selling out to the highest bidders as they demand equal treatment.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Release: Foreign ownership a threat to Canadian culture
FRIENDS says the Harper government's Throne Speech commitment to open the telecommunications and satellite industries to foreign ownership threatens Canadian culture and tilts the playing field against Canadian broadcasters.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Article: Foreign ownership in Canada's telecommunications sector
FRIENDS warns that generations of hard work to maintain our cultural sovereignty through Canadian ownership and control of broadcasting could be thrown into jeopardy if foreign ownership rules are changed.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Article: Canada focuses on stimulus for now, eyes deficit by Louise Egan
FRIENDS says proposed changes to telecom ownership rules creates a slippery slope that will likely lead to the sale of Canadian broadcasters to foreign companies.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Article: Throne speech signals telecom floodgates to open
FRIENDS says that if foreign owners control telecoms and satellite companies, then cable monopolies will demand equal treatment - broadcasters will follow suit and Canadian content could suffer.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Article: Ottawa to open cell phone market to foreign entrants: throne speech by Julian Beltrame
FRIENDS warns changes to the telecommunications industry could be the first step in exposing the country's broadcasters to foreign ownership.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Article: Report: Revitalizing a Media Reform Movement in Canada
OpenMedia.ca has released a report entitled "Revitalizing a Media Reform Movement in Canada," which is focused on the potential for a broader movement for media change in Canada.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Article: Ottawa to "open doors" on foreign ownership by Etan Vlessing
FRIENDS says changing Canada's foreign ownership rules threatens Canadian culture and could tilt the playing field against domestic broadcasters.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Article: Is Canada a mobile laggard? by Steve Anderson
The the national coordinator for the Campaign for Democratic Media says politicians and policy makers should develop a digital strategy for Canada with a central focus on mobile communications and broadband infrastructure.
Feb 26, 2010 — News Article: Opposition seeks debate on telecom ownership by Alexandre Deslongchamps
Opposition MPs say the government's decision to let Globalive operate in Canada effectively changes the foreign ownership rules in the industry and gives some companies an advantage over others.
Feb 25, 2010 — News Article: Don't hurt our culture, Mr. Harper
Liberal MPs have published an open letter stressing that the foreign ownership rules for broadcasting companies – as stated in the Broadcasting Act – must be preserved.
Feb 23, 2010 — News Article: Wanted — Governor General. Only CBC journalists, please by Matt Gurney
Columnist says Steven Harper will likely appoint a new Governor General "less representative of the gala gang and more in keeping with his political agenda".
Feb 22, 2010 — News Article: Owners of anti-Chavez TV to launch new channel, seek return to Venezuela's television sets by Fabiola Sanchez
A Venezuelan TV company says it will meet government regulations to carry official broadcasts while keeping a tough editorial line on President Hugo Chavez.
Feb 22, 2010 — News Article: Industry Canada asks for input on bandwidth spending
Federal agency invites education experts to weigh in on slice of Canadian airwaves once reserved for learning initiatives.
Feb 21, 2010 — News Article: Canada's broadband lag
Editorial says if Canada does not make high-speed broadband a priority, the innovations that could employ the future work force could well pass us by.
Feb 15, 2010 — News Article: Heritage minister 'disappointed' by lack of French at Olympic opening by Mike Barber and Jeff Lee
Heritage Minister James Moore says the Olympic Games opening ceremony should have been "a better representation of our bicultural past and the reality today."
Feb 12, 2010 — News Article: French State calls TV ad ban illegal by Rebecca Leffler
France's highest court argues the government doesn't have the power to unilaterally ban advertising on the country's public networks.
Feb 11, 2010 — News Article: Director of anti-Chavez TV channel departs, network vows to maintain editorial line by Fabiola Sanchez
Venezuela's only television channel that remains critical of President Hugo Chavez has announced the departure of its director.
Feb 8, 2010 — News Article: Ottawa refuses to release Globalive decision documents by Iain Marlow
The federal government has refused to release documents that may reveal how it came to its controversial decision on Globalive.
Feb 2, 2010 — News Article: Where is Canada's plan for the digital age? by Marc Garneau
The Liberal Critic for Industry, Science and Technology says the government should be commitment to Internet connectivity and universal access.
Feb 1, 2010 — News Article: What's behind delay in appointing film agency boss? by Martin Knelman
Industry insiders suspect Prime Minister's Office declined to approve the CEO candidate for Telefilm Canada recommended by the search committee.
Jan 24, 2010 — News Article: Venezuelan cable providers drop anti-Chavez TV channel under government orders by Christopher Toothaker
A venezuelan cable television channel critical of President Hugo Chavez has been yanked from the airwaves for defying new regulations requiring it to televise the socialist leader's speeches.
Jan 13, 2010 — News Article: The Generalissimo Wore Pinstripes by Charlie Angus
The NDP's Heritage critic says Stephen Harper acts like a man annoyed by the democratic process.
Jan 11, 2010 — News Article: Tories yet to follow through on arts tax credit by Meagan Fitzpatrick
The children's arts tax credit, contained in the 2008 Tory platform and announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has never materialized.
Jan 8, 2010 — News Article: Georgia wages TV war by Nick Holdsworth
A channel in Georgia that was set up to raise awareness about the country's struggle with Russia has launched.
Jan 4, 2010 — News Article: The 10 players who will shape technology law by Michael Geist
Columnist identifies people such as the federal Industry Minister, the federal Heritage Minister and the chair of the CRTC as individuals who will influence tech law in the next year.
Jan 4, 2010 — News Article: For Media, 2010 is the Year of 'Open' by Steve Anderson
Columnist says it is time for Canada to drastically open up the country's media system.
Jan 4, 2010 — News Article: Wireless competition behind CRTC overruling by Andrew Mayeda
The Industry Minister says the government's desire to promote more competition in the wireless industry was a key factor in its decision to overrule the CRTC and approve the launch of Globalive.
