Save Local Television

CTVGlobemedia has cancelled much of its local programming across the province of Ontario and also in Victoria. The stations affected are the "A's". The attempt to turn around the financial situation of the stations was not well received by the staff or communities affected. It is a very sad situation, and although there are many contributing factors the threat of losing local television all together seems like an extremely unreal but very possible fate.

Sadly the “A’s” are only one example of this situation. CTV has decided not to renew the license on CKX-TV in Brandon and Canwest has also put its five E! network television stations up for sale.

Here's hoping that the support of local communities can help the CRTC see how important local stations are to their communities. National broadcasters such as CTVGlobemedia and CanWest Global Comm. have been trying to convince the CRTC to allow a *carriage fee to be charged to help alleviate the financial burden. So far the CRTC has not approved this, but it could very well be the most realistic way to save your local programming.

*Carriage fee Canadian viewers pay a small additional monthly fee on their cable, satellite or telco TV bills for local channels such as Global, CTV and CBC.