CBC cuts

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Critics of the CBC were thrilled about the massive budget cuts in CBC’s latest
five-year plan.  According to proponents of CBC’s downsizing, these drastic cuts are aimed at reinforcing its commercial
viability, local presence, ability to broadcast Canadian content and, ultimately, its
capacity to fulfill its mandate.

Critics of the CBC were thrilled about the massive budget cuts in CBC’s latest
five-year plan.  According to proponents of CBC’s downsizing, these drastic cuts are aimed at reinforcing its commercial
viability, local presence, ability to broadcast Canadian content and, ultimately, its
capacity to fulfill its mandate.
I take issue with this. As a Canadian and member of a minority community, I am deeply concerned.
What is being proposed (e.g., workforce downsized by an additional 25%; half of the real estate sold; dramatically reduced
in-house production; shift to a “digital first” approach … including in rural communities with limited broadband access) will undermine the corporation’s capacity to carry out its mandate. This should be the heart of
the conversation. CBC’s mandate is really
what is at stake.  Unfortunately, that is
conveniently brushed away. 
Making decisions on the premise that CBC is just “another network” that should depend on announcers, compete for
commercial revenues and focus on ratings is a wrong assumption. It is wrong from a
legal perspective, as CBC has clear legal
obligations, under the Broadcasting Act and the Official Languages Act, as confirmed
by a recent decision of the Federal Court.  More importantly, it is wrong from a
societal standpoint.
CBC’s function with respect to minority communities is well documented.  Its role as a developer of talent, champion of the Canadian consumer or bridge between
various national and international realities must be protected.
Its contribution as a channel for fostering Canadian values – such as our respect for differences – is exceptional.  I believe that CBC is the weapon that keeps us united beyond our linguistic and cultural
diversities.
CBC is more than entertainment, ratings and revenue generation.  It is not a network like the others, and should not be managed as such.  
Senator Rollande Chaput
Ottawa