Tory MP Says CBC Millions May Not Be Worth It
Red Green Fans In A Panic
September 8th 2005 01:32pm | Posted by: Michael Stevens, HNR Senior Editor
Canadians are questioning whether the country needs the CBC's English-language television network, according to the Conservative Party's heritage critic, the Toronto Globe & Mail reports.
Ontario MP Bev Oda said in an interview that MPs should launch a debate on the CBC's future when Parliament resumes this fall.
"People are starting to question, if nobody's watching CBC television, English language, then does it justify the utilization of those dollars in that way," Ms. Oda said.
The first-term MP, who is a former vice-president of CTV and current CRTC commissioner, said yesterday that the CBC's English-language network's low ratings require MPs to examine its value to taxpayers.
Ms. Oda said she has yet to form a final opinion on whether the CBC's English-language television should lose its funding.
She said she focused on English TV because the other services have been more successful at developing loyal followings and creating content that is distinct from what private broadcasters offer.
Liberal MP Roger Gallaway had previously introduced unsuccessful motions to cut the English network's government funding.
The CBC's budget for the current fiscal year is slightly less than $1-billion of taxpayer funding.
Meanwhile fans of CBC's fisherman comedy The Red Green Show and UK import Coronation Street say they don't know what they'll do if their shows are taken off the air.
"It would be a sad day for all Canadians," said one observer.
Source: Toronto Globe & Mail
In: National News
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