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Local broadcasting fading to black with CBC cuts

Mar 25, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto – Cuts of the magnitude announced this morning by CBC cannot help but diminish the quality and quantity of local programming on the public broadcaster, according to the broadcast watchdog group Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.

"Viewers will see less local programming on CBC as a result of today's announcement, courtesy of Prime Minister Harper and his hand-picked President," said FRIENDS' spokesperson Ian Morrison.

CBC announced that 8% of its workforce will be cut, the vast majority of whom make radio and television programs, mostly outside the major metropolitan centres.  Combined with cuts already announced by CTV and Global, today's cuts place local programming on the endangered list.

"Mr. Harper's government cut CBC funding in its most recent spending estimates, appointed a President without previous broadcasting management, production or scheduling experience to lead CBC and last year vetoed fee for carriage, a measure that would go a long way to addressing the financial problems faced by conventional broadcasters," Morrison said.

Viewers and listeners routinely express preference for local over other types of programs.

"When local broadcasting fades to black, Canadians will know whom to blame," Morrison said.

Friends of Canadian Broadcasting is an independent watchdog for Canadian programming and is not affiliated with any broadcaster or political party.

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For information: Jim Thompson 613-567-9592