Why We Need the CBC
April 10, 2025 7:28 AM Subscribe
In a far-flung country the CBC is often the main source of basic, daily news in rural and remote communities. (slTheTybee)
Is Canada Ready for Life Without the CBC? Pierre Poilievre Thinks So.
Why has Pierre Poilievre suddenly gone silent on defunding the CBC?
BONUS: Learn more about our Conservative wiener candidate as he soars in Alberta but falls flat elsewhere. (I don't quite believe that.)
Is Canada Ready for Life Without the CBC? Pierre Poilievre Thinks So.
Why has Pierre Poilievre suddenly gone silent on defunding the CBC?
BONUS: Learn more about our Conservative wiener candidate as he soars in Alberta but falls flat elsewhere. (I don't quite believe that.)
The CBC seems to be determined to cut its own throat by giving more news coverage to Poilievre than any of the other candidates, in the same way that the US media promoted Trump.
posted by jewel-jerk-dazzle at 7:54 AM on April 10 [6 favorites]
posted by jewel-jerk-dazzle at 7:54 AM on April 10 [6 favorites]
The CBC seems to be determined to cut its own throat by giving more news coverage to Poilievre than any of the other candidates, in the same way that the US media promoted Trump.
A good explanation on why Poilievre (does that mean hare-skin??) is no longer defunding it. He knows what side his baguette is buttered!
posted by low_horrible_immoral at 8:01 AM on April 10
A good explanation on why Poilievre (does that mean hare-skin??) is no longer defunding it. He knows what side his baguette is buttered!
posted by low_horrible_immoral at 8:01 AM on April 10
I wonder if it's because Poilievre has denied any media to come along with him on his election stops? In the absence of actual being there coverage, maybe they have to do the best they can with what they can glean. I think a Conservative supporter would say the opposite: they likely think there's too much coverage on Carney.
posted by Kitteh at 8:01 AM on April 10
posted by Kitteh at 8:01 AM on April 10
The CBC seems to be determined to cut its own throat by giving more news coverage to Poilievre
We experience CBC differently then. I would say the opposite. There's loads of crazy things PP says that are never covered by the CBC and I only find out via social media.
posted by Ashwagandha at 8:26 AM on April 10 [3 favorites]
We experience CBC differently then. I would say the opposite. There's loads of crazy things PP says that are never covered by the CBC and I only find out via social media.
posted by Ashwagandha at 8:26 AM on April 10 [3 favorites]
Seconding Ashwagandha in that most of the banana-pants things I hear about PP are from social media. I think that's by design.
posted by Kitteh at 8:30 AM on April 10 [2 favorites]
posted by Kitteh at 8:30 AM on April 10 [2 favorites]
loads of crazy things PP says that are never covered by the CBC
The Harris government manifested an influx of post-truth journalists among the ranks of the CBC for this very reason. A neo-fascist PP government would be very wise to retain the CBC as a Fox News style government organ.
posted by CynicalKnight at 8:34 AM on April 10 [2 favorites]
The Harris government manifested an influx of post-truth journalists among the ranks of the CBC for this very reason. A neo-fascist PP government would be very wise to retain the CBC as a Fox News style government organ.
posted by CynicalKnight at 8:34 AM on April 10 [2 favorites]
Lilly’s statement Thursday evening said, under a Conservative government, “Canadian taxpayers will no longer pay the CBC more than $1 billion every year to fund biased coverage and fat bonuses, and we will use those savings to put Canada First.”
This is utterly ridiculous. And it makes me SO. ANGRY. Because from it's inception, the goal of having our own public broadcaster was to PUT CANADA FIRST:
Together with the example of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the CNR radio stations helped make the merits of public ownership more apparent to the Royal Commission on Radio Broadcasting. It was appointed by Prime Minister Mackenzie King on 6 December 1928. The chairman was Sir John Aird. The privately owned Canadian stations were beginning to fall into American hands. They also seemed unable to provide an adequate alternative to the programming that was flooding in from the United States. The moving force within the Aird Commission was Charles Bowman, editor of the Ottawa Citizen. He was convinced that public ownership of broadcasting was needed to keep Canada from being overwhelmed by American culture. The Aird Commission heard submissions from across the country. It also visited other broadcasting systems. It submitted its report on 11 September 1929, less than two months before the stock market crashed. (See also Great Depression in Canada.) It recommended the creation of a national broadcasting company with the status and duties of a public utility to develop a service capable of “fostering a national spirit and interpreting national citizenship.” It also called for the private stations to be eliminated, with compensation. (from The Canadian Encyclopedia)
posted by kitcat at 8:51 AM on April 10 [6 favorites]
This is utterly ridiculous. And it makes me SO. ANGRY. Because from it's inception, the goal of having our own public broadcaster was to PUT CANADA FIRST:
Together with the example of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the CNR radio stations helped make the merits of public ownership more apparent to the Royal Commission on Radio Broadcasting. It was appointed by Prime Minister Mackenzie King on 6 December 1928. The chairman was Sir John Aird. The privately owned Canadian stations were beginning to fall into American hands. They also seemed unable to provide an adequate alternative to the programming that was flooding in from the United States. The moving force within the Aird Commission was Charles Bowman, editor of the Ottawa Citizen. He was convinced that public ownership of broadcasting was needed to keep Canada from being overwhelmed by American culture. The Aird Commission heard submissions from across the country. It also visited other broadcasting systems. It submitted its report on 11 September 1929, less than two months before the stock market crashed. (See also Great Depression in Canada.) It recommended the creation of a national broadcasting company with the status and duties of a public utility to develop a service capable of “fostering a national spirit and interpreting national citizenship.” It also called for the private stations to be eliminated, with compensation. (from The Canadian Encyclopedia)
posted by kitcat at 8:51 AM on April 10 [6 favorites]
I say this with an enormous amount of affection and respect for the institution but the CBC could probably be negged into doing pretty much anything, such an easy ref to play.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 9:10 AM on April 10 [5 favorites]
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 9:10 AM on April 10 [5 favorites]
Why has Pierre Poilievre suddenly gone silent on defunding the CBC?
I suspect part of the answer to this is that he initially said he was going to engage with "local media" on his campaign and discovered that there wasn't any, other than a local CBC.
posted by Ashwagandha at 9:10 AM on April 10 [3 favorites]
I suspect part of the answer to this is that he initially said he was going to engage with "local media" on his campaign and discovered that there wasn't any, other than a local CBC.
posted by Ashwagandha at 9:10 AM on April 10 [3 favorites]
Again, as the article for that says, he hasn't gone silent on defunding it because he wants it as a mouth piece; his plan is still in place, he's just not campaigning on it as loudly. Defunding it is still part of his platform.
I suspect part of the answer to this is that he initially said he was going to engage with "local media" on his campaign and discovered that there wasn't any other than a local CBC.
Yup. You want widespread TV coverage? CBC or CTV or Global. You want widespread online coverage? The same. What PP wishes he had is the Canadian equivalent of Fox News to make him look good. I mean, I guess he could get that from Rebel Media but aside from his supporters, everyone else would give him rightful side eye.
posted by Kitteh at 9:16 AM on April 10 [4 favorites]
I suspect part of the answer to this is that he initially said he was going to engage with "local media" on his campaign and discovered that there wasn't any other than a local CBC.
Yup. You want widespread TV coverage? CBC or CTV or Global. You want widespread online coverage? The same. What PP wishes he had is the Canadian equivalent of Fox News to make him look good. I mean, I guess he could get that from Rebel Media but aside from his supporters, everyone else would give him rightful side eye.
posted by Kitteh at 9:16 AM on April 10 [4 favorites]
Canadian equivalent of Fox News
They tried that with the Sun News Network and it failed.
posted by Ashwagandha at 9:29 AM on April 10 [3 favorites]
They tried that with the Sun News Network and it failed.
posted by Ashwagandha at 9:29 AM on April 10 [3 favorites]
From the Walrus:
About 27 percent said the CBC is too “woke,” irrelevant, and biased in its reporting. All are subjective measures of performance: one’s defence of civil rights is another’s woke. Amplifying the voices of the marginal is what journalism does, but it makes some people itchy. In any case, “woke” can’t be quantified.
Woke - it was weaponized from the very beginning and I hate the word.
I think that the CBC is one of the most remarkable and important achievements in Canada and is a signifier of who we are as a nation. Everybody can access the many parts of the CBC no matter where they are in Canada, and there is something on the CBC for all walks of life. It’s the one thing that all Canadians have in common.
As far as I’m concerned, getting rid of the CBC would be like getting rid of the Canadian flag and would cause me a great amount of anxiety because it would symbolize that Canada is no longer a safe haven from the forces of fascism.*
I’m not saying that the CBC is perfect and it’s definitely expensive and perhaps the bonuses that people are so irate about should be different and perhaps there is bias in the reporting (but isn’t there always bias?) but as far as I’m concerned the pros far outweigh the cons. And furthermore, PP and his party of fascism followers can disappear forever. Dammit all to hell, they stress me the fuck out.
*I’m aware that this is an extremely large brush that I’m using, that I may be speaking from a place of privilege and that there are many, many, many problems in Canada.
posted by ashbury at 9:31 AM on April 10 [13 favorites]
About 27 percent said the CBC is too “woke,” irrelevant, and biased in its reporting. All are subjective measures of performance: one’s defence of civil rights is another’s woke. Amplifying the voices of the marginal is what journalism does, but it makes some people itchy. In any case, “woke” can’t be quantified.
Woke - it was weaponized from the very beginning and I hate the word.
I think that the CBC is one of the most remarkable and important achievements in Canada and is a signifier of who we are as a nation. Everybody can access the many parts of the CBC no matter where they are in Canada, and there is something on the CBC for all walks of life. It’s the one thing that all Canadians have in common.
As far as I’m concerned, getting rid of the CBC would be like getting rid of the Canadian flag and would cause me a great amount of anxiety because it would symbolize that Canada is no longer a safe haven from the forces of fascism.*
I’m not saying that the CBC is perfect and it’s definitely expensive and perhaps the bonuses that people are so irate about should be different and perhaps there is bias in the reporting (but isn’t there always bias?) but as far as I’m concerned the pros far outweigh the cons. And furthermore, PP and his party of fascism followers can disappear forever. Dammit all to hell, they stress me the fuck out.
*I’m aware that this is an extremely large brush that I’m using, that I may be speaking from a place of privilege and that there are many, many, many problems in Canada.
posted by ashbury at 9:31 AM on April 10 [13 favorites]
LBR, if it was defunded and made toothless to the point of erasure, what would take its place would be like American-style "news." I agree that even with its faults, it's accessible for all Canadians. And news is only part of it! Look at the great shows on the radio now: Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud! Q with Tom Power! Canada Reads! Etc etc.
Canada Reads was so pivotal to me as a new Canadian. Sherbrooke's library had a very small Anglophone book section so I ended up ordering a lot of the contenders.
posted by Kitteh at 9:48 AM on April 10 [4 favorites]
Canada Reads was so pivotal to me as a new Canadian. Sherbrooke's library had a very small Anglophone book section so I ended up ordering a lot of the contenders.
posted by Kitteh at 9:48 AM on April 10 [4 favorites]
it speaks volumes that Kitteh is one of the most passionate CanCon posters on MeFi right now
I fear a lot of Canadians are awfully complacent about the society we've built over generations. We are so vulnerable to the circumstances south of the border.
posted by ginger.beef at 9:58 AM on April 10 [7 favorites]
I fear a lot of Canadians are awfully complacent about the society we've built over generations. We are so vulnerable to the circumstances south of the border.
posted by ginger.beef at 9:58 AM on April 10 [7 favorites]
"it speaks volumes that Kitteh is one of the most passionate CanCon posters on MeFi right now"
Why does it speak volumes? I'm Canadian. I care a great deal about my country. I'm very concerned about it's path, both in the immediate and long-term.
I don't post or comment much at all on Metafilter. I guess I'm like a near-lurker, generally. I don't think that means I care less.
I like that Kitteh is actively posting Canada-related content and providing relevant comments but I don't think that Mefi-posting in and of itself should be taken as a signifier of a Canadian's level of care or concern. Mefi isn't life.
posted by joelhunt at 10:23 AM on April 10 [8 favorites]
Why does it speak volumes? I'm Canadian. I care a great deal about my country. I'm very concerned about it's path, both in the immediate and long-term.
I don't post or comment much at all on Metafilter. I guess I'm like a near-lurker, generally. I don't think that means I care less.
I like that Kitteh is actively posting Canada-related content and providing relevant comments but I don't think that Mefi-posting in and of itself should be taken as a signifier of a Canadian's level of care or concern. Mefi isn't life.
posted by joelhunt at 10:23 AM on April 10 [8 favorites]
hey joelhunt, I'm stating what I'm seeing
I am not sure how much you care about anything. You cared enough that my comment insinuated something about you personally? so there's that
Kitteh is constantly celebrating Canadian stuff, maybe I could've worded that differently but whatever. Happy to hear from you, happy to be given all kinds of counter-examples to the complacency stuff
posted by ginger.beef at 10:32 AM on April 10
I am not sure how much you care about anything. You cared enough that my comment insinuated something about you personally? so there's that
Kitteh is constantly celebrating Canadian stuff, maybe I could've worded that differently but whatever. Happy to hear from you, happy to be given all kinds of counter-examples to the complacency stuff
posted by ginger.beef at 10:32 AM on April 10
It's definitely nice to see some someone loving the CBC who didn't grow up with it.
I'm worried about the younger generations. Like my kids. They've spent so much time watching American content that I'm constantly having to correct them on how things work in Canada. No, we can't go to Target, sorry. No, you won't be going away to college. We don't call it college here and you're most likely going to the local university. No, people are allowed to get abortions here. No, I don't have to pay for you to go to the doctor.
I don't remember being confused about these things, ever.
The CBC - Radio 1 or the national news on CBC Gem - is very often on in our house. They aren't really old enough to want to absorb the political stuff yet but hopefully at least a respect for the CBC rubs off.
posted by kitcat at 10:50 AM on April 10 [4 favorites]
I'm worried about the younger generations. Like my kids. They've spent so much time watching American content that I'm constantly having to correct them on how things work in Canada. No, we can't go to Target, sorry. No, you won't be going away to college. We don't call it college here and you're most likely going to the local university. No, people are allowed to get abortions here. No, I don't have to pay for you to go to the doctor.
I don't remember being confused about these things, ever.
The CBC - Radio 1 or the national news on CBC Gem - is very often on in our house. They aren't really old enough to want to absorb the political stuff yet but hopefully at least a respect for the CBC rubs off.
posted by kitcat at 10:50 AM on April 10 [4 favorites]
I grew up with the CBC. It was a big deal when they finally put up an AM station in my small home town, after a commercial station went out of business and the frequency was available. I also participated a bit as an outside vendor/contractor when the big CBC Broadcast Centre was built in Toronto, so I got a peek inside, to see what it's like at a national-level broadcaster.
And we're still fairly regular CBC listeners/viewers.
I'm probably wrong, but I'd like to think that PP has looked at the chaos to the south of us, and finally figured out what happens when there isn't a trusted non-commercial national broadcaster to raise the bar.
I had this image on a T-shirt in my yoof.
posted by Artful Codger at 10:55 AM on April 10 [2 favorites]
And we're still fairly regular CBC listeners/viewers.
I'm probably wrong, but I'd like to think that PP has looked at the chaos to the south of us, and finally figured out what happens when there isn't a trusted non-commercial national broadcaster to raise the bar.
I had this image on a T-shirt in my yoof.
posted by Artful Codger at 10:55 AM on April 10 [2 favorites]
I hope if Carney wins that his promise to better fund the CBC also includes emergency broadcasting in those plans. When we had the ice storm here and phone, internet, and power were out in my area I pulled out our little FM radio and I could not get the CBC at all. Eventually I found fuzzy reception for our tiny volunteer community radio station who were working through the emergency to get what info they could out. But I feel like during an emergency that impacted a big chunk of my province, the CBC should have been a tool to get updates. Our communications infrastructure is so fragile in the face of climate disasters that we need to maintain something more robust to keep people informed when everything else goes down.
posted by eekernohan at 11:02 AM on April 10 [5 favorites]
posted by eekernohan at 11:02 AM on April 10 [5 favorites]
When we had the ice storm here and phone, internet, and power were out in my area I pulled out our little FM radio and I could not get the CBC at all.
That's nuts. When I worked in broadcast technology many years ago, just about every place I worked had backup generators and other contingency systems. It was thrilling/terrifying to do the routine test-runs of a 50 or 100 kW 3-phase generator.
posted by Artful Codger at 11:08 AM on April 10 [1 favorite]
That's nuts. When I worked in broadcast technology many years ago, just about every place I worked had backup generators and other contingency systems. It was thrilling/terrifying to do the routine test-runs of a 50 or 100 kW 3-phase generator.
posted by Artful Codger at 11:08 AM on April 10 [1 favorite]
Luck and Lavender is non-binary queer artist in Ottawa and they've teamed up with the CBC for a series of lovely hoodies with their artwork reminding Canadians that the CBC is for Canadians, no matter who you are.
I guess why I feel so passionate about Canada, and not just the CBC, is that Canada gave me life I didn't realize I could have. I improbably met my Canadian spouse via Barbelith when I was in Atlanta and he was in Sherbrooke. As a Southerner, the furthest west I had ever been was Denver and the furthest north I had ever been was Winston-Salem. Again, speaking only for myself, it's amazing how much not having to worry about medical debt helped me mentally. I can go to the doctor and not worry about debt! I can listen to what's happening all over Canada through the CBC! I can visit Montreal and Toronto and absolutely love the mix of culture all around me. (It's one reason why I love London, UK. Ugh, how can anyone hate multiculturalism?? It's so awesome!!)
posted by Kitteh at 11:13 AM on April 10 [4 favorites]
I guess why I feel so passionate about Canada, and not just the CBC, is that Canada gave me life I didn't realize I could have. I improbably met my Canadian spouse via Barbelith when I was in Atlanta and he was in Sherbrooke. As a Southerner, the furthest west I had ever been was Denver and the furthest north I had ever been was Winston-Salem. Again, speaking only for myself, it's amazing how much not having to worry about medical debt helped me mentally. I can go to the doctor and not worry about debt! I can listen to what's happening all over Canada through the CBC! I can visit Montreal and Toronto and absolutely love the mix of culture all around me. (It's one reason why I love London, UK. Ugh, how can anyone hate multiculturalism?? It's so awesome!!)
posted by Kitteh at 11:13 AM on April 10 [4 favorites]
The CBC seems to be determined to cut its own throat by giving more news coverage to Poilievre
Stephen Harper stuffed the board of the CBC. (That link was a quick search.) Since then there has been a definite shift in certain types of content and some interesting personnel changes that may or may not relate.
I used to be a CBC superfan. I do not feel like the current CBC is the best incarnation of the CBC, but I would like it to continue to exist and improve.
posted by warriorqueen at 11:16 AM on April 10 [9 favorites]
Stephen Harper stuffed the board of the CBC. (That link was a quick search.) Since then there has been a definite shift in certain types of content and some interesting personnel changes that may or may not relate.
I used to be a CBC superfan. I do not feel like the current CBC is the best incarnation of the CBC, but I would like it to continue to exist and improve.
posted by warriorqueen at 11:16 AM on April 10 [9 favorites]
Like anything Canadian it is easier for Canadians to complain about it than celebrate it. PP just uses it as a dog whistle to his base regardless if it is actually Justin's Propaganda Mouthpiece.
I think the media environment as it stands is tricky for older style broadcasters like the CBC and along with that its gotta serve a disjointed country with regions which have very different needs. I do think the current CBC is better than it was a decade ago (CBC Gem, the radio app, many of the "podcasts", more diverse & younger hosts) and I do think CTV and Global are way worse than then they were previously (their reliance on US shows is likely part of their problem).
posted by Ashwagandha at 11:28 AM on April 10 [4 favorites]
I think the media environment as it stands is tricky for older style broadcasters like the CBC and along with that its gotta serve a disjointed country with regions which have very different needs. I do think the current CBC is better than it was a decade ago (CBC Gem, the radio app, many of the "podcasts", more diverse & younger hosts) and I do think CTV and Global are way worse than then they were previously (their reliance on US shows is likely part of their problem).
posted by Ashwagandha at 11:28 AM on April 10 [4 favorites]
As per the Lifechanging Jay Baruchel Q&A from early March, we've doubled down as a household to Canadian media content so CBC Gem is getting reeeeal nice bump from our viewing. Shepherd is scraping the rust off his French and watching Quebecois films again (no particular genre) on Tou.Tv; I'm loving the absolute cheese of Saint-Pierre with Newfoundland's own Allan Hawco.
posted by Kitteh at 11:43 AM on April 10 [2 favorites]
posted by Kitteh at 11:43 AM on April 10 [2 favorites]
I do not feel like the current CBC is the best incarnation of the CBC
The CBC top stories page is often disquieting. If I just look at it right now, why is Oeuf! U.S. egg prices hit record high despite Trump's claim they're 'much cheaper' a bigger story than Ontario measles case count tops 800, 155 new infections since last week? Under the guise of fact-checking Trump (does the CBC really need to be doing that anyhow?), they're using Trump drama to get views. It's stupidly coy to pretend in a headline not to know that US egg prices are high because of bird flu.
posted by kitcat at 11:46 AM on April 10 [6 favorites]
The CBC top stories page is often disquieting. If I just look at it right now, why is Oeuf! U.S. egg prices hit record high despite Trump's claim they're 'much cheaper' a bigger story than Ontario measles case count tops 800, 155 new infections since last week? Under the guise of fact-checking Trump (does the CBC really need to be doing that anyhow?), they're using Trump drama to get views. It's stupidly coy to pretend in a headline not to know that US egg prices are high because of bird flu.
posted by kitcat at 11:46 AM on April 10 [6 favorites]
kitkat, I'm with you on that. I understand we can't ignore what's happening down South but it shouldn't be at the expense of what's happening right now in our own country. We've plenty of our own news!
posted by Kitteh at 11:50 AM on April 10 [2 favorites]
posted by Kitteh at 11:50 AM on April 10 [2 favorites]
Kitteh, I hope you plan to stay because "We've plenty of our own news!" is such an irredeemably, No Going Back, Canadian thing to say I just can't
posted by ginger.beef at 12:04 PM on April 10 [4 favorites]
posted by ginger.beef at 12:04 PM on April 10 [4 favorites]
It's not just far-flung outposts that rely on CBC. Probably the best-balanced takes on most topics that I can find at the national level here in Canada.
It's not perfect, but perfect is the enemy of good, and if the CBC disappears NOTHING will fill that void. NOTHING.
posted by jordantwodelta at 12:07 PM on April 10 [8 favorites]
It's not perfect, but perfect is the enemy of good, and if the CBC disappears NOTHING will fill that void. NOTHING.
posted by jordantwodelta at 12:07 PM on April 10 [8 favorites]
Kitteh, I hope you plan to stay because "We've plenty of our own news!" is such an irredeemably, No Going Back, Canadian thing to say I just can't
lol, I'm not going anywhere
Right now I'm pre-occupied with the measles outbreak in my area and have to get my titres checked at FORTY EIGHT YEARS OLD.
posted by Kitteh at 12:19 PM on April 10 [2 favorites]
lol, I'm not going anywhere
Right now I'm pre-occupied with the measles outbreak in my area and have to get my titres checked at FORTY EIGHT YEARS OLD.
posted by Kitteh at 12:19 PM on April 10 [2 favorites]
Years ago, in a previous job, I used to listen to the CBC a lot while working. On the 30th anniversarry of the Jones Massacre the CBC replayed an hour long documentary they put together in one week on the tragedy. It was amazing journalism.
I mention this because the CBC, as it stands now, after decades of cuts, probably could not do this.
They can, however, put an egregiously ignorant and vile special on the '51st State' that normalized the US annexing us on Ian Hanomansing's Cross Country Checkup that featured odious Trump wannabe Kevin O'Leary as a so called expert. Despite the outrage they went ahead with it in slightly modified form. The lowest thing the CBC has ever done in my very subjective opinion.
I mention this because we desperately need good journalism in this country, and we need the CBC, but we also need it to be able to do the journalism properly, not rage baiting crap like the 51st State episode.
Save the CBC, but also fix the CBC, and why Trudeau left those Harper appointees in is inexplicable.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 12:20 PM on April 10 [9 favorites]
I mention this because the CBC, as it stands now, after decades of cuts, probably could not do this.
They can, however, put an egregiously ignorant and vile special on the '51st State' that normalized the US annexing us on Ian Hanomansing's Cross Country Checkup that featured odious Trump wannabe Kevin O'Leary as a so called expert. Despite the outrage they went ahead with it in slightly modified form. The lowest thing the CBC has ever done in my very subjective opinion.
I mention this because we desperately need good journalism in this country, and we need the CBC, but we also need it to be able to do the journalism properly, not rage baiting crap like the 51st State episode.
Save the CBC, but also fix the CBC, and why Trudeau left those Harper appointees in is inexplicable.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 12:20 PM on April 10 [9 favorites]
Cross Country Checkup, imho, was always a dumpster fire and I hope Rex Murphy is burning in hell
posted by Kitteh at 12:23 PM on April 10 [4 favorites]
posted by Kitteh at 12:23 PM on April 10 [4 favorites]
I was also utterly disgusted by that. Have they said anything since, issued a mea culpa - anything?
posted by kitcat at 12:23 PM on April 10 [3 favorites]
posted by kitcat at 12:23 PM on April 10 [3 favorites]
Much of the time, the top 3-4 stories on CBC's frontpage are Trump-related. It's disappointing when you consider how flooded the media is with Trump stories. I come to the CBC for local/Canadian stories!
posted by thoughtful_jester at 12:39 PM on April 10 [3 favorites]
posted by thoughtful_jester at 12:39 PM on April 10 [3 favorites]
Save the CBC, but also fix the CBC, and why Trudeau left those Harper appointees in is inexplicable.
I'm still wishing for a time machine to roll back all of the Harper changes, so that CBC Radio 3 can return to its former glory before Harper.
posted by stannate at 12:45 PM on April 10 [2 favorites]
I'm still wishing for a time machine to roll back all of the Harper changes, so that CBC Radio 3 can return to its former glory before Harper.
posted by stannate at 12:45 PM on April 10 [2 favorites]
thoughtful_jester: "Much of the time, the top 3-4 stories on CBC's frontpage are Trump-related. It's disappointing when you consider how flooded the media is with Trump stories. I come to the CBC for local/Canadian stories!"
Easy peasy, bookmark the Canadian news. While you’re at it, bookmark the local news.
posted by ashbury at 12:48 PM on April 10 [2 favorites]
Easy peasy, bookmark the Canadian news. While you’re at it, bookmark the local news.
posted by ashbury at 12:48 PM on April 10 [2 favorites]
The CBC is important and I hope it gets better funding.
They need to reboot with The Beachcombers with Pedro Pascal as Nick Adonidas.
posted by mazola at 12:50 PM on April 10 [2 favorites]
They need to reboot with The Beachcombers with Pedro Pascal as Nick Adonidas.
posted by mazola at 12:50 PM on April 10 [2 favorites]
Funny the other day I saw a promo for the latest season of The Righteous Gemstones and in one of the images I thought Danny McBride totally looked like Bruno Gerussi.
Honestly tho any rebooted Beachcombers has to have an all Canadian cast. Sorry Pedro.
posted by Ashwagandha at 1:47 PM on April 10 [2 favorites]
Honestly tho any rebooted Beachcombers has to have an all Canadian cast. Sorry Pedro.
posted by Ashwagandha at 1:47 PM on April 10 [2 favorites]
The CBC is so vital. I admit to not particularly caring much about CBC TV -- I find a lot of it very corny, but they've also produced a lot of cool stuff over the years -- but I loooooove CBC Radio. Radio is what they're best at and I hope we don't ever lose that.
As for PP's plan to cut it, I'm not really sure the practicality of his plan to only cut CBC English. He has said he won't touch Radio-Canada because it's too damn popular in Quebec and would hurt his changes there. But, unless I'm mistaken, they both get funding from the same pot. You can't defund one without also hurting the other.
posted by asnider at 2:36 PM on April 10 [2 favorites]
As for PP's plan to cut it, I'm not really sure the practicality of his plan to only cut CBC English. He has said he won't touch Radio-Canada because it's too damn popular in Quebec and would hurt his changes there. But, unless I'm mistaken, they both get funding from the same pot. You can't defund one without also hurting the other.
posted by asnider at 2:36 PM on April 10 [2 favorites]
It's also worth noting, as has been said, with the death of print media there are almost no small town papers anymore. In a lot of small communities, CBC is the only local media. Cutting CBC would cripple journalism and local news in huge swaths of the country, which I suppose is part of the point for PP: kill the only local media and rely on social media channels that the party can directly control.
posted by asnider at 2:38 PM on April 10 [6 favorites]
posted by asnider at 2:38 PM on April 10 [6 favorites]
so that CBC Radio 3 can return to its former glory
missing brave new waves stannate?
i sure am...
posted by winston smith at 3:27 PM on April 10 [3 favorites]
missing brave new waves stannate?
i sure am...
posted by winston smith at 3:27 PM on April 10 [3 favorites]
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I learned a lot about Canadian culture that way. It was always on in our house in Sherbrooke. I love the CBC even if I don't listen like I used to. (I listen to Radio Two at work though.) CBC is something special in North America. It is very much like the BBC in many ways. A national broadcaster that reaches the ears of people from urban Toronto to far north communities like Iqalquit is warp and weft of the Canadian identity. And if we let in the kinds of networks they have in the US, then we lose something important.
posted by Kitteh at 7:34 AM on April 10 [14 favorites]