CBC Television ditched the steamy hockey drama MVP after just weeks on the air after critics were lukewarm about the show and fewer viewers embraced it as expected.

But now, living a “second life” on the Amercian cable network Soapnet, the show has produced some unlikely praise. The New Yorker magazine, described by the Toronto Star, is “a high-brow magazine popular among the intellectual set.”

The New Yorker wrote in a recent review: “[The show] “calls to mind such past treasures as Dynasty and
almost every other nighttime soap you can think of…. I’m going to sit right down and send Canada a thank-you note.”

A writer with the Boston Herald agreed: “Not since the glory days of Melrose Place has a soap seemed like such a naughty pleasure.”

Should jPod fans be knocking down the doors of the Harper’s Magazine?

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	MVP, jPod	Posted at 10:18 am (30 Jun 2008)

This morning, the Globe and Mail published a profile of CBC’s executive in charge of all English-media, Richard Stursberg.

Stursberg has come under much fire recently for his movement toward favouring TV programs which draw audience share (and, of course, advertiser revenue), as opposed to those which are more cultural and/or Canadian in nature. (Witness the bumping of Marketplace for two American game shows.)

At least from a ratings point of view, early indications are that CBC Television’s share is moving up — just past Global TV in prime-time now.

The full article is definitely worth a read. Here are some highlights from the Globe sidebar:

On CBC choosing not to renew the rights to the Hockey Night in Canada theme song:
Was the jingle a nice jingle? Yeah, certainly it was. Were we disappointed to have it taken away? Sure. But on the other hand, it’s something that’s not going to make any difference to Hockey Night in Canada. People come to Hockey Night in Canada because they’re coming for the hockey. They’re not coming to listen to the jingle.

On selling the U.S. and international rights to more than 1,000 hours of television product, including The Border, and 1,000 more hours of television shows produced in-house, to ContentFilm PLC of Britain:
The way it works is, the signing authorities are delegated by the board to the president and the president to me. It fell way below my signing authority in terms of the value of it. We don’t have any particular requirement in any of our policies to take any of that stuff to public tender.

On why the investigative consumer-report show Marketplace is being pushed aside in the fall season to make way for the resolutely American game show, Jeopardy!
The only reason we put American shows on in the first instance is to generate revenue. … For every extra dollar of margin we can generate out of a show like Jeopardy!, it just means an extra dollar we can put into Canadian programming. It’s not as though the money is going anywhere else.

Your thoughts are welcome about the article itself or topics raised in the article. Personal attacks will not be approved for publication. Remember, folks. You’re welcome to attack the idea or decision, not the person.

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	Executives	Posted at 10:53 am (28 Jun 2008)

Beginning in September, CBC Radio’s arts show Q will follow The Current, and air from 10 to 11:30 a.m.  with a two-hour expanded broadcast on Friday mornings. Q will continue to air at 10 p.m. (10:30 p.m. NT) each weeknight., and Jian Ghomeshi will continue to host.

Taking Q’s former mid-day time slot will be Aamer Haleem, who is new to the CBC and radio. Haleem is currently a VH1 personality and host of the show Bands Reunited. He was host of VH1’s Top Video Countdown, interviewing celebrities like Madonna. Haleem was born in London but raised in Canada, attending the University of Toronto and the the Humber College School of Journalism.

CBC Radio icon Shelagh Rogers will be back this fall with a new program exploring the best in Canadian literature. Rogers will speak with renowned writers and future literary stars, and examine the issues having an impact on books in Canada. It will air Saturdays at 3:00 p.m.

Both new shows will originate from Vancouver.

(Both times +30 min in NT)

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	CBC Radio 1, Personalities, Q, Sounds Like Canada	Posted at 5:14 pm (25 Jun 2008)

The popular technology show Search Engine has not been renewed by CBC Radio. The host, Jesse Brown, will appear on other CBC Radio and TV programs talking about the same kinds of stories. The show’s blog and podcast will continue but, after I asked him for comment, as Jesse wrote: “Will be very different, since I will no longer be making the show with a team.”

“Since announcing this news, the passionate response from Search Engine listeners has been incredibly heartening. From the blogs to Facebook to the Globe and Mail, people we never even knew were listening have stepped up to let us know how much they care about the show.”

“But,” Jesse said, “Mixed in with the appreciation is a certain amount of anger towards the CBC..”

“Search Engine listeners are killer smart, and many have pointed out that whatever new shape the show takes, it’s losing a lot of resources.  I won’t pretend that I can single-handedly make up for the loss of my capable and creative producers.  The Search Engine that listeners know- the crafted half-hour newsmagazine - is gone.  But in its place I’m hoping to bring our thousands of subscribers something new, something a bit more off-the-cuff and raw.  And I hope, through my appearances on other shows, I’ll be able to bring some much-needed mainstream attention to the online issues our listeners care passionately about.”

CBC Radio’s other national technology program is Spark, hosted by Nora Young.

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		Posted at 12:35 pm (20 Jun 2008)

The federal government has chosen to not endorse the Heritage Committee’s report on CBC/Radio-Canada.

The CBC, needless to say, isn’t thrilled. “We are disappointed that the Government has not endorsed the Committee’s unanimous recommendations, said Hubert T. Lacroix, President of CBC/Radio-Canada. “The report is a blueprint for developing the future goals of public broadcasting in Canada.”

“The MOU would provide Canadians with a clear understanding of the future course of their public broadcaster and the resources necessary to provide the services they require.” Lacroix said. “In addition, the MOU improves the Corporation’s governance by enabling us to plan our activities and services over more than 12 months and thereby make more efficient use of our resources.”

Governments around the world have recognized the importance of developing clear strategic directions for their national public broadcasters in multi-year agreements. The Heritage Committee’s proposal for a seven-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) offers the same accountability.

The CBC noted that, given its current resources, the Corporation is facing some “critical choices” about its future directions.

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	Parliament	Posted at 9:24 am (20 Jun 2008)

The CBC should reconsider the closure of the CBC Radio Orchestra, according to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.

The 32-page report is worded gently, as the Committee acknowledges that the CBC has journalistic, creative, and programming independence. In other words, the government can’t tell the CBC what to do, only “suggest” it.

The report contains 9 recommendation/conclusions:”The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage…”

• reaffirms its recommendation that the Government of Canada commit to stable, multi-year funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, indexed to the cost of living. Funding should be for a period of not less than seven years and be established by means of a proposed memorandum of understanding.
• recognizes that under the Broadcasting Act, 1991, CBC/Radio-Canada enjoys journalistic, creative, and programming independence.
• is encouraged that CBC/Radio-Canada has reaffirmed its commitment that classical music will continue to have a central place in CBC Radio 2 programming.
• is encouraged that CBC/Radio-Canada has reaffirmed the development of other genres of music in order to reflect the diversity of Canada.
• concludes that CBC/Radio Canada should explore creative ways to acquire a third over-the-air CBC/Radio-Canada network to allow greater opportunities to better focus the broadcast of all genres of Canadian music, including classical, jazz, folk, world, and roots music.
• is convinced that CBC/Radio-Canada’s stated commitment to the continuation of classical music as a central part of CBC radio programming is intricately linked with the continuation of the CBC Radio Orchestra as a vehicle for emerging Canadian talent.
• recognizes with appreciation the long and illustrious history of the CBC Radio Orchestra and its role in the promotion of Canadian classical music and the development of Canadian composers, musicians and conductors. The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage further recognizes the specific contribution of the CBC Radio Orchestra to the cultural life of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia where it has been based.
• notes the particular role of a radio orchestra and, while not directing any specific outcome or action, concludes that the board of directors of CBC/Radio-Canada and CBC/Radio-Canada management should review the decision to disband the CBC Radio Orchestra.
• is convinced that meaningful consultation with Canadians, musicians, music organizations, and communities representing various musical genres would improve CBC’s decision making with regard to changes in radio programming.
• concludes that the cancellation of the young composers and young performers competitions has negatively impacted the ability of young emerging Canadian classical musicians and composers from showcasing their music to the public.

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	Changes to CBC Radio Two, Parliament	Posted at 11:29 am (19 Jun 2008)

A Canadian Press Harris-Decima poll reports that the majority of Canadians — 56 per cent — feel the CBC did the right thing by refusing to pay more than $1 million for a year’s licence of the song. (27% of people think the Corp should have shelled out.)

Among hockey fans, the support fell to 52%, but still enough to counter the 40% of these people who opposed the CBC’s decision.

Perhaps demonstrating the quintessential Canadian “middle of the fence” opinion (pronounced “meh…”), 59% of Canadians said they weren’t really moved by the CBC’s loss of the song.

Less than 15% surveyed believed the CBC would lose Hockey Night in Canada viewers because it lost the theme song.

Meanwhile, CBC sports head seems to be playfully hinting that the new theme contest may in fact be trumped by a deal with Stompin’ Tom Connors to use his famous “Hockey Song.” “You never know,” Moore said Wednesday. “Let’s just say we had him on the NHL Awards - that’s all I’ll say.” Connors is said to be open to licensing the song to the CBC as a replacement.

UPDATE: To be clear, Canadian Press, nor any company, was the “client” in this survey. Harris/Decima frequently releases its data with CP, as part of CP’s media sponsorship with the firm.

(hit tip to iNudes for the story)

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	HNIC Theme, Hockey Night in Canada	Posted at 11:53 pm (18 Jun 2008)

The CRTC today reported that profits for Canada’s cable providers (like Shaw, Rogers, etc.) continue to earn very strong margins — and earned a BILLION dollars more last year than it did in 2006.

Total revenues for all cable companies combined jumped by more than 16% over the previous year (2006). That added an additional BILLION dollars into their hands as the total rose from $6.1 billion to $7.1 billion. The number of basic-cable subscribers increased by a little — about 2.3% increase in customers.

But as for their profit margins (a much more illustrative metric) Canada’s cable companies continue to bank a lot of cash. Their profit margins last year were at 21.7%  in 2006. With those kind of returns, I should drop my conservative (12%) RRSP investments!

In 2007, cable companies employed 17,900 people and paid a total of $1.07 billion in salaries. In comparison, in 2006 these companies employed 15,271 people and paid out $933.1 million in salaries.

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	The CRTC, The Media Landscape	Posted at 3:08 pm (18 Jun 2008)

For a while now, The National has had its own Flickr page where they post photos taken while pursuing a TV news story. In preparation for its outstanding series No Country for Horses, a CBC photographer shot this picture of a horse, who would be dispatched shortly.

The caption reads:“Fear filled eyes waiting in slaughter pen.”

Really? To me, this horse’s face and eyes are saying “Holy crap, Dave, that s**t was awesome, dude! Hook me up again k?” more than it seems to be fearful of a looming death.

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		Posted at 2:41 pm (18 Jun 2008)

This is what happens when you try to add George Stroumboulopoulos to your list of Facebook friends.

Wow. Way to rub it in.

In the world of Facebook, you’re only allowed to have 5,000 “friends.” People, like Strombo, who are are a public figure and have lots of Internet-connected fans usually accept every friend request as a means of promotion. (Actually, there are four “I’m the real Stombo” people on Facebook. It’s hard to tell who’s really behind them.)

Better to try fan pages instead.

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	Fun Stuff, Personalities, The Hour with George S.	Posted at 6:51 pm (17 Jun 2008)

As you might have read in recent days, an Ontario Superior Court judge has released copies of a videotaped interview between Toronto police and convicted murderer Paul Bernardo. Bernardo was interviewed at the Kingston penitentiary in June 2007 about whether he had any involvement in the disappearance of University of Toronto student Elizabeth Bain, who has not been seen since June 1990.

Media, including the CBC, petitioned the court to permit the release of the tape (the tape doesn’t show any graphic images or descriptions of Bernardo’s crimes). While several media outlets have decided to air the entire 31-minute interview either online or on-air, the CBC decided it would not run the footage in its entirety.

The CBC’s executive editor of news operations, Esther Enkin, is answering questions on the Editors’ Blog about this decision. One of the questions:

Q: Was CBC one of the “media organizations” that argued in favor of the material being released, and if so, why the change of heart after the fact?

A: Yes we were. And no — it wasn’t a change of heart.

There were two reasons to apply for the release of the documents: CBC News has always had a strong commitment to an open judicial process. We believe justice is best served by making the system as transparent and public as possible. We also wanted to see the tape and judge for ourselves what its news value might be.

We did use portions of the tape in several stories: on radio, Newsworld, television and online. We used them in context and in a way we hope helped inform people about an ongoing case of great public interest.

You can read more at the CBC Editors’ blog.

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	News & Journalism	Posted at 1:01 pm (17 Jun 2008)

Harris/Decima confirms they conducted a poll in which several questions about the Hockey Night in Canada theme are asked. But, the research company say that nobody is paying them to do it.

Seems the survey company is doing it on their own “as a business development undertaking.” But, for now, “The CBC is not involved in this undertaking and did not pay for these questions,” Harris/Decima’s Kevin Loiselle says.

UPDATED: In fact, the poll only had another company’s name on it (Canadian Press) because CP and Harris/Decima have a media sponsorship arrangement whereby CP’s name appears on many of the surveys H/D publishes. According to H/D, they’ll release the full results (with demographic data, etc.) to any group for free. It’s the analysis of that data where they would begin charging.

The poll was conducted nationally and is is now completed. The company says it doesn’t have a timetable for release yet.

The exact text of the five questions were:

1. Would you say that you are an avid fan, an occasional follower, or not really interested in NHL Hockey?
2. As you may have heard, the theme song for CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts will in the future be used by CTV for its hockey broadcasts on TSN. The owner of the theme song wanted to increase the royalties for the use of the song. The CBC and the owner were unable to agree on a fee for the rights, and CTV offered the song’s owner over 1 Million dollars for the rights for five years. Would you say that you are very happy, happy, sad or very sad at this development, or that it doesn’t matter to you one way or another?
3. In your opinion, should the CBC have been willing to offer over a million dollars to keep the rights, or did the CBC do the right thing by not offering to pay that much?
4. The CBC has said that it will run a national contest to find a new song for its Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, do you think this is a very good, good, bad or very bad idea?
5. Do you believe that as a result of losing the familiar theme song and replacing it with a new one, that the audience for CBC’s Hockey broadcasts will grow in the future, stay the same, or shrink?

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	HNIC Theme, Hockey Night in Canada	Posted at 3:26 pm (16 Jun 2008)