Does Canada need the CBC?

[Tower]

It was a topic of discussion over the summer but I could not find the thread.

I remember many CPer's being content with the dismantling of the network. But, perhaps there are some more views on this since? We are busier on the board with Hockey finally starting.

So Does Canada need the CBC? Please explain you view. As inciteful as "The CBC Sucks" is, lets get some gravy.

Does the CBC just need updating?

http://www.bluecatdesign.com/bcat/article4.html

A poll from the Globe and Mail has the CBC as a Media that should still exist.

http://www.friends.ca/News/Friends_News/archives/articles02220502.asp

[Looger]

canada doesn't need CBC as much as the CBC needs canada.

[Lanny_MacDonald]

Yes, Canada needs the CBC as much as the United States needs PBS and NPR. Frankly, CBC should be run more like PBS and NPR and become detached from the government and feel free to criticise who is in office, but that will take years to change. The people need a voice, and the tax supported entities are supposed to allow for those voices to find the airwaves. CBC just needs an overhaul IMO.

[Clarkey]

Privatize it!

[underGRADFlame]

Blow it up. Its a black hole for taxpayers money.

[Cheese]

The CBC as it presently stands is a waste of taxpayers money. It will take a gigantic change in structure to make it viable...what that is is beyond me.

When juxtapositioned next to the giant below us it is difficult to compete...

Latest article on the US marketing machine and Canadian TV

IF as suggested the CTV network manages to steal HNIC we will see major changes...one of which could be the folding of the empire.

[Tower]

Lanny and Cheese - that definitly gets the mind thinking on how to make it a more viable and successful broadcasting corporation. The CBC is a network with a name that is known around the world. It makes more sence, in my opinion, to keep the CBC and gut it out. Start with fresh ideas and compete with other markets. With so much reality shows out there that seem to dull out TV - it is my hope we as Canadians can create something that is fun and stimulating. Unfortunatly it starts with $$$$ which does not seem to flow to the right pockets correctly at this time. Perhaps an audit on the CBC's spending will shed some light on where Canadians should start the change.

[RougeUnderoos]

I don't know if we need the TV station in it's current form. It is pretty weak. That purchase of a Yank song and dance show was about the last straw I'd say. The flagship TV station needs a serious overhaul. It is possible to make decent Canadian content. I mean we aren't all morons up here -it can be done.

Newsworld is good though and I listen to CBC radio all the time.

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

Originally Posted by Lanny_MacDonald

Yes, Canada needs the CBC as much as the United States needs PBS and NPR. Frankly, CBC should be run more like PBS and NPR and become detached from the government and feel free to criticise who is in office, but that will take years to change. The people need a voice, and the tax supported entities are supposed to allow for those voices to find the airwaves. CBC just needs an overhaul IMO.

I do agree that public media is really important--but neither NPR nor PBS is as well funded as CBC, and it kind of shows. I sort of like having it as an independent arm of government. I don't get the TV station (except HNIC) but I do get to hear some CBC news that NPR picks up--and the quality of news, especially international news is far superior to anything produced in the establishment media in the U.S., imo. CBC isn't perfect, but it is a national treasure and a rarity--a government run independent media outlet. We should protect it.

[JiriHrdina]

I enjoy Newsworld as well. Great docs on there and some good programs such as Venture and Marketplace.

Bottom line is that is ridiculous that tax funded dollars were used to fund a show to compete with Canadian Idol.

I concur with some of the above - turn it into a PBS style station.

[sclitheroe]

I think CBC radio, both AM and FM (particularly AM and shortwave) should stick around, particularly because it is the only radio network that has coverage pretty much everywhere you go in Canada, which means in some remote communities, it is the only radio station accessible without satellite or internet. I do admit that I like quite a bit of CBC's AM programming.

As for the television station, I'm indifferent, other than the fact that I imagine much of the infrastructure is already paid for, so you might as well leave it in place, I guess. The remote communities don't really need it, since they most likely have satellites attached to their TV's anyways.

-Scott

[JohnnyFlame]

I sat back and thought about it for a couple of shakes and tried to think of CBC shows that I watch. Other than sports and occasionally the National I really can't think of any. If HNIC was on TSN etc. would I care -- NO!!! So there is no reason I can think of to have the network. I can watch quality TV on PBS (shows like Mystery etc.), sports on so many channels, and drivel on channels galore. Sack it along with the Senate and every other thing that the Canadian government sucks our taxes from us for NO good reason.

Personally I think the federal government should slim itself down as much as possible and not be involved in anything that isn't about the business of running the country.

[BlackEleven]

There is a lot of crap on CBC, no question. I still think its a useful station though -- I like their news, sports and documentaries. I also think the quality of those programs is top-notch. There are occasionally good comedies (Rick Mercer Report) and a good film now and then, but aside from the areas already listed, most of the stuff I don't watch.

I agree with the setiments above that the program that tried to compete with the Idol shows was a complete waste of money. I also agree that there is some good programming on CBC radio.

When I lived in Norway, the state run tv channel, NRK, didn't start broadcasting until 6pm and ended at midnight. I wouldn't be opposed to CBC doing the same -- that should cut down on some of the expenses right there.

[someguy51]

The only show I watch on the CBC regularily (besides HNIC) is Rick Mercer Report. The only other Canadian shows I watch regularily are Corner Gas and Trailer Park Boys. There is good Canadian tv, but its hard to find

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlame

I sat back and thought about it for a couple of shakes and tried to think of CBC shows that I watch. Other than sports and occasionally the National I really can't think of any. If HNIC was on TSN etc. would I care -- NO!!! So there is no reason I can think of to have the network. I can watch quality TV on PBS (shows like Mystery etc.), sports on so many channels, and drivel on channels galore. Sack it along with the Senate and every other thing that the Canadian government sucks our taxes from us for NO good reason.

Personally I think the federal government should slim itself down as much as possible and not be involved in anything that isn't about the business of running the country.

So.... if I'm following your logic, it's that
a) you don't watch CBC
b) therefore, CBC is useless
c) therefore, without knowing what its cost/profits are, you deem it a "waste of money."

Aaaaalllrighty then......

[drp_69]

I dont like the CBC's Liberal/NDP bias. For a taxpayer funded network, it should be unquestionably neutral, if they were so, I then would enjoy more of their news and documentaries.
They do have the best hockey coverage (from a technical viewpoint), just too much of the Leafs, which is also unfair in my opinion.

[Red Mile Style]

When I was growing up my parents were anti-cable, we had three channels and I was thankful for whatever I could get. As a kid, CBC had great childrens shows (Mr.Dressup, Fred Penner, Sesame Street avec francais... come on, like you guys didn't love these shows as a kid?!?!).

HNIC is a huge part of Canadian culture, in my opinion. Not everyone has the luxory of 500 channels, and those who rely on peasant view probably appreciate being able to watch hockey.

CBC Newsworld beats CNN anyday.

As for the "liberal bias" propaganda, I would like any proof that substantially supports that. I remember during the last federal election when CBC aired a documentary called "Medicare Schmedicare" that attacked the public health care system during a very volatile voting time. I do not think the CBC has many oppurtunities to present an vehemently left-wing agenda as people are suggesting. I mean, look at Don Cherry!

[troutman]

HNIC will be going to CTV next year.

[Red Mile Style]

Originally Posted by troutman

HNIC will be going to CTV next year.

Wha??!??!?!?! Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!

[Clarkey]

Is CBC's HNIC contract up at the end of this season? Did CTV ever have a chance to bid on HNIC?