December 31, 2003 -
National Post:
CBC defends Mansbridge, says no bias in reporting: Internal study by Tim NaumetzCBC argues that its study actually found that the majority of Canadians believe CBC News is unbiased.
December 31, 2003 - Globe & Mail: CBC change urged by Guy Dixon
CBC reacts to media coverage of internal study that recommends image changes for CBC News.
December 30, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Craig moving to boost its market share by Norma Reveler
Craig and CHUM are embracing expansion plans, but await a CRTC decision that will determine whether Canada can support two more national private television networks.
December 30, 2003 - National Post: New media deserves better funding deal by Mark Evans
Underfunding threatens Canada's new media industry.
December 30, 2003 - National Post: In-house study calls CBC 'stuffy, uptight' by Tim Naumetz
The National Post reports that an internal CBC study has found that viewers see CBC as politically biased and its flagship TV newscast as "stuffy and condescending."
December 29, 2003 - Canadian Press: Global brings in new executive producer to boost flagging Mike Bullard Show
Global Television has hired a veteran producer to improve ratings for The Mike Bullard Show.
December 28, 2003 - Toronto Star: Some reporters acted bravely by Antonia Zerbisias
Some journalists demonstrated bravery, others cowardice in their coverage of the war in Iraq.
December 28, 2003 - Toronto Star: Martin's strategy looking 'presidential' by Graham Fraser
Paul Martin appears to be embracing the paradox which holds that greater economic integration with the United States will lead to greater Canadian cultural distinctiveness.
December 27, 2003 - Globe & Mail: War, money dominate the picture by John Doyle
John Doyle notes that the number of reports on the state of Canadian television in 2003 exceeded the number of significant new Canadian productions.
December 24, 2003 - National Post: CRTC to look at satellite radio feed by Barbara Shecter
Commercial radio operators fear the CRTC may licence subscription-based, advertising-free satellite radio with low Canadian content requirements to avoid losing Canadian listeners to black market services.
December 24, 2003 - Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Media-political complex resurfaces by Paul Krugman
The scandal involving Conrad Black shows a connection between media, politics and personal gain that will likely continue to grow.
December 23, 2003 - National Post: 24-hr. TV showdown by Favio Varlese
Writer argues Italian-Canadians have the right to receive Italian state broadcaster NAI in Canada.
December 23, 2003 - Financial Times: Television by Tim Gardam
New Zealand is a revealing example of the impact on diversity in the broadcasting system when public service television is replaced by a market-driven funding model.
December 23, 2003 - Kitchener-Waterloo Record: 2003 was a difficult year for the newspaper baron by Michael Higgins
A commentary on several 2003 developments relating to Canadian media.
December 23, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Canada producers feel profit pinch by Etan Vlessing
Statistics Canada's annual survey of the domestic film and video business found Canadian production had a profit margin of 1.2% in 2001, down from 3.2% in 2000 and 4.7% in 1999.
December 23, 2003 - Cablecaster: Italian channel battles for carriage
Italian government broadcaster RAI International has asked to be added to the eligible satellite services list for digital only distribution in Canada; competitor Telelatino strongly objects.
December 22, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Putting the sports fan in the director's chair by William Houston
Hockey Night in Canada's interactive television is interesting, but not for everyone.
December 21, 2003 - Toronto Star: Too many cooks, too little drama by Antonia Zerbisias
Canadians should be outraged that despite years of subsidies and regulatory protection, the means of producing Canadian television drama have all but collapsed.
December 20, 2003 - Winnipeg Free Press: TV drama once again in peril by Nicholas Hirst
Winnipeg Free Press Editor argues regulatory problems are at the root of Canada's drama production woes, and suggests the federal government should encourage the private sector to invest through additional tax relief.
December 20, 2003 - National Post: Illegal dish? Watch your back by Barbara Shecter
Cable companies are planning a snitch line that will reward people for reporting dealers, and even neighbours, suspected of pirating U.S. satellite television services.
December 19, 2003 - National Post: Deregulation fails to halt cable price hikes by Barbara Shecter
Cable rates have increased 5.5% since the late 1990s despite deregulation, according to CRTC report.
December 19, 2003 - BBC: Canada: Broadcasting commission issues annual report
Summary of the CRTC's annual report that highlights the status of television, radio, and broadcasting distribution in Canada.
December 19, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Hockey viewers have opportunity to sit in the director's chair by William Houston
New interactive television application will allow many subscribers to choose which pictures and video feeds to watch during CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.
December 19, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Alliance action sparks union outcry by Guy Dixon
Writers Guild says the closing of Salter Street Films is another example of the need for federal regulators to protect Canadian television drama,
December 19, 2003 - C21Media: Actors join row over Canadian drama by Jenn Kuzmyk
Canadian actors express concern with findings in new CRTC report that nearly 90% of Canada's TV viewing consists of foreign programming, mainly from the U.S.
December 19, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Local viewing up in Canada; U.S. fare tops by Etan Vlessing
CRTC report shows that Canadians are tuning in to Canadian more often than U.S. channels, but watching more U.S. than Canadian programming.
December 19, 2003 - CBC News: Francophones support homegrown programming
The CRTC's latest report shows viewing of French-language Canadian programming increased in 2002, while viewing of English-language programs continued to be low.
December 18, 2003 - National Post: Saddam and the CBC
National Post alleges "left-wing values" and "anti-American bias" in CBC's news coverage of Saddam Hussein's capture.
December 18, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Move over Canadian Idol by Alexandra Gill
CBC reportedly has 15 new reality television program ideas in development.
December 18, 2003 - CRTC Press Release: The CRTC releases annual broadcasting report
CRTC releases its fourth annual Broadcasting Policy Monitoring Report, which provides information on the status of television, radio, and broadcasting distribution in Canada.
December 17, 2003 - Canadian Press: CanWest nominates two new directors, including Tor Blue Jays CEO Paul Godfrey
CanWest nominates two new directors to its board: former Sun Media CEO Paul Godfrey, and University of Toronto law school dean Ron Daniels.
December 17, 2003 - National Post: CRTC extends digital licences by Barbara Shecter
Digital channels that were pre-approved in November 2000 but remain uncarried by Canadian cable or satellite companies have had their licence authorizations extended until November 24, 2004.
December 17, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Alliance move harsh reality show by Richard Blackwell
Despite making high quality film and television, Salter Street failed to generate sufficient profit to satisfy Alliance investors.
December 17, 2003 - Globe & Mail: What does it really take to run a culture ministry? by Kate Taylor
Questions surround Hélène Scherrer, a Paul Martin loyalist with little profile in the cultural community, who was recently appointed Minister of Canadian Heritage.
December 16, 2003 - Cablecaster: Honour system between cable and specialties is broken says CAB
Canadian specialty services are not convinced that cable companies carrying their signals are properly counting their customers - and want the CRTC to come up with new audit and dispute resolution procedures.
December 16, 2003 - CBC News: Alliance Atlantis Shuts Down Salter Street Films
Alliance Atlantis is closing its Salter Street Films division, known for producing CBC's This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
December 16, 2003 - Globe & Mail: CBC workers vote to join media guild
CBC workers have voted to consolidate representation in the Canadian Media Guild, but by a narrower margin than the Guild had expected.
December 15, 2003 - Playback: Industry, public answer federal call by Sean Davidson
The CRTC received a strong response from industry and the public to its call for comments on how to fix English-Canadian television drama.
December 15, 2003 - Canadian Media Guild Press Release: One Union at CBC: Guild wins vote
CBC employees across the country (with the exception of the province of Quebec and the city of Moncton, NB) have chosen the Canadian Media Guild as their sole bargaining agent.
December 15, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Martin takes oath of office for Canada by Etan Vlessing
Stephen Waddell, executive director of ACTRA, says federal support for domestic film and TV production must be reformed to prevent the funding system from collapse.
December 15, 2003 - Statistics Canada: The Daily: Film, video and audio-visual distribution
Revenues hit a record high for Canadian film distributors and video wholesalers in fiscal 2001/02, but sales of Canadian films and videos abroad fell for the first time in a decade.
December 15, 2003 - CBC News: Foreign productions dominate Canadian film, video industry: StatsCan
American and other foreign films dominated Canadian TV and theatres, capturing 91 per cent of domestic sales in 2001-2002, while the number of homegrown film and video exports to foreign countries fell, the first decline since 1991.
December 15, 2003 - Canada NewsWire: CEP extends merger offer to CBC workers
The Communications, Energy & Paperworkers of Canada notes that under the Canadian Media Guild, CBC workers will be isolated in an American union that has little connection to the rest of Canadian broadcasting.
December 13, 2003 - The Guardian: Will the BBC go the way of BR? by Will Hutton
Public broadcasting ties to the great Western tradition which asserts that the public domain is an essential component of our civilization.
December 13, 2003 - The Guardian: Blackstone backs independent BBC by Frank Kane
Former UK Labour Arts Minister says independence has to be at the centre of public service broadcasting.
December 13, 2003 - National Post: Waters' absence fuels CHUM sale talk by Barbara Shecter
The absence of founder and controlling shareholder Allan Waters from CHUM's annual meeting is fueling speculation the company may be sold.
December 13, 2003 - St. Catherines Standard: Martin's Cabinet
A list of who's in and who's out of the Liberal Cabinet.
December 13, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Quebec MP new Heritage minister by James Adams
Quebec MP, Helene Scherrer, has been appointed Minister of Canadian Heritage. The Canadian Museums Association calls the appointment "pretty good".
December 13, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Appointment with fate by Jeffrey Simpson
If the Liberals win the upcoming election, it is likely that there will be even more changes to the Liberal cabinet.
December 12, 2003 - Canadian Press: CHUM feeling the competition from new Toronto television stations, CEO says by Nancy Carr
CHUM responds to increased competition from new Toronto-area stations Toronto 1, CTS and Omni 2.
December 12, 2003 - Montreal Gazette: Allophones feeling the heat in crackdown on U.S. dishes by Michael Citrome
Ethnic Canadians buy illegal US satellite dishes since it is often the only way to get television from "home."
December 12, 2003 - Cablecaster: Quebec MPs take over key communications cabinet posts
First-time cabinet minister and new Minister of Canadian Heritage Hélène Scherrer non-committal on allowing more foreign investment in Canadian broadcasting.
December 11, 2003 - National Post: CBC bid for satellite radio targets Bitove by Mark Evans
Sirius Satellite Radio, a New York based company which offers commercial-free and premium stations via satellite, said it plans to move into Canada through a joint venture with CBC.
December 11, 2003 - National Post: Alliance slashes TV, movie production by Jason Chow
Alliance Atlantis blames "permanent downturn" in global demand for downsizing of its Canadian film and television business.
December 11, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Alliance eyes cuts within film, TV biz by Etan Vlessing
Alliance Atlantis plans to downsize its film and TV production business.
December 11, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Alliance Atlantis chops itself in half by Mathew Ingram
Alliance Atlantis is further downsizing the television and film production side of the company.
December 11, 2003 - Toronto Star: Copps delivers swan song by Les Whittington and Graham Fraser
Sheila Copps turns down patronage appointment, and says despite not remaining in cabinet she looks forward to supporting the new prime minister as an MP.
December 10, 2003 - National Post: Astral in hunt for more media buys by Wojtek Dabrowski
Astral Media hints that it is interested in purchasing CHUM.
December 10, 2003 - Toronto Star: Astral Media in a buying mood by Craig Wong
Astral Media foresees a consolidation of the Canadian radio and television industry within the next 18 to 24 months, and plans on being an active player.
December 09, 2003 - Ottawa Citizen: Tough journalist transformed CBC
Denis Harvey, a CBC executive who pushed for high levels of Canadian content and Canadian drama on the public broadcaster, passed away at 74.
December 09, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Martin seen as champion by Etan Vlessing
Due to his actions while Finance Minister, the domestic film and television industry believes Paul Martin can reverse the damage caused by the previous government's withdrawal of support and the rising Canadian dollar.
December 09, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Buyer gives new life to Pride Vision TV station by Richard Blackwell
New owner says the problems with Pride Vision are "not a lack of audience, not a lack of programming, not a lack of interest, it's distribution."
December 09, 2003 - National Post: Headline Media sells PrideVision for $2.6M by Craig Wong
Former owner of Internet broadcaster ICraveTV acquires money-losing digital specialty channel PrideVision.
December 09, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Witness postponed until 2004 by Guy Dixon
Many programming decisions remain unsettled as CBC rethinks its documentary programming in light of competition from specialty channels.
December 09, 2003 - Cablecaster: Ban foreign cross-ownership
Astral Media chairman André Bureau has recommended the adoption of media cross-ownership restrictions to prevent non-Canadians who acquire control of a broadcasting distributor in Canada from retaining or acquiring any interest in a Canadian programming service.
December 08, 2003 - National Post: A revolutionary force in journalism by John O'Sullivan
Conrad Black receives praise for creating journalistic competition and letting editors "get on with their job".
December 8, 2003 - The Hill Times: CBC facing its worst funding crisis: Rabinovitch by Paco Francoli
CBC president Robert Rabinovitch says Canada's public broadcaster is in worse financial shape now than during the Liberal funding cuts of the 1990s.
December 07, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Canadian filmmakers to join Bollywood in joint productions
India and Canada have signed a letter of intent to create a co-production arrangement for film and television.
December 06, 2003 - Vancouver Sun: Products win roles onscreen by Meg James
Nielsen Media Research has begun tracking product placements during prime-time shows on the major broadcast networks.
December 5, 2003 - CBC News: Copps looks forward to being a backbench MP
Sheila Copps advises her successor as Minister of Canadian Heritage to monitor the concentration of media ownership.
December 04, 2003 - The Australian: Leonard affirms Izzy's channel of communications at Ten in global strategy by Jane Schulze
Leonard Asper says it is "inevitable" Australia's media sector cross-ownership and foreign investment restrictions will be removed.
December 04, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Canadian composers seek Internet royalties by Etan Vlessing
SOCAN has asked the Supreme Court of Canada to require Internet service providers to collect royalty payments for music downloads.
December 03, 2003 - Globe & Mail: What a tale their songs could tell by Guy Dixon
The inaugural concert and induction ceremony for the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame is a tribute to the songs themselves, the songwriters as artists and the impact they have had on Canadian and international audiences.
December 02, 2003 - New York Times: Canada's View on Social Issues Is Opening Rifts With the U.S. by Clifford Krauss
New York Times reports that Canadian identity is becoming more distinctive and is generating new frictions with the United States.
December 02, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Martin urged to revamp telecom policies by Dave Ebner
BCE's Sabia calls for comprehensive review of Canadian telecommunications regulation; the chair of the CRTC says he wants to avoid regulatory lag.
December 02, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Will Al-Jazeera win its war? by James Adams
Protests from bodies such as the Canadian Jewish Congress are unlikely to stop the CRTC from licensing the Arab station Al-Jazeera.
December 01, 2003 - The Hill Times: Council for the Arts: celebrating successes and facing the future by John Hobday
Director of the Canada Council for the Arts reflects on its past successes and changes that still need to be made.
December 01, 2003 - The Hill Times: Copps uninterested in any patronage post by Kate Malloy
Transcript of an interview conducted by The Hill Times with former Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps.
December 01, 2003 - The Hill Times: Real ‘democratic deficit’ in Canada’s broadcasting industry by Wendy Lill
Member of Parliament Wendy Lill says the government's response to the Heritage Committee's report on the Canadian broadcasting system, Our Cultural Sovereignty, has been "underwhelming" and "patronizing" to Committee members and Canadians.
December 01, 2003 - The Hill Times: ‘New government’ must develop a well-defined policy on mergers and acquisitions in broadcasting by Clifford Lincoln
Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage summarizes key positions underlying the Committee's 2003 report on the Canadian broadcasting system, Our Cultural Sovereignty.
December 01, 2003 - The Hill Times: Culture: it’s the human necessity, says Gov. Gen. Clarkson by Adrienne Clarkson
Governor General Adrienne Clarkson comments on the importance of the arts to Canadian life.
December 01, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Reporters: Prick up your ears by William Thorsell
Thorsell suggests the longevity of CBC Radio's As It Happens is due to its understanding that good journalism requires listening, focusing on positive news stories in addition to negative ones, and covering matters of public interest as well as matters that interest the public.
December 01, 2003 - Guelph Mercury: Some Martin cabinet ministers will be rentals by Geoffrey Stevens
Columnist says the cabinet Paul Martin assembles this week and next will be an interim cabinet, designed to get the Liberals through an election.
November 30, 2003 - Utne Magazine: A Groundswell of Support for Reforming the Media by Paul Schmelzer
The FCC's June 2 vote to relax U.S. rules governing how many media outlets a company can own has been met with strong opposition despite a virtual blackout on the issue by US networks.
November 29, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Copps, Rock on Martin's hit list by Drew Fagan
Paul Martin has informed several current cabinet ministers - likely including Heritage Minister Sheila Copps - that they should prepare to move on.
November 28, 2003 - Victoria Times Colonist: Bullard show slow off the mark
David Asper says programming such as the Mike Bullard Show, which is facing lower than expected ratings in Canada, should be exportable to other markets.
November 26, 2003 - National Post: Martin likely to dismantle HRDC by Robert Fife
The National Post speculates that Paul Martin may eliminate the Heritage Department and give responsibility for communications issues to the Industry Ministry and for cultural issues to another department or even an agency.
November 25, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Sharpen up your complaint skills, people by John Doyle
John Doyle says that compared to Americans, Canadians are poor at voicing their dissatisfaction with broadcasters.
November 25, 2003 - Globe & Mail: After the steaks and the SUVs, where would Albertans be without the gift of the arts? by Roy MacGregor
Fil Fraser worries that Canada is becoming more like the United States, where corporations rather than government support the arts.
November 24, 2003 - Playback: CRTC scuttles CAB confab focus by Sean Davidson
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters annual conference was a hotbed for discussions pertaining to many issues now facing Canadian media.
November 24, 2003 - Playback: Fate of Lincoln report falls to Martin by Laura Bracken
The government's lukewarm official response to the Lincoln report has left many in the industry fearful the two-year, 872-page study will end up a victim of bad political timing.
November 24, 2003 - TelevisionWeek: Getting Real About the DVR Threat by Diane Mermigas
Digital video recorder technology could result in lower revenues for broadcasters, and consequently, less money to invest in Canadian programming.
November 23, 2003 - Toronto Star: Courting the West by Graham Fraser
Paul Martin may find it difficult to balance both Western Canada's and Quebec's interests.
November 23, 2003 - Toronto Star: No joke, Bullard blasts CTV by Vinay Menon
David Asper says Global's hiring of Mike Bullard is an attempt to develop and build stars and content as opposed to "renting" it.
November 22, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Canada shows see gains on pay TV outlets by Etan Vlessing
Statscan reports that Canadian content on pay and specialty channels has increased in all genres except Canadian music and dance.
November 21, 2003 - C21Media: US warms to fresh partnerships by Jenn Kuzmyk
Canadian producers find US broadcasters are warming to US programming produced in Canada.
November 21, 2003 - Statistics Canada The Daily: Television viewing
Between 1998 and 2002, the proportion of Canadian content on pay and specialty channels grew, while the proportion on conventional television declined.
November 19, 2003 - Toronto Star: A frosty season for many Liberals by Chantal Hébert
No more than a third of Canada's federal cabinet ministers are expected to be reappointed after Jean Chrétien's retirement.
November 18, 2003 - Victoria Times Columnist: Audience at heart of TV fund changes by John McKay
FRIENDS applauds the creation of incentives for broadcasters to build audience as a condition of continued CTF funding.
November 18, 2003 - Toronto Star: Major changes to TV fund by John McKay
Changes to CTF are something FRIENDS has been recommending for years.
November 18, 2003 - St. Thomas Times-Journal: Television Fund Being Overhauled
FRIENDS praises CTF changes that focus on the ultimate ratings success of funded productions.
November 18, 2003 - Edmonton Journal: Revamped TV fund encourages networks to build an audience by John McKay
CTF overhaul will begin in the 2004-2005 fiscal year and focus on drama programming.
Nov 18, 2003 - National Post: Federal TV agency to focus on popularity: Canadian Television Fund by Aaron Wherry
The Canadian Television Fund has decided to make popularity its priority in funding decisions, forcing broadcasters to focus on audience-building.
Nov 18, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Canada overhauls TV fund rules by Etan Vlessing
Canadian independent producers say they welcome the changes to Canadian Television Fund guidelines as a tonic for the TV production sector.
Nov 18, 2003 - Globe & Mail: TV fund reorganizes financing programs by James Adams
An administrative overhaul of the Canadian Television Fund should make it easier for independent producers to access funds, but the larger issue of the need for increased funding remains.
Nov 18, 2003 - Globe & Mail: The smart and dumb decisions of TV execs by John Doyle
Globe columnist says commercial Canadian television lacks creativity and is merely a delivery system, purchasing American shows and delivering them to local viewers.
Nov 17, 2003 - CTF: New direction for Canadian Television Fund
Technical document outlining the Canadian Television Fund's goal to improve the efficiency of Canada’s primary television funding mechanism.
Nov 17, 2003 - CTF Press Release: Canadian Television Fund Overhauled
The CTF has been re-oriented to simplify its administrative processes and to make audience success a determining factor in its funding decisions.
Nov 17, 2003 - Toronto Star: Canadian Television Fund to focus more on viewership
FRIENDS says Canadian Television Fund changes provide an incentive for broadcasters to build audiences.
Nov 17, 2003 - Globe & Mail: HDTV finally ready for prime time by Randy Ray
Broadcasting insiders say HDTV is set to take off as HDTV TV sets drop in price and Canadian broadcasters expand their range of HDTV programming.
November 16, 2003 - Ottawa Citizen: McWorld culture: It could be worse, says a new book on the role of pop culture in global diplomacy by Chris Cobb
The thesis of Matthew Fraser's new book, Weapons of Mass Distraction, is that if we're going to be culturally dominated, it's better the devil we know.
November 15, 2003 - Vancouver Sun: Canadian film-makers get tax break on domestic work by Michael McCullough
Proposed tax breaks and tax credits for domestic producers are expected to help offset the $25 million cut to the Canadian Television Fund in the last federal budget.
Nov 14, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Asper wants Martin to back foreign control by Richard Blackwell
CanWest CEO hopes a new government under the leadership of Paul Martin will open up Canada's broadcast sector to foreign ownership.
Nov 14, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Hinting at policy compiled by Gloria Galloway
Paul Martin says the Canadian government has a role to play in the content of media and ensuring that Canadian stories are told by Canadian voices.
November 12, 2003 - Common Dreams: Keynote Address to the National Conference on Media Reform by Bill Moyers
The Founding Director of Public Affairs Television and current President of The Schumann Center for Media and Democracy discusses the state of the media in the United States.
Nov 12, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Split-run TV ads could boost Canadian industry by Kate Taylor
Columnist believes plan to replace the U.S. ads with Canadian ads on direct-feed U.S. cable channels deserves another hearing at the CRTC.
Nov 12, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Split-run TV ads could boost Canadian industry by Kate Taylor
Columnist argues that if giving U.S. cable companies access to Canadian advertising can be used to fund Canadian programming, it is worth another look by the CRTC.
Nov 12, 2003 - Reporters Without Borders: Second World Press Freedom Ranking
Canada ranks 10th in a World Press Freedom ranking of 166 countries, coming in behind Finland, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Trinidad and Tobago, Belgium, Germany and Sweden, but ahead of the UK (27th) and the USA (31st).
Nov 11, 2003 - Calgary Herald: Humiliated Sheila Copps going out with a whimper by Don Martin
Canwest columnist says Sheila Copps is the author of her own political demise.
Nov 11, 2003 - CRTC Speech: New Technologies: Opportunities and Challenges
CRTC Chair, Charles Dalfen's November 11th address to the Canadian Association of Broadcasters on the Commission's approach to new technologies in Canadian broadcasting.
Nov 11, 2003 - Decima Research: Attitudes Towards Canadian Media
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters and the Canadian Newspaper Association have jointly released a Decima poll on Canadians' attitudes towards their communications media, showing that Canadians believe that government has a role to play in preserving Canadian content in the media.
Nov 11, 2003 - Canadian Association of Broadcasters Press Release: Poll shows Canadians rely on their media in times of democratic deficit
Poll on Canadian media indicates that a significant majority of Canadians say maintaining a strong domestic media industry is an important agenda item for the new federal government.
Nov 11, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Broadcasters blame Rock for lack of anti-piracy law by Richard Blackwell
Broadcasters deride Allan Rock for failing to ensure that new satellite signal theft legislation was passed before the end of the last session of Parliament.
Nov 10, 2003 - Toronto Star: Cable firms to try again for HBO, ESPN
Broadcasters assert that cable industry plans to allow HBO, ESPN and other banned American channels into Canada could seriously damage their Canadian counterparts, such as TSN and The Movie Network.
Nov 10, 2003 - Canadian Association of Broadcasters: CAB and CNA announce results from National Poll
Results of poll commissioned by Canadian Association of Broadcasters and Canadian Newspaper Association on Canadian views towards the media.
Nov 10, 2003 - Vancouver Sun: Heritage audit shows sloppy work
An audit of contracting practices in the Department of Canadian Heritage has reportedly uncovered sloppy paperwork, poor monitoring and other irregularities.
Nov 10, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: CRTC nixes swap for Canadian ads by Etan Vlessing
CRTC rejects application to replace U.S. commercials with Canadian ones on five U.S. specialty channels carried by Canadian cable distributors.
Nov 09, 2003 - Canadian Press: Copps defiant in face of impending rout by Bruce Cheadle
FRIENDS observes that Sheila Copps' eight years as Heritage Minister have been disappointing for Canada's cultural industries, in part because she lacked support in the federal Cabinet.
Nov 08, 2003 - Globe & Mail: CBC hires PR giant that excels at disasters by Chris Wattie
FRIENDS observes that firm hired to improve CBC's public image appears to be doing its job.
Nov 07, 2003 - L’Acadie Nouvelle: Ottawa fait fi des recommendations d’un comité sur le financement de la SRC
FRIENDS says the fate of the Heritage Committee's recommendations on Canadian broadcasting lies not with the current Minister, but with her successor.
Nov 07, 2003 - Globe & Mail: CRTC rejects request to allow import of more U.S. TV
CRTC denies the cable industry's request to air direct feeds of U.S. channels such as HBO and ESPN.
Nov 07, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Copps calls for review into media ownership by Simon Tuck
FRIENDS expects that Sheila Copps' response to the House of Commons Heritage Committee report will have limited impact given the pending change of government.
Nov 06, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Bell Canada's Scott tapped to head Competition Bureau by Simon Tuck
The former chief regulatory officer of Canada's largest telephone company has been selected to head the Canadian Competition Bureau.
Nov 06, 2003 - CBC Press Release: CBC/Radio-Canada to move forward with a new contract with Canadians
CBC says government response to Heritage Committee report reaffirms CBC's place in the Canadian broadcasting and cultural landscape.
Nov 06, 2003 - Department of Canadian Heritage: Government of Canada Remains Committed to a Strong Canadian Broadcasting System
Response of the Government of Canada to the report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, "Our Cultural Sovereignty".
Nov 03, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Two unions vie for 8,000 CBC workers by James Adams
Unionized workers at CBC outside Quebec and Moncton are preparing to choose between a Canadian and a U.S.-based union.
Nov 02, 2003 - Book Review Desk: The Media Thing by Rob Walker
Review of book that claims the media business is collapsing, and "the larger and higher-profile the company, the bigger the nutcase who runs it."
Nov 02, 2003 - Toronto Star: Ad switcheroo a brilliant plan by Antonia Zerbisias
Zerbisias praises plan that would replace U.S. commercials with Canadian ads on top American specialty channels.
November 01, 2003 - Ottawa Citizen: Right of way: How Fox News beat CNN at its own game by James Gordon
The CCTA is lobbying the CRTC to allow cable companies to import Fox News' signal from the U.S.
Oct 31, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Underdog or enemy? by Eric Reguly
Eric Reguly says broadcaster opposition means the odds are against 49th Media's plan to substitute American ads with Canadian ads on five U.S. specialty channels.
Oct 31, 2003 - Toronto Sun: Oh, Carole! The CBC chair doth protest too much by Peter Worthington
Columnist says the CBC would get more sympathy and support if its words matched its deeds.
Oct 30, 2003 - Toronto Star: Boring and stable is good for BCE by Tyler Hamilton
Bell Globemedia revenues increase, bolstered by popular programming and "healthy" advertising.
Oct 30, 2003 - Toronto Star: CanWest to begin selling online content to readers
CanWest plans to sell subscriptions to its online content to "stop the cannibalization" by non-subscribers.
Oct 30, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Beating the bushes for Olympic television money by William Houston
CBC appears to be the only network keen on bidding for the 2010 Olympic Games.
Oct 30, 2003 - Ottawa Citizen: CRTC rule limits MTV2's competition against MuchMusic by Barbara Shecter
Craig Media wins regulatory battle against CHUM for more programming flexibility on MTV2, but CRTC decision still imposes restrictions.
Oct 30, 2003 - Cyberpresse: Radio-Canada s'en prend à Starchoice et Bell ExpressVu par Stéphanie Bérubé
Starchoice and ExpressVu limit access to local CBC programming in French.
Oct 30, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Beating the bushes for Olympic television money by William Houston
The CBC, Canada's current Olympic network, appears to be the only network keen on bidding for the 2010 Games.
Oct 30, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Craig Media gets more flexibility in choice of pop videos by Richard Blackwell
Craig Media wins regulatory battle against CHUM for more programming flexibility on MTV2, but CRTC decision still imposes restrictions.
Oct 30, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Lo and behold, 'Kisser' Crewson saves the day by John Doyle
John Doyle finds that a Canadian star links industry discussions, questions in Parliament about state of Canadian drama.
Oct 29, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Too much TV impairs reading, study suggests by Gloria Galloway
New U.S. study suggests that excessive media exposure could impair children's reading skills.
Oct 29, 2003 - Globe & Mail: DVRs seen imperilling TV advertising by Richard Blackwell
Bell Globemedia executive says programmable video-recording devices less of a threat to TV advertising than first predicted.
Oct 29, 2003 - Financial Post: Broadcasters overcharged $82M a year by Ian Jack
A parliamentary committee has concluded that broadcasters are overcharged on licence fees, and says that the practice may be illegal.
Oct 29, 2003 - Globe & Mail: New TVs must be digital by 2007
A US court has upheld an FCC decision requiring TVs in the US to be capable of receiving digital TV signals by July 2007.
Oct 29, 2003 - Globe & Mail: CBC faces more cuts after pension shortfall catches up by Simon Tuck
The CBC must cut programming and other costs by a further $43-million next year to meet employee pension plan payment obligations.
Oct 29, 2003 - Financial Post: New technology called threat to TV ad rates by Barbara Shecter
Personal video recorders are expected to fuel a showdown between advertisers and broadcasters over increasing ad rates for shrinking audiences.
Oct 29, 2003 - National Post: CBC seeks partnership with broadcasters in France by Joe Paraskevas
Rabinovitch says CBC will consider expanding its international services and partnering with public broadcasters in other countries.
Oct 27, 2003 - Playback Magazine: CBC braces for one-union vote by Mark Dillon
Employees at the CBC are preparing to vote on whether to be represented by an American union.
Oct 27, 2003 - Playback Magazine: One-union vote at CBC by Mark Dillon
A winner-take-all showdown is looming at the CBC between the two unions that currently represent most of its employees.
Oct 25, 2003 - Ottawa Citizen: A Newsworld of their own by Chris Cobb
Al Gore and his partners plan to buy Newsworld International and create an all-news network for Americans under 25.
Oct 25, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Are the U.S. airwaves about to lean to the left? by Simon Houpt
Al Gore is reported to be exploring the purchase of Newsworld International to create a new US media venture.
Oct 24, 2003 - Ottawa Citizen: 'Death by a thousand cuts' can't continue: CBC boss by Norma Greenaway
CBC representatives tell Senate committee that ratings cannot be the only measure of a public broadcaster expected to offer distinctive programming.
Oct 24, 2003 - National Post: 'The pews are empty,' CBC told by Norma Greenaway
Senators tell CBC Chair Carole Taylor that Canadians think CBC is biased and not relevant to their lives.
Oct 23, 2003 - CRTC: CRTC drama submission timeline extended
The CRTC has granted a request by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters to extend the deadline for submitting comments in its proceeding on Canadian drama until November 28.
Oct 23, 2003 - La Presse: Fini l'information-spectacle à la SRC par Stéphanie Bérubé et Hugo Dumas
CBC President admits that changes to its French-language TV news service were a mistake.
Oct 23, 2003 - La Presse: La dictature des cotes d'écoute par Robert Rabinovitch
French version of text by CBC President circulated at Senate committee hearings on media concentration.
Oct 23, 2003 - Toronto Star: 'A blatant swindle' by David Orchard
David Orchard condemns unite-the-right merger, which will wipe out the political party that created the CBC.
Oct 23, 2003 - Toronto Star: Board chair to meet senators by Graham Fraser
CBC chair Carole Taylor says funding cuts cannot continue if CBC is to be effective as Canada's public broadcaster.
Oct 23, 2003 - Telefilm: Telefilm Annual Report (2002-2003)
2002-2003 Annual Report for Telefilm Canada.
Oct 23, 2003 - CBC/Radio Canada: CBC Annual Report 2002-2003
2002-2003 Annual Report for CBC and Radio Canada.
October 22, 2003 - CBC/Radio Canada: Public Broadcasting: Why Bother?
Talking points by CBC Chair Carole Taylor to the Canadian Club, Ottawa.
Oct 22, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Quebecor head blasts BCE by Richard Blackwell
Quebecor accuses BCE of pumping money into Bell ExpressVu with intention of financially damaging cable rivals so they cannot compete in local telephone market.
Oct 22, 2003 - Globe & Mail: The CBC is worth fighting for by Carole Taylor
CBC Chair Carole Taylor says adequate, stable funding is necessary for CBC to fulfill its mandate.
Oct 22, 2003 - Financial Post: TV dishes may be seized at U.S. border by Ian Jack
Government introduces bill containing tough new measures to stem satellite signal piracy in Canada.
Oct 21, 2003 - Toronto Star: Gemini Award winners at last night's broadcast gala:
List of winners from yesterday's Gemini Awards.
Oct 21, 2003 - Toronto Star: Gemini news awards a hit by Antonia Zerbisias
Zerbisias notes a sharp decline in the quantity and quality of local television news outside the largest Canadian cities.
Oct 21, 2003 - Financial Post: TV satellite pirates will face harsher penalties by Ian Jack
Tough new measures proposed to combat satellite TV piracy.
Oct 21, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Star Choice blasted at CRTC hearing by Richard Blackwell
Canadian Association of Broadcasters accuses Shaw Cable-owned satellite provider Star Choice of trying to delay its obligations to carry more local television stations.
Oct 20, 2003 - Marketing Magazine: Izzy Asper's legacy by Stan Sutter
Izzy Asper was wrong about the CBC, and should have had to give more support to Canadian content in exchange for the right to use public airwaves.
Oct 20, 2003 - National Post: What this country needs ... by Scott Feschuk
Feschuk gives CTV and Global "Best American Network in Canada" award.
Oct 20, 2003 - Edmonton Journal: Geminis are tonight -- not that you care by Alex Strachan
CanWest columnist says Gemini Awards are out of touch with Canadian audiences.
Oct 20, 2003 - Globe & Mail: A blowout party, just what the doctor ordered by John Doyle
The 2003 Gemini Awards faced stiff competition from US programming for viewers in its timeslot.
Oct 19, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Martin plans to be fiscal miser by Robert Russo
Paul Martin plans to cut funding from almost every federal government department as a means of distinguishing his government from Prime Minister Chrétien's.
Oct 18, 2003 - CanWest News Service: Gemini gala is prime-time tedium by Alex Strachan
The tedium of the Gemini Awards turns off viewers, hindering the opportunity to draw viewers' attention to promising Canadian programs.
Oct 18, 2003 - Toronto Star: McKenna named interim chairman of CanWest
Asper says McKenna "completely familiar with the company" and "a key participant" in company decisions made since 1999.
Oct 17, 2003 - Canada NewsWire: CanWest Appoints Frank McKenna Interim Chairman of the Board
CanWest board member and former New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna appointed to succeed Izzy Asper as interim chairman.
Oct 16, 2003 - National Post: What to do with Copps?
Minister of Heritage Sheila Copps seems likely to lose her Cabinet position when Paul Martin becomes Prime Minister.
Oct 15, 2003 - VisionTV: VisionTV supports “Tell Canadian Stories” campaign
VisionTV and its sister station One: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel are lending their support to the “Tell Canadian Stories” campaign launched in September by Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.
Oct 15, 2003 - Ottawa Citizen: Senate demands equal TV time by Jack Aubry
Canada's Senate seeks to improve its time slots on CPAC to be on par with the House of Commons.
Oct 15, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Our tax laws limit the marketplace of ideas by Hugh Segal
The Tax Act's arcane definition of 'charity' limits advocacy and freedom of expression for many non-profit organizations.
Oct 15, 2003 - Toronto Star: Copps wins cultural victory by Graham Fraser
Minister of Heritage celebrates US withdrawal of objections to UNESCO convention designd to avert international disputes over issues involving cultural protection.
Oct 14, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Advertisers heartened by Toronto 1 ratings by Guy Dixon
Critics are turned off by Toronto 1's heavy reliance on U.S. programming; advertisers are encouraged by ratings numbers.
Oct 13, 2003 - Playback: Heritage holds CTF roundtable by Sean Davidson
The Department of Canadian Heritage held a meeting with stakeholders from the television industry to discuss the future of the Canadian Television Fund and English-language drama.
Oct 11, 2003 - Globe & Mail: A big bet on Hollywood North by Gayle MacDonald
Group of Canadian actors forms co-op in hopes of addressing problems with funding of Canadian film production.
Oct 11, 2003 - Globe & Mail: We'll miss Izzy Asper's charm, honesty and opinions by Edward Greenspon
Globe & Mail editor recalls Asper's wit, litigiousness.
Oct 09, 2003 - Globe & Mail: The net effect has been a surprising success among viewers by William Houston
Despite doubts during its launch, CTV's Sportsnet has enjoyed more growth in the past five years than any other specialty channel.
Oct 09, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Izzy saw himself as the underdog by Margaret Wente
Despite being one of Canada's most successful and honoured men, Izzy Asper never got rid of the chip on his shoulder.
Oct 09, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Fierce and focused: What will his legacy be? by John Doyle
Izzy Asper would have resisted requirements that private broadcasters produce and air more Canadian drama.
Oct 09, 2003 - Toronto Star: Terminator no fan of `runaways' by Murray Whyte
Canadian film production industry fears new California governor will be a formidable opponent of runaway film production in Canada.
Oct 09, 2003 - Vancouver Sun: Schwarzenegger backers come out swinging at B.C. film industry by Craig McInnes
Industry watchers say that Schwarzenegger has too many troubles at home to be much of a threat to B.C.'s film industry.
Oct 09, 2003 - Financial Post: Arnold alarms Hollywood North: High dollar adds woes by John Greenwood and Wojtek Dabrowski
Schwarzenegger's election and Canada's rising dollar are causes of concern for the Canadian film industry.
Oct 09, 2003 - Financial Post: Succession planning an issue for Rogers: 'Realize your mortality' by Barbara Shecter
Ted Rogers' succession planning is several years behind Izzy Asper's.
Oct 09, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Canadian film industry worried by Richard Blackwell
Canadian film industry concerned that Schwarzenegger's election may result in more production staying in the US.
Oct 08, 2003 - CanWest News Service: Jazz-loving deal-maker praised as 'regular guy' by Randy Boswell
Global's success with US programming often caused Asper to clash with Canadian nationalists and broadcasting regulators.
Oct 08, 2003 - Regina Leader-Post: Visionary often a term used for Asper by Will Chabun
Asper claimed CBC was an unfair competitor.
Oct 08, 2003 - New York Times: Israel H. Asper, Creator of Media Giant in Canada, Dies at 71 by Bernard Simon
New York Times notes Global's success depended partly on attracting Canadian advertisers to popular American shows such as The Love Boat, Dynasty and Hill Street Blues.
Oct 08, 2003 - Vancouver Sun: Flamboyant, blunt -- and committed by Daphne Bramham
Izzy Asper's purchase of Southam newspapers reopened the debate over media concentration in Canada.
Oct 08, 2003 - Ottawa Citizen: Israel Asper: A 'great Canadian' who never forgot where he came from
Critics who accused CanWest of relying too heavily on U.S. programs missed the "larger picture".
Oct 08, 2003 - Financial Post: The deal-maker who built an empire by Barbara Shecter
Conrad Black describes differences between Izzy Asper and his sons.
Oct 08, 2003 - Vancouver Sun: Death of a 'Canadian titan' by Barbara Shecter
Watchers expect smooth transition following death of Izzy Asper.
Oct 08, 2003 - Ottawa Citizen: Satire survival: This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Air Farce start new seasons this week by Tony Atherton
CBC remains committed to This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Air Farce despite declining ratings.
Oct 08, 2003 - Canadian Press: Actors look to Martin to boost TV fund
Actors eye Paul Martin government as they return to Parliament Hill to lobby for more financial and regulatory support for Canadian television.
Oct 08, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Duking it out in Canadian drama by Gayle MacDonald
Daryl Duke received a lifetime achievement award last weekend from the Directors Guild of Canada. He is a longstanding member of the Steering Committee of Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.
Oct 08, 2003 - Globe & Mail: CanWest head's death sends media giant into uncertainty by Keith Damsell
CanWest likely to undergo changes following founder's death.
Oct 08, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Shock, sadness over Asper by Richard Blackwell
Canada's business, media and political elite remember Izzy Asper.
Oct 08, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Without Izzy, there won't be the sizzle by Eric Reguly
Eric Reguly ponders CanWest's economic viability now that Izzy Asper has passed away.
Oct 08, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Observers hail Asper contribution by Richard Bloom and Paul Waldie
Izzy Asper will be remembered for achievements, controversy.
Oct 08, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Izzy Asper, 1932-2003 by Gordon Pitts
Izzy Asper could be "abrasive [and] litigious but also brilliant and charming".
Oct 06, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Television network in turmoil by Konrad Yakabuski
Industry observers expect Radio-Canada to abandon unpopular changes to television news in Quebec.
Oct 06, 2003 - Globe & Mail: At last, the right heads roll by Lysiane Gagnon
CBC has dismissed the news director responsible for unpopular changes to its French-language television news programming.
Oct 06, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Lights are on at Toronto 1, but nobody's home by John Doyle
John Doyle comments on the lack of substantive content about Toronto on the recently launched Toronto 1 channel.
Oct 05, 2003 - Toronto Star: CBC man wants Asper apology by Antonia Zerbisias
CBC reporter unlikely to receive apology from CanWest head.
Oct 04, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Ideology and idiocy by Christopher Dornan
Journalism professor, Christopher Dornan, says CanWest CEO Leonard Asper takes a complicated matter that merits serious attention and reduces it to baiting and name-calling.
Oct 04, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Actors to ask Ottawa for more TV-drama funding
ACTRA members will return to Parliament Hill October 7 to appeal for more federal money for Canadian TV drama.
Oct 03, 2003 - Canadian Press: Asper accuses media of anti-Israel reporting
CanWest CEO says errors in quoting CBC reporter don't undermine his overall message criticizing Canadian media coverage of the Middle East.
Oct 03, 2003 - CanWest News Service: CBC fails to get point, Asper says
Leonard Asper admits to misquoting Neil Macdonald, but claims mistake does not detract from main point regarding anti-Semitism in the media.
Oct 03, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Mr. Asper, you owe me an apology by Neil Macdonald
Neil Macdonald responds to comments made by Leonard Asper that link reporting from the Middle East to "anti-semitism in the Canadian media."
Oct 02, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Killing us softly with more bubbly banter by Russell Smith
Russell Smith says Toronto 1 is a typical example of a media product that claims to be local despite the fact its programming is predominantly American.
Oct 01, 2003 - National Post: Media bias and the Middle East
Text of CanWest CEO Leonard Asper speech to Gray Academy of Jewish Education, Winnipeg, September 29.
Oct 01, 2003 - Ottawa Citizen: Media biased against Israel when reporting on the Mideast, Asper says
CanWest CEO Leonard Asper outlines 'personal' views on media bias in Middle East reporting, including that journalists often hold left-leaning views and are often socialists.
Sep 30, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Come on, people. Ottawa wants to hear from you by John Doyle
CRTC hearings a timely occasion for Canadians to voice their concerns about crisis state of Canadian drama.
September 29, 2003 - CPAC: CPAC Talk Politics with Ken Rockburn: Interview with Ian Morrison (QuickTime 64 MB)
CPAC's Ken Rockburn interviews Ian Morrison on the origins and objectives of the Tell Canadian Stories campaign.
Sep 29, 2003 - Canadian Press: CRTC seeks comments on Canadian content issue
CRTC calls for comments on ways to improve quantity of Canadian TV drama on Canadian television.
Sep 29, 2003 - The Hill Times: Copps is Doing Prime Minister Chrétien a Favour by Sticking Around, You Know by Sean Durkan
Sheila Copps' refusal to drop out of the Liberal leadership race is giving Prime Minister Chrétien a reason to stay in office.
Sep 29, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Shaw is learning to share the sandbox with Telus by Deborah Yedlin
Shaw complaints to CRTC could be diversionary tactic while Shaw prepares to launch telephone service.
Sep 28, 2003 - Toronto Star: Broken bargains in public service a pity by Graham Fraser
Unwritten deal between officials and politicians has become blurred and frayed.
Sep 27, 2003 - Canadian Press: CRTC wants ideas
FRIENDS cites 1999 CRTC television policy decision as key reason for decline in Canadian drama.
Sep 27, 2003 - Financial Post: Like a licence to print money by Barbara Shecter
Regulatory changes that lifted restrictions on owning multiple stations in a single market have been lucrative for private radio broadcasters.
Sep 27, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Rethinking CBC Radio: a naked medium by Michael Posner
CBC Radio's new vice-president to respect CBC radio's existing audience while not abandoning efforts to capture new listeners.
Sep 27, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Waiting out the Chrétien regime by James Adams
Fact that CBC kept mum on $10m funding cut suggests management is focused on the bigger picture of how the public broadcaster will be treated under a Paul Martin government.
Sep 26, 2003 - Canadian Policy Research: Citizens' Dialogue on Canada's Future: A 21st Century Social Contract by Mary Pat MacKinnon
Discussion points on the importance of citizen engagement in public policy. Mary Pat MacKinnon is a member of the Steering Committee of the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting
Sep 26, 2003 - Financial Post: Media ownership diverse, despite mergers, CRTC says by Ian Jack
CRTC chair tells Senate committee media ownership more diverse now than 10 years ago.
Sep 26, 2003 - Financial Post: Cabinet for dropping telco rules by Ian Jack and Mark Evans
Federal government believes dropping foreign ownership restrictions on telecommunications companies would benefit the industry.
Sep 26, 2003 - Financial Post: Telco's foreign ownership cap is melting: Cabinet says it should go by Ian Jack and Mark Evans
Government believes dropping foreign ownership restrictions on telecommunications companies would benefit the industry.
Sep 26, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Ottawa endorses recipe for telecom overhaul by Simon Tuck
Minister of Industry endorses recommendations for elimination of foreign ownership restrictions in telecommunications sector, but delays decision until after federal election.
Sep 26, 2003 - CRTC News Release: CRTC seeks comments from the public on how to support Canadian television drama
CRTC calls for comments on ways to improve quantity of Canadian TV drama on Canadian television. FRIENDS plans to make submissions.
Sep 25, 2003 - Transcript of CRTC Chair Charles Dalfen: Transcript of CRTC Chair Charles Dalfen's remarks before the Senate Committee on Media Concentration
CRTC Chair discusses media ownership, CRTC jurisdiction and other matters. Presentation followed by Q&A session.
Sep 25, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Alliance Atlantis eyes more CSI by Richard Blackwell
Despite CSI's success, Alliance Atlantis is actually shrinking its television and film production business.
Sep 25, 2003 - New York Times: The BBC Loses a Bit of Its Luster by Sarah Lyall
New York Times says the BBC has lost some of its luster, through editorial blunders, an inability to negotiate the changing broadcast landscape, and an aggressively adversarial approach to news.
Sep 25, 2003 - Industry Canada: Government Responds to Industry Committee's Recommendations on Foreign Investment Restrictions in Telecommunications
Federal government responds to Industry Committee recommendations on foreign ownership by saying it will study the issue further.
Sep 25, 2003 - Financial Post: Cable TV head leaps to Telus as firm enters field: No 'hard feelings' by Barbara Shecter and Mark Evans
Janet Yale leaves Canada's cable-television association and joins Telus Corp., while Shaw files a complaint with the CRTC charging that Telus is selling high-speed Internet service below cost to drive competitors out of business.
Sep 24, 2003 - Montreal Gazette: PM's largesse leaves CBC out in cold: Will get $10 million less than expected by Bill Curry
Federal government announces $5.5 billion in new spending on Chrétien legacy issues, while CBC receives $10 million less than promised.
Sep 24, 2003 - La Presse: L'information de Radio-Canada est malade, mais moins que sa programmation générale par Louise Cousineau
While news is coming under criticism, Radio-Canada's other programming is the real probloem.
Sep 24, 2003 - Financial Post: Shaw accuses Telus of 'predatory' tactics: Internet price war by Barbara Shecter and Mark Evans
Shaw Communications Inc. accuses telecom rival Telus Corp. of anti-competitive pricing tactics.
Sep 24, 2003 - National Post and CanWest News Service: Ottawa gives CANDU extra $46-million: 'Nuclear renaissance' by Andrew McIntosh and Bill Curry
Chair of Commons Canadian Heritage Committee "surprised, even astounded" by CBC funding cut.
Sep 24, 2003 - Globe & Mail: CRTC move threatens new media by Kevin Marron
CRTC decision to cut funding for new media producers likely to result in a number of producers disappearing in the next six to twelve months.
Sep 24, 2003 - Toronto Star: Union wary of CBC's $10M shortfall
Canadian Media Guild doubts CBC can absorb $10 million cut to operating budget revealed in government estimates.
Sep 24, 2003 - Globe & Mail: CBC to face $10-million shortfall by James Adams
Estimates show Ottawa will cut $10 million in funding promised to CBC in last federal budget.
Sep 24, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Ottawa $1-billion over budget, estimates show by Heather Scoffield
Estimates show Ottawa will cut $10 million in funding promised to CBC in last federal budget.
Sep 24, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Canada's odd fascination with expenses by Jeffrey Simpson
Canada's media, including CBC, lack a substantial international presence.
Sep 23, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Study: PVRs threatening TV ad base by Jesse Hiestand
Personal video recorders, which allow viewers to skip commercials, could result in higher subscriber fees to offset the diminishing impact of advertising.
Sep 23, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Don't bet on looser telecom rules by Eric Reguly
Globe & Mail columnist doubts Liberals will actually implement relaxed foreign ownership restrictions for cable and telephone companies.
Sep 23, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Linda Groen named head of CBC Radio current affairs
Linda Groen, former executive producer of The Sunday Edition, has been named the new head of current affairs for CBC Radio.
Sep 23, 2003 - Opinion: Re-Inventing Canadian TV by Wendell Wilks
TV Niagara CEO Wendell Wilks proposes a merger of Canadian broadcasting organziations into a single entity charged with producing and broadcasting compelling, watchable and successful Canadian drama.
Sep 23, 2003 - Statistics Canada: Broadband: High-speed access to the Internet
According to StatsCan, Canadians are global leaders in the adoption of broadband internet technologies.
Sep 22, 2003 - The Hill Times: CBC to be housed in one Giant on-camera newsroom by Molly Amoli K. Shinhat
Consolidation of CBC and TV radio employers in Ottawa into a new broadcast centre leaves journalists concerned that their coverage and diversity will diminish.
Sep 22, 2003 - La Presse: Le nouveau Téléjournal critiqué par le public par Nathaëlle Morissette
Radio-Canada viewers have mixed reactions to new television news host.
Sep 22, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Martin coronation assured by Campbell Clark and Jane Taber
November leadership convention becomes formality as Paul Martin garners over 90 per cent of vote among Liberal Party delegates.
Sep 21, 2003 - Canadian Press: TV ads poke fun at Hollywood's knowledge of Canada
FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting's television campaign urges more Canadian drama on prime-time TV.
Sep 20, 2003 - Saskatoon Star Phoenix: Union vows to fight foreign ownership
CEP vows to stop federal government from opening telephone and cable industries to foreign ownership.
Sep 20, 2003 - Financial Post: Think twice before letting U.S. buy our telecom firms by Mark Evans
Potential negatives of lowering foreign ownership restrictions are "frightening".
Sep 19, 2003 - Financial Post: Ottawa set to revisit ownership limits: Cable, telecommunications by Ian Jack
Federal government is preparing to drop foreign ownership restrictions for cable and satellite TV companies but will study issue more.
Sep 19, 2003 - Financial Post: CanWest to charge for online links to papers by Barbara Shecter
In November, CanWest Global Communications Corp. will begin charging for online access to the Ottawa Citizen. The rest of the chain is expected to follow by next year.
Sep 19, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Canada homegrown pitch spoofs U.S. film shoots by Etan Vlessing
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting begins national television campaign urging more Canadian drama on prime-time TV.
Sep 18, 2003 - Toronto Star: Star's Toronto 1 alliance raises suspicions by Antonia Zerbisias
Alliances between broadcasters and traditional media make cross-promotion inevitable.
Sep 17, 2003 - Financial Post: Loosening of telco ownership rules predicted by Mark Evans
Former AT&T Canada predicts removal of foreign ownership restrictions on telecommunication carriers by next year.
Sep 17, 2003 - Toronto Star: Scary ads call for TV support by Martin Knelman
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting begins national television campaign urging more Canadian drama on prime-time TV.
Sep 17, 2003 - Canadian Press: TV lobby unveils ad campaign urging more Canadian content
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting begins national television campaign urging more Canadian drama on prime-time TV.
Sep 17, 2003 - Toronto Star: CanWest plugs ads for final episode of Friends by Rick Westhead
CanWest puts a record $190,000 price tag on 30-second spots for (US sitcom) Friends' finale.
Sep 17, 2003 - Ottawa Citizen: But will CTV make any money? By Tony Atherton
With 2.7 million viewers, Canadian Idol becomes biggest homegrown TV hit in more than 30 years, but it may not make money for CTV.
Sep 17, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Campaign pitches homegrown TV
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting begins national television campaign urging more Canadian drama on prime-time TV.
Sep 16, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Dyke: Gov't planned 'attack' on BBC by Sam Andrews
The inquiry into the death of government weapons scientist David Kelly is allowing pre-existing tensions between the government and the BBC to surface.
Sep 16, 2003 - National Post: This is not Conrad Black's last stand by David Asper
David Asper defends Conrad Black.
Sep 16, 2003 - The Montreal Gazette: Cable industry wants more U.S. channels by Bruce Johnstone
The Canadian Cable Television Association is asking the federal regulator to allow its 90-member companies to offer 17 new U.S. channels through their digital cable service
Sep 15, 2003 - Hill Times: Boudria says it’s PM’s prerogative to adjourn early by Paco Francoli
Prorogation of Parliament in November would put many federal initiatives in limbo, including Heritage Committee’s landmark report on Canadian broadcasting.
Sep 15, 2003 - Playback: Campaign aims to spur public on drama crisis by Peter Vamos
Friends television campaign intends to raise the public's "share of mind" on the issue of Canadian programming on television.
September 15, 2003 - Le Devoir: Révision de la radiodiffusion canadienne par Clifford Lincoln
Near unanimous recommendations of a two-year, all-party review of Canada's broadcasting system should not be ignored.
Sep 15, 2003 - Globe & Mail: The Broadcast Act needs teeth by Clifford Lincoln
Near unanimous recommendations of a two-year, all-party review of Canada's broadcasting system should not be ignored.
Sep 13, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Two-headed government: a Canadian first by Jeffrey Simpson
Paul Martin's imminent appointment as Liberal Leader will result in a Prime Minister who is not a party leader, and a party leader who is not Prime Minister.
Sep 13, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Martin rakes in $9-million by Campbell Clark
Paul Martin has reportedly tallied more than $9-million in Liberal leadership campaign contributions, more than twice the party's spending limit.
Sep 13, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Pay-per-view televising of NHL games a winner for fans, clubs by William Houston
More National Hockey League games will be available on Canadian Television this season, but free viewing will be limited to one national outlet -- CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.
Sep 12, 2003 - Toronto Star: Convergence gets personal at Quebecor by David Olive
David Olive discusses the “convergence” of CEO Pierre Karl Peladeau and his live-in companion, Julie Snyder, a veteran TV producer and Quebec talk TV star.
Sep 12, 2003 - Ottawa Citizen: Videotron loses final appeal over ExpressVu wiring access by Sylvain Larocque
Videotron has lost its final appeal in a dispute over the use of its cables by satellite rival Bell ExpressVu.
Sep 11, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Networks fret over future of sports TV by James Christie
A multitude of channels, rising costs and fading interest are threatening future of Canada's sports broadcasters.
Sep 11, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Gemini Awards are so bad they're almost good by John Doyle
John Doyle finds amusement in the disorganized nature of the Gemini Awards.
Sep 10, 2003 - Kitchener-Waterloo Record: Blurring entertainment and news is so irritating by Michael Higgins
"Celebritization” and hype over the film festivals has resulted in a blurring of entertainment and news.
Sep 10, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Happy 'Hour' for Gemini noms Almost-canceled Canadian series leads with 14 by Etan Vlessing
A nearly cancelled Canadian drama series, "The Eleventh Hour" has received 14 nominations for the 18th annual Gemini Awards.
Sep 10, 2003 - Globe & Mail: 11th Hour leads Gemini pack by John McKay
A nearly cancelled Canadian drama series, "The Eleventh Hour" has received 14 nominations for the 18th annual Gemini Awards.
Sep 10, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Craig counts down to Toronto TV launch by Richard Blackwell
Craig launches ’s newest television station, Toronto One, on September 19.
Sep 09, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Shaw picks up cable TV systems in southern B.C. and Alberta by Richard Blackwell
Shaw Communications Inc. has signed a deal to buy cable systems serving 35,000 subscribers in Alberta and British Columbia for $90-million.
Sep 09, 2003 - National Post: Shaw buys Monarch's operations in Alberta, B.C.
Shaw Communications Inc. has signed a deal to buy cable systems serving 35,000 subscribers in Alberta and British Columbia for $90-million.
Sep 08, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Staking claims on the TV dial by Michael Posner
Rogers moves CTV NewsNet to channel 62 to make room for US channel bumped by new Toronto station.
Sep 08, 2003 - National Post: CBC watching -- from a different angle
The National Post criticizes the CBC's intentions to broadcast non-Canadian "blockbuster" movies in prime time to attract commercial revenues.
Sep 08, 2003 - Toronto Star: A fresh vision for Toronto TV by Ashante Infantry
Craig Broadcasting plans “new vision” of for local television viewers.
Sep 06, 2003 - National Post: Ottawa takes aim at TV piracy: Tougher penalties by Barbara Shecter
The federal government plans to introduce legislation toughening penalties and increasing border controls to combat piracy of satellite television signals.
Sep 06, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Ottawa to tackle satellite piracy by Richard Blackwell
The federal government plans to introduce legislation toughening penalties and increasing border controls to combat piracy of satellite television signals.
Sep 05, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: FCC rules dealt setback Panel alters spending bill; would nullify 45% cap by Brooks Boliek
A Senate committee has tacked language onto a $37 billion spending bill that would roll back a regulation allowing media companies to buy more TV stations.
Sep 05, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: CBC executes reorganization of top executives by Etan Vlessing
The CBC has shuffled its top arts and entertainment programming executives in and effort to consolidate the public broadcaster's radio, TV and Web site operations.
Sep 05, 2003 - Associated Press: Critics Expand Attacks on New Media Rules by David Ho
Opponents of eased media ownership rules are expanding their attacks on new regulations they say will stifle diversity and local viewpoints in news and entertainment.
Sep 05, 2003 - Toronto Star: Star set to collaborate with Craig's Toronto 1 by Chris Sorensen
The Toronto Star newspaper and Toronto's newest television station, Toronto 1 have founded a strategic alliance on advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns.
Sep 05, 2003 - Toronto Star: WTSN should serve as a warning by Chris Zelkovich
The demise of WTSN due to high production costs and a lack of a definable audience should serve as a warning to other digital sports channels.
Sep 04, 2003 - Washington Post: Court Blocks Media Rule by Frank Ahrens
An appeals court has blocked a change in federal rules that would have loosened restrictions on media consolidation.
Sep 04, 2003 - Toronto Star: Election ads invade prime time by Antonia Zerbisias
The CRTC is relaxing its advertising time limits for political campaigns during the Ontario elections.
Sep 03, 2003 - Montreal Gazette: Revitalizing AM radio by Mary Lamey
Astral Media has sold the Quebec radio stations the Competition Bureau ordered it to divest.
Sep 03, 2003 - Globe & Mail: CTV's women's sports network was doomed from beginning by William Houston
William Houston argues that CTV's women's sports network had too many strikes against it to succeed.
Sep 02, 2003 - Business Week: Stop the FCC's Covert Operation by Thane Peterson
The Federal Communications Commission is keeping its plans to vote on new rules governing media ownership a secret and ignoring public opposition to the proposal on media consolidation.
Sep 02, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Journal argues against allowing drug ads by André Picard
The Canadian Medical Association Journal is opposed to Health Canada allowing prescription drug makers to advertise, including on television.
Sep 02, 2003 - Hollywood Reporter: Canadian programming rebounds by Etan Vlessing
Stable funding and improved relations with the federal government has resulted in improved audience ratings for the CBC.
Sep 02, 2003 - Toronto Star: Drug makers shouldn't advertise, journal says by Elaine Carey
The Canadian Medical Association Journal is opposed to Health Canada allowing prescription drug makers to advertise.
Sep 01, 2003 - Toronto Star: Product placement is on the fast track by Murray Whyte
New Global television series, Train 48, will carry an array of embedded product placements.
Sep 01, 2003 - Vancouver Sun: Digital TV still on the outside, looking in by Alex Strachan and John McKay
Digital TV channels are still less popular than older analogue specialty channels.
Sep 01, 2003 - National Review: The Boobs of the Beeb: A media monopoly that only gets worse by Theodore Dalrymple
National Review claims BBC losing reputation as a trustworthy broadcasting organization.
Aug 30, 2003 - Edmonton Journal: The water's not fine by Alan Kellogg
Alan Kellogg states that the CBC's attempts at borrowing concepts from American reality TV has been less than impressive.
Aug 29, 2003 - Halifax Daily News: The drama dilemma by John McKay
Drama is expected to have an increased presence on US TV, however it will be another year before there are any new Canadian dramatic series.
Aug 29, 2003 - Canada Newswire: CTV Specialty to Close WTSN on September 30, 2003
CTV Specialty Television Inc. has announced it will close WTSN.
Aug 28, 2003 - Toronto Star: Let Al-Jazeera broadcast here by Antonia Zerbisias
Arabic news network Al-Jazeera should be permitted to broadcast in Canada.
Aug 28, 2003 - Edmonton Journal: Signs of a dramatic decline on TV by John McKay
Drama is expected to have an increased presence on US TV, however it will be another year before there are any new Canadian dramatic series on the screen.
Aug 28, 2003 - Canadian Press: CRTC ruling paves way for Bell ExpressVu to expand pay-per-view services by Richard Blackwell
A decision from the CRTC will clear the way for Bell ExpressVu LP to expand its pay-per-view programming beyond its satellite service.
Aug 27, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Twenty-two short blurbs about TV tonight by Andrew Ryan
Columnist finds quantity, not quality on evening television.
Aug 27, 2003 - National Post: CHUM takes aim at British market: Wants to export Citytv model by Barbara Shecter
CHUM Ltd. is negotiating a deal that would allow it to launch three television channels in major urban centres in Britain by the end of next year.
Aug 27, 2003 - Vancouver Sun: Ian Hanomansing, Kevin Newman among Gemini Awards nominees by Alex Strachan
CBC-TV received numerous nominations in the news and information categories for 18th annual Gemini Awards.
Aug 27, 2003 - Regina Leader-Post: CBC leads with nods for news, sports
CBC-TV received numerous nominations in the news and information categories for 18th annual Gemini Awards.
Aug 27, 2003 - National Post: CBC leads networks in news nominations: Gemini Awards by John McKay
CBC-TV received numerous nominations in the news and information categories for 18th annual Gemini Awards.
Aug 27, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Major networks dominate Geminis by Michael Posner
CBC-TV received numerous nominations in the news and information categories for 18th annual Gemini Awards.
Aug 27, 2003 - National Post: Keeping an eye on al-Jazeera
If the CRTC permits Videotron to distribute al-Jazeera, it should require that Videotron be held responsible for any hateful al-Jazeera programming that is broadcast into Canadian homes.
Aug 26, 2003 - National Post: CRTC wants new players in telephony by Barbara Shecter
The CRTC wants more competition in the local telephone business, but new companies would still face huge risks.
Aug 26, 2003 - National Post: Telcos look to enlist use of high-speed networks by Mark Evans
Telephone companies intend to provide television programming through the use of high-speed networks created for internet access.
Aug 26, 2003 - National Post: Telcos' big push into Canada's living rooms by Mark Evans
Telephone companies are poised to enter into the Canadian television market.
Aug 26, 2003 - CBC News: CBC leads Gemini news nominations by Dan Brown
CBC-TV received numerous nominations in the news and information categories for 18th annual Gemini Awards.
Aug 25, 2003 - National Post: Rival sectors stalking lucrative 'triple-play' by Barbara Shecter and Mark Evans
Canada's cable companies are poised to enter the local telephone business, and intend to offer a "triple play" of communications services, including TV, phone and Internet.
Aug 24, 2003 - Toronto Star: A pre-emptive elegy for AM radio
Although AM radio may be ailing it is still useful and should not be allowed to die.
Aug 23, 2003 - Hamilton Spectator: Cable companies want even TV field by Mark McNeil
Cable companies say they need to be allowed to sell popular American pay TV channels in order to combat satellite signal piracy.
Aug 23, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Thomson spat highlights TV tensions by Gayle MacDonald
Increasing competition among Toronto's networks has resulted in the exchange of several high-profile TV personalities.
Aug 22, 2003 - Canadian Press: Battle over TV news anchor Thomson settled out of court; starts CTV in Nov. by Marelene Habib
The battle over Ontario TV news anchor Beverly Thomson between CanWest and CTV has been settled out of court.
Aug 22, 2003 - National Post: CRTC raps Shaw in movie row by Barbara Shecter
Shaw Communications Inc. has been censured by the CRTC for giving preference to its own cable service over telephone companies trying to compete in Shaw's TV distribution business.
Aug 22, 2003 - Globe & Mail: Here's what HDTV means to the viewers by William Houston
Since high-definition television requires considerable bandwidth, early entry of US HDTV could mean future space problems for Canadian services.
Aug 21, 2003 - National Post: CBC shutting down its arts web site by J. Kelly Nestruck
The CBC is closing its ArtsCanada Web site and laying off staff.
Aug 21, 2003 - Toronto Star: The grid ate my homework by Antonia Zerbisias
Antonia Zerbisias cites our appetite for media as one of the biggest drains on energy.
Aug 21, 2003 - Edmonton Journal: Global off to court after CTV hires anchor Thomson
CanWest going to court after one of its star anchors was hired away by CTV is a sign that competition is getting hotter in the country's television industry.
Aug 21, 2003 - National Post: Satellite pirates may abandon broadcast fight: Consitutional challenge by Barbara Shecter
Black market satellite TV equipment vendors may be dropping a tenuous constitutional argument to have satellite television piracy declared legal.
Aug 21, 2003 - Victoria Times Colonist: CRTC nod for Telus TV by Paul Marck
The CRTC has granted TELUS a licence to carry TV signals across telephone lines in 16 Alberta and BC communities.
Aug 21, 2003 - Globe & Mail: FCC plans to bolster local media by David Ho
FCC Chairman Michael Powell plans measures to ensure television stations serve local viewers.
