For those who are making a career of being outraged over the FCC fines directed at Howard Stern’s behavior – The CRTC has pulled the broadcast license for Quebec City’s most popular radio station, because of offensive comments by a couple of radio personalities. They recieved 47 complaints.
We should all complain more about the CBC, methinks.
This is the same CRTC that will not allow Fox News on Canadian cable, but has no problem with CBC’s “it’s not porn if there are subtitles” or with CTV scheduling the Sopranos uncut and Nip/*uck-fests on prime time.
I agree about the CRTC. Of all government departments, the CRTC to me is one of the worst ideas that ever came about. Why should their be a government organization that determines what I can/can’t see on TV or listen to on the radio. Each broadcaster should be able to choose what shows they want to show and what channels they want to bring to the market. If I want to watch HBO, tough.
A lot of arts groups argue that it would devastate our film/music industries. I disagree. Make products people want to see and they will beat a path to your door. I regularly avoid ‘Canadian movies’ (and I know I’m not the only one) because of how amateurish they usually are. Maybe if they actually had to work to bring a good story to the screen, Canadians would actually appreciate Canadian movies/TV more.
I have mixed feelings regarding Can-Con and the CRTC. I think that the content that is produced in Canada is generally up to the standards that we should expect. To have an organization to help elevate that content is alright. Corner Gas is one example of a show that may not exist without Can-con (but then Canadian Idol may not exist without those same rules). Damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
I also agree with you Kate that what passes for scheduling and content that is shown on Canadian channels is such that it amkes you wonder if any kids are up at 7:00 watching TV. Not on CTV at our house at any rate.
Near as I can tell their main objection to this station is that it is private and profitable. If they wanted to get a Canada Council and Telefilm grant they would probably be fine.
After all, they have no trouble with federally financed Trailer Park Boys or Les Bougons.