runnerland

I just can’t take a second death today. (See my earlier post on the end of Raincoast Books’ publishing program.) So, please send a letter to the CRTC in support of the CBC.

Why does the CBC need help? In every other significant Canadian city, CBC Radio One is on the FM dial. But in Metro Vancouver, it’s on AM. According to CBC Radio research (Foundation Research, 2004), 40% of CBC Radio One listeners have problems receiving the AM band. Also, AM is on the decline. (You can read more at the CBC’s site.)

Why does this matter to you? While CBC drifts in the forgotten waters of the AM band, rawkin stations like, oh, I don’t know, Jack FM dominate the dial with, well, crap. And that’s not right. And CBC deserves a better platform to broadcast is programs. CBC reports on real news. CBC supports local arts and culture. CBC supports writers and readers. Helll, CBC supports me!

What can you do? The CRTC has not made this process especially easy. But I can boil it down to 4 Easy Steps! This has to be done by January 23…

• Go directly to the form on the CRTC website and send your comments click here and click on the button #2007-18.
• Then, check the box beside #200714239 (in the list, this is the second CBC application) and go to the bottom of the page and select next.
• Follow the instructions to complete your letter of support.
• And please remember to also copy CBC on your e-mail at REGULATORYAFFAIRS@CBC.CA

For what it’s worth, here’s mine…

CRTC Secretary General
By email

Dear sir or madam, I am writing in support of the CBC’s application to move British Columbia station CBU from the AM to the FM dial.

I understand that FM reaches a larger range of the Lower Mainland - and a larger share of listeners - and I believe that everyone in Metro Vancouver has the right to hear and be part of the excellent broadcast services provided by the CBC. In fact, that is its mandate and our privilege.

I understand also that other Canadian cities have CBC Radio One news and information services available on the FM dial. No other broadcaster in Canada has the CBC’s ability and willingness to support our country’s arts and culture - or its willingness to report objectively on current affairs. This is especially important right now. The more our airwaves - like our newspapers - fall into the traps of corporate convergence and political debt, the more crucial our public broadcaster becomes.

It’s in the best interest of everyone in the Lower Mainland to be part of the conversation that the CBC supports. In turn, I believe the CBC deserves the widest and best platform from which to broadcast that conversation; in this case, the FM band.

Thank you,
John Burns
author, Vancouver