I have blogged a couple of times about the disparities of rural vs. city news. Apparently, with the economy news stations are cutting back on local news to save a buck, while keeping the US-based TV shows which garner a higher audience. In these times, however, it is important to have local information. For those without jobs, laid off in the impact of the auto industry failures, they must rely on local news, read local papers to determine how and where to retrain. They cannot rely on the fear-mongering of the big Media to encourage and support all of us in these trying times. For it is my premise that the bailout money needs to go to employees to retool and regroup and find new industries.
CHCH News in Hamilton is having some problems. As they cut local anchors, the powers-that-be have decided to try to find a buyer for the station, the staff have tried to buy out the company.
There is a Facebook site that supports these employees, with a petition to try and convince the CRTC who regulates the media and CanCon, to change the rules to permit this takeover. I truly believe that it is the small towns and employees who have to take the initiative.
There are two YouTube videos: CRTC underpressure, (see it below) and the CHCH Community Rally.
The petition website says, in part, 'They have stated that CHCH may be sold off, or possibly closed down if a suitable decision can not be found. "These stations have proud histories of serving their communities with strong independent voices,’’ Canwest President and CEO Leonard Asper said. “However, as they are currently configured, these stations are not core to our television operations going forward.”'
See also:
2 comments:
We have the same problems here Jenn- if it doesn't happen in London or the South East it is not worth reporting. There is an upside of course - if people don't hear about us they are not tempted to visit the area - so it is still relatively quiet and unspoiled.
That's really interesting, Weaver. Not surprising that it is a universal issue. We really have to rethink news and communication issues for the new economy and the Information Age.
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