CBC TV could 'regain presence' in Northeastern Ontario by Phil Novak

by Phil Novak

Local newscasts could return to North Bay if national broadcasters CTV and CBC are able to strike a deal, The North Bay Nugget has learned.

One possible scenario under an agreement would see CBC sharing MCTV resources, said CTV spokesman Tom Curzon.

"These are resources they don't have now, although they would be obliged to put in their own journalists," Curzon said. "It would allow CBC to regain the presence it once had in Northeastern Ontario before pulling out, because it just requires them to rent out facilities on a cost-plus basis, and that's a lot cheaper than having to start again from scratch.

A similar arrangement is in place in Quebec, Curzon said.

MCTV is what's known as a twin-stick operation, meaning it carries both CTV and CBC programming, albeit on different channels.

But there appear to be differing points of view of just how far negotiations have proceeded. The Nugget has obtained a copy of a letter to Nipissing MP Bob Wood from Michel Tremblay, a CBC vice-president in Ottawa.

Tremblay writes that CTV has been talking to CBC about "possible solutions to the problems" created by its decision to downsize its local news services in Northeastern Ontario.

"As I mentioned to you, CTV has undertaken to come back to us with a proposal which, at this point, we have not received."

But another letter to Wood obtained by The Nugget, this one written by CTV president and chief operating officer Trina McQueen, features a pointed rebuttal to Tremblay's statement. "CBC is well aware of the outline of the arrangement we suggested, since we told them it would be similar to the deal they already have with us for affiliates in Quebec. In order to make a final arrangement, CBC needs to consider for itself the details of how it might work in Northeastern Ontario. Those decisions cannot be taken by CTV."

McQueen said CTV has been in touch with a senior executive CBC president Robert Rabinovitch designated to handle the file.

"We can assure you that he will have full access to our stations and personnel in Northeastern Ontario, to our senior management in Toronto, and to any other resources he many need to develop the CBC's position on its involvement in your region."

When contacted, CBC spokeswoman Ruth Ellen Soles said the corporation was still waiting for a proposal from CTV.

After later being informed of the McQueen letter, Soles said simply that "discussions are at a very preliminary stage."

Wood said that federal Heritage Minister Sheila Copps initiated the idea, although he's finding that the delay in the proceedings very frustrating.

Wood said he was so certain a deal was in the works he cancelled attending a news conference staged last week by the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, during which the group launched a bus shelter ad in Ottawa.

The ad, just steps from the House of Commons, declares that Bell + CTV Less Local Television. "I didn't go to that launch because I thought we'd have an agreement. I didn't want to jeopardize it by attending," Wood said.

© The Sault Star

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