I'd Love To Love The Corp

September 30, 2008 @ 07:11

Let's get something straight, I don't have a hate on for the CBC. I have a problem with the way it's run.

Ideally I think there's a place for the CBC in Canada and I'd love to see it function in a proper, balanced and fiscally responsible way.

But that's the problem. It's a bulky, expensive mess that's been infiltrated by a legion of whack jobs who've literally stolen it from the Canadian public.

"Public" is the key word. It's the public broadcaster which means it should be "fair and balanced" - to steal a slogan from a private American cable network, which as well, is anything but fair and balanced.

The Canadian Broadcasting Company is partly supported by the tax dollars of Conservative Canadians, but they have absolutely no voice on the network and that just isn't fair. The CBC has been literally taken over by an element fixated on rejecting anything "right".

Their programming is so slanted to the left it's downright perverted and it's gotten to the point where something has to be done to literally wrestle it away from the current regime that allows Canada's network to speak for only part of the country.

I also have a problem with the excessive spending habits at the Corp, and having worked in private broadcasting for most of my life I realize where it takes seven people to produce a radio show at the CBC, a quality product could easily be achieved with half that many or less.

After all, in many cases quality radio is produced by private radio with only one or two people producing the show.

Times and situations change, but for some reason the CBC hasn't caught on. You have to do more with less in today's society, and although it's tough to swallow sometimes, and it's not always the best route, often it's just plain stinking reality.

The reality that should be facing the CBC right now is downsizing and fiscal responsibility, not to mention a balanced approach to political reporting. But nobody has the nuts to tackle it.

That's why it was so encouraging to hear the Prime Minister address excessive arts spending last week. Maybe, just maybe he'll have the nuggets to do what has to be done if he gets a majority.

Some of you keep making the point that I would "take a job at the CBC in a minute."

That's half true. Way down the road I would definitely consider a job at the CBC and I would be proud to play a part in the development of a "new" CBC. I'd consider it an act of patriotism.

But it would take more than a minute to consider, because as it stands, I would find the place nothing but bloody frustrating.

Category: Politics

37 Responses to "I'd Love To Love The Corp"

Big J
September 30, 2008 / 10:38

Try not to worry about peoples left comments Fred, some of us do share your opinion about the CBC.
I do believe it does put on quality programing from time to time. With a budget like theres they better.
But indeed I would like to see a change for the better, a change that would be fair to all party's.
Like Rick Mercer, he attacks everyone equaly.

Cheers!

Horonto
September 30, 2008 / 14:49

I think once Fred fixes Corus Radio in Peterborough he should head down to CBC building on Front Street and kick some butt.

A lot of the radio show and news on CBC is produced in house content not taken from that mornings Toronto Star or from Fark.com, as all to often the case in private broadcasting.

A show like As It Happens is what makes the CBC Radio great. Sure there are some shows that focus on artists in the maritimes who paints a whole room yellow with a green arm sticking out of one wall. That's hailed as awesome or groundbreaking. Not for me but I don't mind if some folks like it to hear about it.

I can always switch over and have a good chuckle with Stafford ripping on Rogers over at AM 640.

The National with Peter Mansbridge is a great way to get caught up on what has happened in this country and around the world. Sure I could watch CTV or Global but I prefer the way the CBC does the National News. For local news I think Global does the best job but I dont advocate throwing the local CBC news staff out of work.

I nominate Fred for the next chairperson at the CBC but since he is a not a new Canadian, LGBT, from Quebec, or for banning cars ....unfortunately he doesn't stand much of a chance.

Irvine
September 30, 2008 / 21:44

I'd Love to Love Radio, Fred.

Comparing the production at CBC versus terrestrial radio (as a whole) is laughable. Let's compare morning shows for starters. Did you want to compare a robust CBC R1 morning program versus the pablum on FM radio? FM radio is dull chatter or silly games where you "Beat the Bank" or play "Guy versus Girl in some contest to win movie tickets

Long ago, FM radio DID invest & have the staff that CBC has today. I remember working at CFTR in the 80's, on overnights there was a board operator & an announcer. When Tom Rivers was on the air in the morning the studio was abuzz with activity. I can't recall seeing the same things in radio in 2004/5/6.

Perhaps that is the reason that CBC Radio 1 continues to dominate it's demo across the country. Even in Calgary, Radio 1 does very well in the book Fred. This in a city that is very very Conservative.

Dude, I was a huge fan of radio. CKOC, CFNY, Q107, HTZ FM, Kiss 98.5..hell even CFRB back in the day. Spent many nights in Brampton listening to Live Earl Jive, then Scott Turner. Now, I can't stand most radio. I still like the same music (alt rock, indie and pop) but radio is so dumbed down, so low brow now that it's just not listenable. Hell man, Virgin Radio in Toronto (the largest city in Canada) isn't even LIVE at night time anymore.

I'd bet alot of the old CFNY listeners now listen to CBC Radio 1 & likely now Radio 2. FM radio's loss.

Keene
October 1, 2008 / 13:57

Yes CBC does some wonderful programs, but at what cost? They can't be given a blank check. Also as a government funded corporation they have to be fair and balanced - how can they justify being anything else? And yet they are given a fat check if not a blank one, and yet they feel no need to be balanced. THAT, as I understand it, is why Fred is as upset as he is & it is exactly why I am.

Irvine
October 1, 2008 / 15:40

Ah, I see Keene, so you're angry at the government for funding the CBC.

Do you have a problem with the government giving Pratt & Whitney 1.5 billion? Or the auto industry?

And do you have a problem with "cultural protection" given to mainstream radio to protect them from foreign takeovers? Did you think Clear Channel ignored Canada because of the weather? Or how radio uses public airwaves for ....nothing more or less. Cell carriers had to "bid" on the spectrum. Not like CFNY shelled out 500 million for the 102.1 frequency

Sure buddy, keep trying. I wonder how many grants/etc have been given to commercial radio over the years

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