CBC's OTA Future: Discussion

[stampeder]

Across the U.S.A. local not-for-profit groups run repeaters of distant stations (called "translators" down there) so my reaction to the most recent posts in this thread is that there may be a way for such groups to arise in rural areas of Canada. As I've noted many times before, the town of Fort Saint James, BC, runs it's own not-for-profit OTA system with lots of channels.

Just an idea for making lemonaide out of the CBC's lemons. No idea if the CBC would get any sort of tax write off for the donations but it might be worth investigating if someone is so interested.

[roger1818]

Sale of a broadcasting license would require CRTC approval but unless there are concerns about the new owner, it would likely be a rubber stamp. A new license application results in a call for other applications and could backfire.

[OTA-London]

I belong to a committee, that is having major meetings about keeping the CBC here in London. CBC has been contacted by Cactus, on our behalf, and we are in talks with them. Cactus wants us to be the poster child for the CBC That is all I can say at the minute. What we want right now, is for all of London to be behind us, as we go forward. Watch for more updates in the next couple of months, as we try to keep the CBC from going Dark.

[someguy23475]

Good luck, but I don't see the CBC budging. The only way I can see them sticking around is via a private affiliate. If you know some investors that would be interested in purchasing CBLN, convert to digital, and sign an affiliation agreement with CBC, then that would be the way to go.

[roger1818]

^^^I agree, though it is worth a try. The question with an affiliate is will the CBC agree to reasonable terms and conditions.

[El Gran Chico]

For those unfamiliar with CACTUS

http://cactus.independentmedia.ca/

As for the "CBC budging", they don't have to. The community-owned transmitter would be bearing the cost. I can't imagine what grounds the
CBC would object to?!

[someguy23475]

I see where you are going now. I was thinking more along the line of full blown station like CKWS instead of a small community one relaying CBC. With London being as large as it is, I'm not sure a small station could do the trick.

[interdit_450]

Would a PBS-style format work better for the CBC?

The idea is fleshed out in this blog from last year

[ScaryBob]

It is doubtful if the CRTC would approve upgrades to an analog transmitter without also converting it to DTV

The CBC does not care about CRTC approval. Their actions over the past 12 months have made that clear and the CRTC has no power to revoke the CBC's license. The only regulating body the CBC answers to is IC, which determines broadcast power and frequency. The CBC has already "upgraded" several analog transmitters on that basis alone. The federal government could step in and force the CBC to follow CRTC guidelines but that hasn't happened either.

[roger1818]

^^^If you look at the context of that post, I was talking about another station buying CBC transmitters and using them in other locations. Since this would not be permitted, the transmitters are of no value outside their current location (like someone else suggested). The CBC has made it clear they don't want to keep any analog transmitters so your argument is mute.

[alebowgm]

Originally Posted by interdit_450

Would a PBS-style format work better for the CBC?

The idea is fleshed out in this blog from last year

The PBS model was discussed on, of all shows, Primetime Sports last week. Its right at the top of the show. Bob McCown had Richard Stursberg (former E.VP of CBC TV) on in studio.

http://pmd.fan590.com/podcasts/pts/P...04-23-4-pm.mp3

[ScaryBob]

The CBC has made it clear they don't want to keep any analog transmitters so your argument is mute.

The CBC has also made it clear they don't want affiliates so the previous post is also moot. The whole thread is probably moot since the CBC and Ottawa have snubbed their collected noses at anyone expressing concern over the CBC shutting down in London or anywhere else. The CBC even told the city mayor to take a hike.

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by alebowgm

The PBS model was discussed on, of all shows, Primetime Sports last week. Its right at the top of the show. Bob McCown had Richard Stursberg (former E.VP of CBC TV) on in studio.

Excellent interview! I highly reccomend everyone listen to it.

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by ScaryBob

The CBC has also made it clear they don't want affiliates so the previous post is also moot.

That is another reason I could have added to why the transmitters aren't of any value, though I guess the buyer wouldn't have to be forming a CBC affiliate. I agree that would be best, and who knows, maybe the CBC has a different view to affiliates now that they are shutting down all their repeaters than they did a few years ago. The CBC does seem to waffle on a lot of issues. Initially (before the CRTC came up with this mandatory market thing) said they wanted to transition a lot more transmitters (though admittedly not all of them).

[classicsat]

PBS really isn't a network, or really is depending on your perspective.

The National PBS is just a programming provider/distributor for the various public broadcasting stations/mini-networks across the country. Yes, a good part of it comes from "affiliate" stations. The stations are various local and regional/state public/educational broadcasters, who "buy" the PBS network programming, and in some cases, produce it for national distribution, if not locally/regionally.

Now I say that because that could be one possibility.

If you mean go commercial free, and beg for viewer and corporate contributions, that is a somewhat different thing.

I will sound like a broken record again, I favor the BBC model, yes with a TV license fee, if that can guarantee a world class broadcaster like the BBC is.