mace wrote:

Perhaps they have done more indepth research and discovered that cuts to Radio-Canada would open a hornets nest of upset and extremely vocal Quebec voters.

As far as I know, there were never any plans to defund the French CBC because of its popularity in Quebec. It was only the English CBC and mainly the TV side that was in line for having its funds reduced or pulled. 

Rosie Barton has been so staunchly anti-Liberal (whether it's Trudeau or Carney) that I'm sure the Cons said hey, maybe the CBC isn't so bad after all.  I swear, at the rate she's going, she'll be Canada's Tucker Carlson in no time, spouting Putin talking points too.

I listened to her when she first got promoted up and she was never so one-sided in those early days, not sure what has changed in her viewpoint, but it certainly has made the CBC far from the pro left-wing newscaster that the Cons used to harp on and on about.

 

paterson1 wrote:

I have had CBC on for the past hour or so and I have counted at least 3 ads for the conservatives.  I wonder if the party is starting to soften a bit on the network.  Haven't heard much about defunding for quite a while and it is kind of odd that they are buying airtime on the English network, and have been for about one month.  Most groups don't support something that they are trying to shut down...

The Donald Trump campaign, along with the various PACs supporting Trump, frequently advertised on CNN during the U.S. presidential campaign, despite Trump calling CNN "fake news" and mocking its declining ratings. I didn't see much of the Fox News Network during that time but it would be insane if the Democrats didn't place advertising there too. It's about reaching out to the most potential voters as possible, not about playing in the culture wars.
 

Last edited by DX (March 20, 2025 1:55 pm)

Chrisphen wrote:

Foolish move. They should have refused the ad sale on general principle.

If you're referring to the U.S. ads, you're right, but then you're assuming those businesses have any integrity when there's money on the line.

If you're referring to the Conservatives on CBC, the network has no choice. The law says ALL broadcasters - even those that don't normally carry commercials - must accept ads for all reputable major parties during an election period. Once the vote is called, CBC Radio 1, which is normally spot-free, will have to find a way to work those ads into its schedule. Party affiliation doesn't matter. The law is clear - all parties must have access, regardless of where they stand politically. 

Kind of ironic, then, that you may hear Conservative ads on the very CBC they want to defund. Politics truly does make strange bedfellows...

On second thought, though, I don't think that edict comes into effect until an election is actually officially called. I'm not sure what the policy is on accepting ads that aren't designated as mandatory before the writ is dropped. But if the reports are right, all bets are off after Sunday. 

One thing is sure - the talk stations and others are looking forward to a bonanza of ad buying time from all the parties. It will be good for radio's tarnished bottom line.  

Unbearable?  Really?  I think it is going to be a fascinating campaign and election like no other.  Let's hope for a record voter turnout and celebrate our democracy.  

paterson1 wrote:

Unbearable?  Really?  I think it is going to be a fascinating campaign and election like no other.  Let's hope for a record voter turnout and celebrate our democracy.  

Oh, it will be fascinating to watch. And I love following politics, although not on this board!

I think you misinterpreted my meaning. I hate the constant phone calls (always in the middle of dinner) and the people coming to my door (ditto the timeframe), the endless junk mail, being accosted at a grocery store, etc., etc., etc.

There's 38-odd days of it coming as of Sunday. It gets overwhelming after the first week. And as noted in my post above, the vote hasn't officially even been called yet and they're already on my phone. Imagine what's coming after the writ is dropped on Sunday! Can we just fast forward to the end?

Well then I envy you. I recall during the last campaign when my phone kept ringing with live and robocalls from all three parties. (I don't think I ever heard from the Greens but otherwise they all called.)

And they came to my front door.

And they came to places like my local No Frills, where they knew there would be a lot of regular folks, most from the riding.

And then came the flyers, which after awhile went straight into the recycling bin.

And then came the endless radio and TV ads, which I wish had a recycling bin.

And I'd be walking my dog down a street and one of them would be canvassing and come over to talk to me. If only I'd taught my dog the "kill" command!

So enjoy your peace and solitude. If the past is any indication, these guys and gals are going to be gigantic pests for the next month plus in the riding I'm in. 

And then, or course, you never hear from them again, until four years later...

True, and I share a front lawn with my neighbour. I have no idea how he votes and it's not my business. But if a lawn sign goes up, it could accidentally lead people to believe he supports a candidate he doesn't. So best to just leave it off altogether. 

This is from the Broadcasting Arbitrator, a division of Elections Canada, which tries to make sure every registered party gets allocated at least some time on Canadian airwaves.

So how much does each party get? A lot depends on the size of the organization and how many elected members each has. Under the rules:

"Canadian broadcasters, licensed by the CRTC, have a legal obligation to make broadcasting time available for purchase by registered and eligible political parties during a general election."

But honestly, I want to hear the 12 minutes allotted to The Marijuana Party. If they could even be motivated enough to actually make a commercial...