Links to opinion polls, media articles, and FRIENDS materials

Polling conducted on behalf of FRIENDS by well-known Canadian polling firm Ipsos-Reid in the days leading up to the federal election call on May 23, 2004, has resulted in some very encouraging findings for Canada's broadcasting system. A significant majority of those surveyed indicate they place high value on Canadian culture, Canadian content, and an independent and well-funded CBC. Many also say that they strongly support maintaining domestic control of Canadian communications companies and limiting media concentration.

Poll results were released in four parts over a one week period in mid-May 2004.  Below is a summary and link to each poll, together with related press releases, news coverage and other documents.

Voters Support the CBC, Canadian Content

A special summary of FRIENDS pre-election polling shows firm support for government actions that enhance Canadian culture and the CBC. With some variation, these findings hold true regardless of political party affiliation/preference.

May 19, 2004 - Opinion Poll: Broadcasting Issues, Canada/US Relations and Canadian Public Opinion (Special Political Results Summary)
Pre-election poll commissioned by FRIENDS shows strong support among voters for strengthening Canadian culture and enhancing the CBC.

Closer Canada/U.S. Relations Spark Can-Con Support

As Canada becomes more closely tied to the United States, a strong majority of Canadians feel it is increasingly important to safeguard our national culture and identity.

May 19, 2004 - Opinion Poll: Broadcasting Issues, Canada/US Relations and Canadian Public Opinion
Ipsos-Reid pre-election poll commissioned by FRIENDS shows Canadian voters support strengthening Canadian content to preserve Canadian culture and balance closer integration with the United States.

May 19, 2004 - Press Release: Closer Canada-US Relations Spark CAN-CON Support - survey
FRIENDS' pre-election poll shows strong support for safeguarding Canadian content, culture and identity to balance closer economic integration with the United States.

May 19, 2004 - Canadian Press: Gender, politics divide cultural views, survey finds
Nine out of 10 respondents to FRIENDS survey agreed that strengthening Canadian culture and identity is important as Canada-U.S. economic ties increase.

May 19, 2004 - Le Devoir: Un nombre élevé de Canadiens veulent que la culture et l’identité canadiennes soient solidifiées par Paul Cauchon
FRIENDS survey reveals voter attitudes to Canadian culture on the eve of a federal election.

Ontarians Support TVOntario

Consistent with national support for public broadcasting and Canadian culture, a majority of Ontarians oppose the privatization of TVOntario. TVO is a Ontario's public educational broadcasting service.

May 14, 2004 - Opinion Poll: Ontarians want their TVOntario to remain public
Ipsos-Reid poll commissioned by FRIENDS shows a strong majority of Ontarians say that they want TVOntario to remain in public hands.

May 14, 2004 - Press Release: Ontarians Say Don’t Sell TVO
A strong majority of Ontario residents want TVO to remain in public hands, according to a new opinion survey commissioned by FRIENDS.

May 14, 2004 - Letter to Premier of Ontario re: TVOntario
FRIENDS calls on Government of Ontario to respect views of 76% of Ontarians, not sell TVOntario to a private broadcaster.

May 15, 2004 - Globe & Mail: TV woe by Catherine Dawson March
Fears of privatization at TVOntario are resulting in programming paranoia, and a narrow interpretation of broadcaster's educational mandate.

Canadian Broadcasting Counts with Voters

Poll results show strong support for public broadcasting and Canadian culture. Political parties that support domestic ownership and control of Canadian communications and broadcasting companies would be onside with 85% of voters.

May 13, 2004 - Opinion Poll: Canadian Broadcasting Counts with Voters
Ipsos-Reid poll commissioned by FRIENDS on the eve of a federal election shows Canadian voters favour maintaining foreign ownership rules, limiting media concentration, and strengthening CBC.

May 13, 2004 - Press Release: Canadian Broadcasting Counts with Voters
FRIENDS' pre-election opinion poll shows Canadian voters favour maintaining foreign ownership rules, limiting media concentration, and strengthening CBC.

May 13, 2004 - Policy Brief: Oral Presentation to Senate Committee on Transport & Communications Study on the Current State of Canadian Media Industries
FRIENDS urges Senate Committee to support the 2003 recommendations of the House of Commons Heritage Committee, releases polling data evidencing popular support.

May 13, 2004 - Canadian Press: Broadcast watchdog cites survey in push to preserve Canadian TV content
FRIENDS presents results of pre-election media issues poll to Senate Committee.

May 14, 2004 - Globe & Mail: Canadians say CBC helps distinguish us from U.S.
FRIENDS poll shows Canadians want a stronger CBC, less media concentration and a Canadian-owned broadcasting system.

May 14, 2004 - Regina Leader-Post: Watchdog group offers broadcasting wish list
FRIENDS tells Senate committee that CBC still has widespread support.

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