Media Mythbusters: Do Canadians Really Watch the CBC?
Every budget season, one claim always comes up: “Nobody watches the CBC anymore.” It might sound straightforward and easy to believe, but it just isn’t true. Here’s why.
📊 Canadians Are Still Watching
Despite fierce competition from global streaming platforms, CBC/Radio-Canada continues to reach nearly 80% of Canadians every month across television, radio, and digital platforms (CBC/Radio-Canada).
- CBC News Network remains Canada’s most-watched all-news channel.
- CBC Gem draws millions of monthly streams, with younger audiences leading the charge.
- ICI TOU.TV thrives in francophone communities, offering local relevance that international platforms can’t provide.
👉 Explore more about CBC/Radio-Canada’s reach here.
🍁 It’s Not Just About Ratings
The CBC’s value goes far beyond viewership numbers:
- Local news: In many smaller towns and rural communities, the CBC is the only reliable source of reporting.
- Canadian storytelling: Shows like Sort Of, Heartland, and Workin’ Moms tell Canadian stories that resonate globally, while reflecting life here at home.
- Cultural sovereignty: Without a strong national public broadcaster, we lose the only broadcasting entity in the country with the explicit mandate to tell Canadian stories, which can weaken our cultural independence.
👉 Read more about the value Canadians place on their public broadcaster.
📰 Trusted in an Age of Misinformation
When misinformation spreads faster than facts, trust becomes even more important. According to a study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Canadians consistently rank CBC/Radio-Canada as one of the country’s most trusted news sources—an essential element for democracy and civic life.
- The above research from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives shows Canadians view the CBC as a symbol of trust, culture, and identity. This trust makes CBC/Radio-Canada more than just a broadcaster; it is part of Canada’s civic fabric.
✅ The Bottom Line
The idea that “nobody watches CBC” is a myth. Canadians depend on their national public broadcaster for local news, trusted journalism, and cultural storytelling that keeps us connected.
As debates about CBC funding continue, let’s make sure our conversation is based on facts, not just soundbites.
Join Friends of Canadian Media to help defend Canadian storytelling for future generations.