The Campbell government is ending its $5.1 million per year contribution to Knowledge Network, and will close the TV broadcaster if a "private partner" cannot be found who is willing to pick up the full cost and satisfy the CRTC that the license should be transferred to it. The educational broadcaster that was established in 1981 had an average of 1.4 million viewers per week in 2002. Viewer loyalty is evidenced by $1.7 million per year that is donated by viewers.

The government's move to get rid of Knowledge Network is another example of New Speak in the New Era. The news release says:

"We have an opportunity to explore creative and innovative ideas to enhance Knowledge Network as the province's educational broadcaster," said Advanced Education Minister Shirley Bond. "A new model - working in partnership with the private sector, public sector or a combination of both - can help deliver what British Columbians need and want from educational programming well into the future."

The decision to end all provincial government funding for knowledge network is only hinted at in the news release when it says:

"The province is focused on directing educational funding to areas where it will make the most impact," added Minister Bond. "A new partnership will allow Knowledge Network to revitalize educational programming, while at the same time redirecting educational funding to areas where it will best serve student needs."

In other words, the Campbell government believes that not one provincial dollar should go to Knowledge Network as all other areas in advanced education are higher priorities. That is made clearer in the actual Request for Expressions of Interest where it says "It is the intent of the province to minimize its investment and involvement in the operation of educational broadcasting … While the Province may consider some investment in the operation of KN service during a transition period, it is the intention of the Provincial Government to redirect its investment in KN to other education funding requirements."

Maybe the government is right to minimize the value of the services being delivered to 1.4 million viewers per week in the form of violence and commercial free children's programming as well as programs in a variety of areas of continuing adult education. That decision, however, should be more than the political judgment of the Campbell cabinet. Somewhere in government someone should have done an evaluation of the Knowledge Network programming. Those reports should be made available on government websites long before November 24th, which is the deadline for the submission of Expressions of Interest.