Government Aid For Private Media- A Bad Idea

Reports this week that the federal government is looking for ways to help the ailing broadcast industry through tax breaks, and relaxing some regulations dealing with Canadian Content. Canwest Global is mentioned as a company that may directly receive some financial support- discussions with government officials are ongoing, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper has met with Canwest Global CEO Leonard Asper once. It's a bad idea to directly aid Canwest. Any money given to them, singles them out as being above the other two private broadcasters, and gives them an unfair advantage.

Aiding Canwest opens the door to political meddling in editorial content- or at least leaves it open to the spectre of interference. When the Liberals were in power, it was said that one of Canwest's editorial policies was not to say anything negative about the Liberal Party. The same thing could potentially happen with Harper- and as someone who is trying to break into the business, it rubs me the wrong way. The thing is there are stories that need to be told, no matter who they offend and in my opinion the spectre of political interference in editorial content may stop some of those stories.

Canwest, and CTV Globmedia have suggested a fee-for carriage charge. This would see the private broadcasters charge cable providers for providing their station's signal. They suggest the charge at 50 cents/ subscriber, potentially making them an estimated $150/yr.

The folks at the CRTC have denied them so far, saying the companies haven't proven the economic need for it since they're buying up specialty channels. They're also afraid cable providers are going to pass it on to their customers at a possible additional $10/month. Personally, I think if the broadcasters can demonstrate they need the money, then I'll pay it. But, I want something in exchange. If I'm being charged for their signal, I'm going to want the ability to choose my own cable package; Charge people extra, but give them extra too- I think that's fair.

As for relaxing the Canadian Content rules for television stations: That's a whole other blog entry, but to make it short I don't think they should do it. Canada is a vibrantly beautiful place full of creativity. It's time we start telling our own stories.

The bottom line is government shouldn't interfere with privately-run media. Should they make it easier for these private companies to operate through regulations, and tax incentives: Yes. But do not directly bail these companies out. An independent, competitive media is vital to a democracy.

Want to know more?

See the article: Canada Looking To Aid Private Broadcasters.