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In the grand scheme of things, this isn't all that important. But I note it here because it's very unusual. It's kind of like an eclipse - they only happen occasionally and that's what makes them so interesting.
The CBC, as most here know, is dedicated to showing Canadian programs and for the most part, only Canadian programs. That is its mandate and the days of buying American shows and putting them on the Corp.'s channels are long over.
And so it's curious that on Thursday, Dec. 15th, both CBC and ABC are showing the American-originated special "Beauty and The Beast - A 30th Celebration." It means CBC will get to avail itself of the simsub rules it rarely needs.
Not a big deal, as noted, but outside of the occasional sports event, I can't recall in the past decade or so when that's happened. Although I'm sure it probably has.
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And of course back in those days, when the Canadian networks went program shopping in Hollywood, the studios always granted the pre-release rights requested by CBC/CTV/CHCH as a condition of sale. We here in the GTA always had two chances every week to watch our favourite American programs. Do I watch Gunsmoke Wednesday on Ch 11 or wait until Saturday and view it on ch 4.
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That was one of the true advantages of having Canadian TV in those pre-VCR/DVR days. You could effectively watch double the television shows of your American neighbour by virtue of different scheduling.
Simsub has all but ruined that now, but thankfully competing shows can be recorded, so you don't miss anything.
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I hate to say it but having a mix of American and Canadian programming helped the ratings for the CBC's Canadian fare. The decision to go all Canadian has turned CBC-TV into niche viewing. I can't remember if this was CBC's decision or if the government forcing it on CBC after complaints from private broadcasters about having to compete with CBC when bidding for American shows.
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Hansa wrote:
I hate to say it but having a mix of American and Canadian programming helped the ratings for the CBC's Canadian fare. The decision to go all Canadian has turned CBC-TV into niche viewing. I can't remember if this was CBC's decision or if the government forcing it on CBC after complaints from private broadcasters about having to compete with CBC when bidding for American shows.
The CBC was moving towards a more Canadian schedule and I don't know if there was added pressure from the private networks or government to be more so. Seems that they have replaced the US programming with mostly British.
Many people forget that for years CBC carried the Academy Awards and the Super Bowl back in the late 60's-70's.
And what US programming they had was chosen well. Yes it could have helped some of the Canadian programming, but more important it helped to keep CTV at bay who were quickly starting to dominate the ratings. Much of this era was prior to simsub.
Struck me on the weekend how much sports CBC TV still carries. Saturday they were all sports from 12 noon until 4am Sunday morning. The only break was a half hour newscast at 6pm. And the sports featured were much more than NHL hockey. In the afternoon they covered alpine skiing from Banff and Europe, Red Bull's big snowboarding competition from Edmonton, Luge competitions and a few other events. This was all in addition to the three NHL games carried.
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No simsub on this at least on Bell. I was going around the dial, CBC and ABC are running the special separately. The same on Rogers? Can't remember the last time CBC simsubed anything, even sports.