Ask any Canadian, and I think they'd say that it's unfortunate that our government (in this case, the CRTC) regulates our television industry so strictly. The network in Canada with the largest viwership is CTV. The network that carries the most American hit television programming (during prime time) is CTV. But the Canadian content hounds are already grumbling that there isn't enough Canadian content being delivered on our television channels. I'm of the belief that we need to stop mandating content in favour of letting programming survive on its own merits.And we do have some quality stuff. Corner Gas is a prime example. This Hour has 22 Minutes and Air Farce are other obvious ones. The Newsroom was a classic while it lasted. Well, there's a (fairly) new series out called Robson Arms that returns after a long absence on CTV. Darlene and I discovered it purely by accident and we love it. It's quirky, funny and is very well cast with lots of recognizable, quality talent. You can catch it Saturday night at 9pm (MST). Check your local listings. Hopefully CTV keeps it in a regular time slot this second season and don't make it so hard to find every week.
3 comments:
Right, Carl. And how many of these Canadian shows that you list would even exist -- have been given the merest second thought, or have even been proposed -- without the Canadian networks having their arms twisted to provide Canadian content? Wasn't the "Great White North" itself, now an icon, merely the actors thumbing their noses as the CRTC?
I think the regulations are a good thing, especially when you have the Simpsons for neighbours.
Maxflex says;
You might want to specify that the issue is with English Canadian show. The French side as been doing quite well for a long time. English Canada do need the regulation, it is much cheaper to buy off the rack from the American than it is to develop their own. Beside, the company knows before buying, if it is a hit or not.
Bernie: I agree with the Great White North argument. It certainly would not exist if it weren't for the CRTC. But I'm not so sure our best programming wouldn't be around if it wasn't for regulation. But I'll give you this - our worst programming would have been nipped in the bud.
Maxflex: I hear you loud and clear. French Canadian TV is alive and well. It amazes me how much content it produces each year. But tell me this - in your opinion is it all decent quality content? I'm asking because I don't know.
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