The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is asking for money again, and looking to charging carriers for its services. All this to improve programming. I fear this whole line of argument is completely wrong-headed. In my humble opinion, the CBC should be seen primarily as a public affairs broadcaster: news, politics, investigative, cultural chit-chat. Pros in the business bemoan chatting heads as boring television and it is, or was, but in an age of cable and satellite where there is no lack of variety the CBC should not fear specializing. Let the cable and satellite companies worry about delivering variety to isolated communities. This is no longer the corporation's job. The CRTC can overlook the process, it would give them someting to do.
Nothing should stop the CBC from exhibiting a little good taste, either. If there is a really good public affairs show from the British Broadcasting Corporation, why not buy and show it. It would give them money and recognitioin, they too are struggling to redefine their role. The Brits, incidentally, have an absolutely outstanding Web presence for students and parents with blow-out your brains question sets on math, science and so forth. The historical courses for the primary grades are - grab this - clear. The games are intelligent and challenging. It is a recommended reference in Quebec private schools. Couldn't Canada produce a little something? Are we teaching-impaired?
There is of course French International Service which dilligently presents the worst of French television to the francophone world on cable. Take a French diplomat to lunch.
And if and when the CBC does produce a winner in the popular programming genre, sell it. Private broadcasters live by the sword and can't afford to venture far into the what-might-be-fun but who is crazy enough to try it. The CBC is subsidized and in the current context, they should be the ones to take risks.
As for funding the move to high definition television, it is not a broadcasting issue at all. Find its context for discussion and the money will come.
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