CTV might be hiding behind loophole, media lobby says by Brian Kelly
Source : The Sault Star
Nov 06, 2001
by Brian Kelly
A loophole may be CTV's way of easing itself out of local programming commitments, says the spokesperson of a national watchdog overseeing the Canadian broadcast industry.
"Their strategy may be to hide behind a technical difference between the words 'regional' and 'local' in their licensing from the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission," said Friends of Canadian Broadcasting spokesperson Ian Morrison.
The group represents more than 50,000 families across the country who are committed to expanding the quality and quantity of Canadian radio and television programming.
"They may be trying to suggest to the CRTC that their obligation to provide regional programming in a place like Sault Ste. Marie is still covered provided they offer the programming from [Sudbury]," said Morrison in a telephone interview.
CTV was trying, I think, to pull a fast one and I don't think they should be allowed to get away with it."
The private broadcaster announced recently it will regionalize Northern Ontario newscasts in Sudbury, resulting in the loss of 40 jobs, including 11 in the Sault.
The CRTC is expected to issue a response in the matter today or Wednesday.
Federal broadcasting regulators should counter the CTV announcement with strong disapproval, said Morrison.
"They should be defending (local news programming). CTV made a number of promises at the time their licence was up for renewal."
Earlier this year, the CRTC approved a lengthy licence renewal for MCTV which will be in effect until August 2008.
That extension is proof of the trust the CRTC has in the television network – one that may be affected in light of the recent program cuts, said Morrison.
"That trust is something CTV benefits from ... I think what's they've done is maybe unintentionally crossed a line."
The CTV move will reduce local news programming in the Sault, North Bay and Timmins to a six-to-10-minute daily segment beginning Nov. 26.
If the CRTC chooses not to take action, then the federal government should give policy instruction to the broadcasting regulator, said Morrison.
"If we can demonstrate people care about their local television then the government will know that it's representing the people in sort of nudging the CRTC to do its job."
But a media critic for Vision TV suggests Ottawa's chances of playing an active role in the matter are doubtful.
"I really doubt they'll intercede to order CTV not to go through with this," said Barrie Zwicker.
The CRTC has traditionally been "pretty gentle" with large media players, he added. "I'm just guessing at the end of the day those layoffs will stick."
October's announcement by CTV follows a prediction Zwicker made in a commentary that aired on Vision TV's human affairs program, Skylight, a year earlier after Bell Canada Enterprises acquired both The Globe and Mail and CTV.
"Because The Globe and Mail and CTV come under one roof, does it mean their reporters will gather more news? More likely the opposite, as newsroom redundancies are targeted," he said in an Oct. 2 broadcast.
But it's not just CTV that should be expected to offer local news coverage. CBC should also be expected to play a role, said Morrison.
"They're the national public broadcaster. They're providing local programming in other parts of the country. Why not Northern Ontario?
FCB members in Northern Ontario will be contacted by the organization and encouraged to protest planned changes to local news programming in Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay and Timmins.
