April 6, 2008

Turning CBC into Pabulum

This space is normally devoted to BC politics, but what is happening at the CBC deserves special attention. A blog with valuable links and contacts can be found at http://standonguardforcbcradio.earsay.com/. My letters to CBC management and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages are copied below.

April 6, 2008

Jennifer McGuire
Executive Director, CBC English Radio
PO Box 500 Station A                                       by email only to jennifer_mcguire@cbc.ca
Toronto, ON M5W 1E6

Dear Ms. McGuire:

I am writing to express my extreme disappointment with both the change in CBC Radio 2 programming, and with the decision to eliminate the CBC Radio Orchestra. The two changes appear to be part of the same trend of CBC showing disrespect for its long standing audience, and its attempt to appeal to audiences that are currently adequately served by commercial radio. If I want to listen to the kind of music that is replacing classical music on CBC, there are plenty of stations other than CBC to choose from.

The "great unifier" is rapidly becoming homogeneous pabulum that will find itself with an ever smaller audience. I beg you to reconsider your decision to change Radio 2 programming, and to eliminate the CBC Radio Orchestra.

Sincerely,

David D. Schreck
145 Windsor Rd. E
North Vancouver, BC V7N 1J9
phone 604-984-8344
cell 604-619-1783
See http://www.StrategicThoughts.com

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A variation on the letter to CBC management was sent to Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages:

April 6, 2008

Hon. Josée Verner
Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa, ON                                                          by email only to Min_Verner@pch.gc.ca

Dear Ms. Verner:

I am writing to express my extreme disappointment with both the change in CBC Radio 2 programming, and with the decision to eliminate the CBC Radio Orchestra. The two changes appear to be part of the same trend of CBC showing disrespect for its long standing audience, and its attempt to appeal to audiences that are currently adequately served by commercial radio. If I want to listen to the kind of music that is replacing classical music on CBC, there are plenty of stations other than CBC to choose from.

The "great unifier" is rapidly becoming homogeneous pabulum that will find itself with an ever smaller audience. I urge you to use your influence to reverse the decision to change Radio 2 programming, and to eliminate the CBC Radio Orchestra. Many CBC radio listeners will no doubt blame the Harper government for the damage that is being done to the CBC.

Sincerely,

David D. Schreck
145 Windsor Rd. E
North Vancouver, BC V7N 1J9
phone 604-984-8344
cell 604-619-1783
See http://www.StrategicThoughts.com

cc:  Mauril Bélanger, MP Belanger.M@parl.gc.ca
      Charlie Angus, MP angusc@parl.gc.ca