CBC will be reduced to a handful of digital towers in major centers across Canada.

... except for the City of London, which is the 10th largest city by population in Canada. See: Population and dwelling counts, for census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations, 2006 and 2001 censuses - 100% data (http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/hlt/97-550/Index.cfm?TPL=P1C&Page=RETR&LANG=Eng&T=201&S=3&O=D&RPP=150)

Be sure to contact Angus McKinnon as well. He is the Senior Advisor, Media Relations and Issues Management of the CBC, and was left as the primary contact on this issue. His email can be found on their Release Plan (http://www.cbc.radio-canada.ca/newsreleases/20100806.shtml).
Thanks Micah.... I sent an email message to Angus McKinnon as well. Hopefully these first few messages will cause the CBC to reconsider.

Word for word I received the same reply that Micah got. So if I get this right the CBLN repeaters around London will stay on the air but the London transmitter will shut down as of Aug 31 2011. I would expect the rest of the repeaters will probably shut down when their analog network is mothballed. CBC will be reduced to a handful of digital towers in major centers across Canada.
Below is the list of CBLN repeaters, as per Wikipedia. London and Kitchener are mandatory markets on the list of Ontario cities which OTA TV stations must transitioned to DTV:

CBLN-TV London 40

CBLN-TV-1 Kitchener 56

CBLN-TV-2 Sarnia 34

CBLN-TV-3 Chatham 64

CBLN-TV-4 Wingham 45

CBLN-TV-5 Wiarton 20

CBLN-TV-6 Normandale

After thinking it over, I kinda like the CBC's idea that originating stations go DT with repeaters getting shutdown.

Before everybody freaks out about what I'm saying, let me explain.

Allow sub-channels. Let's take the London, ON situation.
London has a local station. CFLP-TV. At present it's part of the A group under CTVglobemedia. If the CBC want's to shutdown their CBC repeater in London. Then CFLP-DT should be allowed to arrange a secondary affiliation. And bring in the CBC programming. Sprinkle in some of its local CFLP news to fill in the local CBC news blocks and you got your CBC programming back. This time with a stronger CFLP to serve your town.

CFLP-DT
10.1 - A Channel (720p or 1080i)
10.2 - CBC affiliation (480p widescreen)

I see this mess as an opportunity for local stations long term survival.

Another situation closer to home for me is the Quebec City market with it's english repeater stations. All from Montreal's CBC & Global stations. If the CRTC would just open up it's mind and look at the US local stations what they are going. Just allow local stations with originating programs to run sub-channels.

Quebec City

CFAP-DT
x.1 - Vtele (720p or 1080i)
x.2 - Global (480p)

CBVE-DT
11.1 - SRC (720p or 1080i)
11.2 - CBC (480p)

So simple, and yet here we are looking at the possibility of loosing access to OTA signals.

Also, this repeated BS theory about people opting for a BDU instead of a OTA signal for TV access is a lie that needs to be smashed. People will go BDU if they cannot get a reliable OTA signal or because they want a speciality channel. If proper OTA signals where available people wouldn't opt for a BDU bill. By not allowing sub-channels, the CRTC is undermining OTA.

I can just see it...his email will get swamped but it will all be the same message, which is basically Stampeder's response. He'll most likely call his IT group to filter any email with "OTA" in it, or anything with "digitalhome.ca".A couple of things in response: first, members should really try to reword it in their own voice, giving their own anecdotal examples of OTA usage they see around them, and second, we have CBC staffers as members here so if the CBC filters out certain keywords it will still not prevent the OTA issue from being raised there. :) One last thing: there are many news reporters who are friendly to OTAers:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=40900

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=107221

Look them up and drop them a line about what the CBC is trying to say. ;)

I also believe that sub-channels are a good answer. While 1080i is really nice, it just might be a luxury that can not be done by Aug 2011.

Can Londoners pick up City TV in Woodstock on RF31? It's a great location between London and Kitchener. Why not turn it into an SD repeater? What about the possibility of two transmitters on this tower. Two transmitters puting out digital SD channels could broadcast all the networks - CBC, CBCF, CTV, Global, City, Omni1 & Omni2, TVO and cover Kitchener and London.

Surely that's a better solution to get the area covered with digital channels by Aug 2011. While HD is nice, watching SD programming in digital is better than analog, or no programming at all.

Then the CRTC could mandate an HD conversion of these SD repeaters over time that is more realistic in terms of dollars for the broadcasters. Perhaps even using the spectrum auction to cover the costs of updating SD digital to HD.

--------

For remote locations I think a Free-To-Air satellite channel might be the answer. These are rural areas where there probably is a clear line of site to the satelites. Urban areas where people live in apartments would still require over-the-air antenna reception.

Can Londoners pick up City TV in Woodstock on RF31? It's a great location between London and Kitchener. Why not turn it into an SD repeater? What about the possibility of two transmitters on this tower. Two transmitters puting out digital SD channels could broadcast all the networks - CBC, CBCF, CTV, Global, City, Omni1 & Omni2, TVO and cover Kitchener and London.

Surely that's a better solution to get the area covered with digital channels by Aug 2011. While HD is nice, watching SD programming in digital is better than analog, or no programming at all.

Then the CRTC could mandate an HD conversion of these SD repeaters over time that is more realistic in terms of dollars for the broadcasters. Perhaps even using the spectrum auction to cover the costs of updating SD digital to HD.

This is depressing, but yes we can get CityTV on 31, yes it would be easier than upgrading both Kitchener and London, and yes SD DTV is better than analogue. Considering the current alternatives, I guess that is a reasonable solution, so long as there were a mandate (and deadline that actually had to be followed) to put back transmitters in London and KW or at least add a new HD one in Woodstock.

Truthfully, I wish the CRTC could just force them to upgrade to DTV in all major markets -- as in "no you cannot continue on in analogue and no you cannot just turn off those transmitters." Can they do that?

From what I understand, the CTRC can't force Broadcasting companies to keep any transmitter on the air or to place a new one on the air. The common denominator seems to be fanancial as in many cases. The solution with CBC/SRC is for the populus to rise up and demand it!

In any event I feel that to do justice to the country, DTV OTA should be available in both languages in cities over 1 Million population and in at least one language to all populated areas over 300,000 heads. The remainder could continue with analog services until funds become available for DTV.

Truthfully, I wish the CRTC could just force them to upgrade to DTV in all major markets -- as in "no you cannot continue on in analogue and no you cannot just turn off those transmitters." Can they do that?

Who knows, but isn't the CBC's mandate to be Free to All Canadians? With the CBC's current plan, citizens of London and numerous other cities will no longer have Free access to CBC Television.

In that case, I would like to opt out of providing funding through my taxes to the CBC.

Who knows, but isn't the CBC's mandate to be Free to All Canadians? With the CBC's current plan, citizens of London and numerous other cities will no longer have Free access to CBC Television.

In that case, I would like to opt out of providing funding through my taxes to the CBC.

I agree. This is not free. But rather than opting out, I wish they could just get a loan or something.

Last week, I wrote here that I'd sent a missive to Radio-Canada on their flawed DTV transition.
Tonight, I sent off a letter to the English service (written from scratch by the way) to alert them to my concerns about their DTV transition plan, and to share with them some of my ideas.
Once again, I invite you to do the same. CBC/Radio-Canada will not know anyone cares about OTA television unless each and every one of us speaks up and tells them they need to take another look at their plan.
I'm sounding like a broken record on this point — but if we all value OTA television as much as I think we do, then it is a point worth making.

While I agree that multicast services (use of sub channels) are a great option for small markets, London is not a small market. As BCF said, London is the 10th largest metropolitan region and nearby Kitchener is close behind at 11th. Combined they would jump to 7th largest (not really a valid comparison, but you get the point).

I do however think that shutting down the repeater could be a good thing. While it would be painful in the short term, if (and it is a big if) it resulted in London (or possibly London/Kitchener) getting their own CBC station, the pain might be worth it for the long term gain.

This is really a symptom of a bigger problem in Canada where there are no incentives for networks to convert their repeaters into stations when it to becomes viable. IMHO, we need to re-evaluate where the use of repeaters are appropriate. If you look at the small markets that have one or more successful local stations, they have fought tooth and nail to prevent the big networks from installing repeaters. This is necessary to keep programming options available and prevent unfair competition.

isn't the CBC's mandate to be Free to All Canadians?Technically under the Broadcasting Act the answer is no, but the CBC set it's own precedent with the 1974 CBC Accelerated Coverage Plan that was accepted by government, by which all locations across Canada with 500 or more people would get TV service in the appropriate language. The CBC even mentions that plan somewhat favourably in their earlier DTV transition documents, yet we're finding out now that they are walking away from such a national scope of free OTA broadcasting with the hope that people will simply pay the BDUs and thus get their CBC programming, which most probably will.

Here's a timeline of Canadian broadcasting:

OTA, Cable, and Satellite TV in Canada: the Historical View (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=106302)

Be sure to contact Angus McKinnon as well. He is the Senior Advisor, Media Relations and Issues Management of the CBC, and was left as the primary contact on this issue. His email can be found on their Release Plan (http://www.cbc.radio-canada.ca/newsreleases/20100806.shtml).
There is also a CBC Ombudsman if you are not happy with the CBC's response to your concern. While it is usually about specific issues on a CBC program, the mandate of the ombudsman clearly includes:

1. Audience complaints and comments

a.The Ombudsman acts as an appeal authority for complainants who are dissatisfied with responses from CBC program staff or management.

Census, Can be a tricking thing.

CBLN (CBC London) = London + Kitchener. Thats not true as the CBLN contours doesnt reach Kitchener. So really the amount people of CBLN gets is more like 600ooo. But if you change the CBC tower location. Theres no reason why Sarnia or Erie couldnt be reached from the London Tower.

Now, If you add Detroit population to CBET. Then CBET reaches far more people then London.

Also, about the smaller repeaters. CBLN doesnt have to upgrade other repeaters. However, One max tower should be able to support the CFPL CBC contours.

Read ya l8r,
Al

CBC's latest tactic: Get the satellite BDU's to carry all of their channels. Rather than deploy digital transmitters...Satellite television access to CBC/Radio-Canada:
It’s time to get it right
Are you a satellite subscriber deprived of your local CBC or Radio-Canada television station?

Satellite television (a.k.a. direct-to-home, or DTH) subscribers account for about one-third of total viewers across Canada. Many of these subscribers, however, don’t at present have access to their local CBC or Radio-Canada station.
This problem of accessibility is an issue that needs to be resolved. And there is hope. The situation exists because of an outdated regulatory policy. The CRTC will be reviewing that policy this fall, and it is now seeking input from the public until September 8.
If you are one of those satellite TV subscribers that doesn’t receive his/her local CBC/Radio-Canada station, now is your opportunity to have your voice heard.
The regulatory framework as it stands

Unlike cable companies, which can provide a distinct feed for each of the markets they cover, satellite providers beam down one signal that all Canadians from coast to coast must share.
Under the CRTC’s current policy framework, satellite service providers have only two obligations when it comes to carrying the signals of a given broadcaster. Unfortunately, carrying all local television stations is not one of them:
◦They are required to carry at least one TV station from each nationally-licensed television network and a minimum of 5 CBC and 5 Radio-Canada stations, including one from each time zone.
◦They must also carry at least as many English or French-language CBC and Radio-Canada stations as it distributes from any one private broadcasting group.
So what does that mean for Canadians?

The result of the CRTC’s rules is that today, Canada’s two major satellite television providers have chosen to leave out many CBC and Radio-Canada stations from their service. Bell TV carries only nine of 14 CBC stations and eight of 13 Radio-Canada stations, while Shaw Direct carries only 10 of 14 CBC stations and six of 13 of Radio-Canada stations.

Here’s how the “missing” stations break down:

CBC
Radio-Canada

Bell TV (5)
Fredericton/Saint John
Charlottetown
Windsor
Regina
Edmonton
Shaw Direct (4)
St. John’s
Fredericton/Saint John
Charlottetown
Windsor
Bell TV (5)
Rimouski
Chicoutimi (Saguenay)
Trois-Rivières
Toronto
Regina

Shaw Direct (7)
Rimouski
Chicoutimi (Saguenay)
Trois-Rivières
Quebec
Sherbrooke
Toronto
Regina


Recent policy changes aren’t enough

As of September 1, 2011, satellite TV providers will be obligated to carry at least one TV station per province (and only 2 stations from the 4 Atlantic provinces) owned by each major Canadian broadcasting ownership group. CBC and Radio-Canada are considered to be two distinct ownership groups.
While this is a step in the right direction, it will not guarantee citizens access to their local CBC or Radio-Canada station. That’s because CBC and Radio-Canada operate multiple stations in certain provinces.
The challenge is particularly acute in Quebec, where Radio-Canada operates six TV stations. Bell TV currently carries only three of those. Shaw Direct carries only one. But more than that, the current rules do not ensure a diversity of voices in that province: Shaw Direct, for example, carries five of the six TVA stations, and four of the five V (formerly TQS) stations.
That story is not limited to Quebec. Bell TV does not carry the CBC signal in four provincial capitals, like Edmonton, for example, a market that represents over 1 million Canadians.
What can you do?

If you’re a satellite subscriber who doesn’t receive his or her local CBC and/or Radio-Canada station, now is your chance to let the regulator know about your concerns. Add your voice to the issue.

Submit your comments to the CRTC before September 8th. Scroll down to Notice #2010-488 and click the button in the left column to access the comment submission form).http://cbc.radio-canada.ca/distributionissues/

Even there, they've got it wrong.
All CBC/Radio-Canada main network services should be available UNENCRYPTED through a free-to-air satellite service. That way, ALL Canadians will have access to their national public broadcaster.
But the CRTC (and the subscription satellite providers) probably won't like that idea.
And because some 80% of Canadians live in or near major centres, CBC/Radio-Canada should properly roll out its terrestrial OTA services such that most Canadians will get CBC without the need for satellite or cable.

Even there, they've got it wrong.
All CBC/Radio-Canada main network services should be available UNENCRYPTED through a free-to-air satellite service. That way, ALL Canadians will have access to their national public broadcaster.
If CBC turned into a PBS-clone, that might be feasable. The problem with UNENCRYPTED satellite is that the signal cannot be controlled that tightly. Forget about carrying any regional NHL games, because people on different sides of the provincial border are supposed to be seeing different games. Forget about Wheel of Fortune, etc, because most Canadians live near the US border, and an unencrypted satellite transmission WILL spill over the border if a reasonable signal is beamed towards Vancouver or Winnipeg or Sault Ste Marie or Fort Frances or Toronto, etc., etc.

Would it not be feasable to have a programmable [filter] chip in the satellite controller box that would filter 'out-of-zone' network stations, and only allow the [networks'] local channels to be viewed?

It seems to me this is an issue the local stations have been complaining about for years...having satellite viewers watching out-of-province stations they wouldn't normally get, thus the local stations miss out on advertising revenue etc.

Well the CRTC decided to allow out of market stations to air on BDUs as they please. If they refined the rules similar to how it is in the States, then it solves the issue. Just make DMAs to protect local TV and vola.