"Friends of Canadian Broadcasting welcomes the report of the Heritage Committee. It is a substantial and thoughful examination of the entire broadcasting system.
"The Heritage committee has taken the time to speak with ordinary Canadians across the country and that's why their recommendations are substantially different from previous reports that are based on industrial views only.
"The committee is to be commended for taking dead aim at the big issues Canadians are concerned about and proposing viable and creative solutions that break new ground and provide a road map for the future:
- Create a fund for local progtramming
- Moratorium on media mergers
- Tough measures to ensure taxpayer investments pay off in more and better Canadian programs
- Adequate funding for CBC to meet its mandated responsibilities
"The committee is breaking new ground especially in the area of local and regional programs.
There are virtually no local shows left and the committee heard that listeners and viewers want more.
"Are we getting value for the tax dollars invested in Canada's broadcast and TV production industries? Clearly, tough questions are being asked by the committee.
"Paul Martin should jump on the recommendation to remove patronage from appointments to the CRTC and CBC - it would help eliminate the democratic deficit.
"Here's a good opportunity for Paul Martin to clearly demonstrate he respects the work of backbench MPs."
For information contact:
Jim Thompson
613-447-9592 cell
613-567-9592