Tories considering relief for private TV networks

[daleo]

OTTAWA — — The Harper government is considering help for Canada's troubled private TV broadcasters, including the possibility of looser regulations and tax changes.

Heritage Minister James Moore said Wednesday that the federal cabinet is aware of the threat to local news content should more local stations close.

And he confirmed that the government is looking specifically at how to assist CanWest Global Communications , which is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.
...
Harper has had at least one face-to-face meeting with CanWest CEO Leonard Asper and two with Quebecor's Pierre Karl Peladeau since the new year, according to public filings with the lobbyist registry.
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http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090318.wToriesTV0318/BNStory/Business/home?cid=al_gam_mostview
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I would get rid of cable TV if this goes through - I hardly ever watch it anyway. I would get my internet from the phone company.

[CHIMO]

1. So Now

We will have Conservative sponsored TV and Newspapers funded by us. And we have no political opposition.

The Liberals just want to be a bit left of the Conservatives and the NDP want to be the Liberals.

So suck it up until we have gone through the ordeal.

[Progressive Albertan]

2. Let Them Eat Cake.

They don't need any help, let them sell off some of there assets to raise enough capital to turn them selfs around on there own. I don't see why taxpayers should be footing the bill for anything that perpetuates the consolidation of the media in the hands of a few corporate interests.

[willbee]

3. no bailing out billionaires

Of course the Harper government is willing to help Canwest
Global and the Aspers. They have diligently supported his
right wing, warrior, agenda for years. Our airwaves are
saturated with rightist propoganda stations, promoting the
American ideal and US shows, such as Global and CTV.
Meanwhile, the CBC, which is the one station in Canada that
actually supports homegrown talent and news, is cut off at the
knees.
If Global is failing it is because they continue to air
material that can be found on any number of US stations. If
they want to survive, perhaps they should start delivering
shows that are different from everything else on the tube.
If I had a business that sold the same crap as all the other
businesses, and I went under because of it, would I get a
bailout? NO!
The Aspers are rich supporters of the neo-con agenda. While
many in Canada go homeless and are losing their savings, there
is no way our federal tax dollars should be bailing these bums
out.