Does Steve have the CRTC Preparing the Way for Fox North?

The CRTC has received more than 3,000 public responses to its plan to "change a regulation that prohibits the dissemination of false of misleading news." Most of them opposed the proposal. They are to be found posted on the CRTC website.

"If implemented, this change will throw wide the doors to the lies and manipulatiion of Fox News-style televisiion; if implimented, this change will usher in an era in which venemous, fact-eschewing news media will shape the destiny of Canada," writes one, quoted in the Feb. 11 Globe.

The joint committee of parliament that demanded relaxation of regulations a decade back because they appeared to violate the Charter, probably won't back down now, says Liberal MP Derek Lee. "I think we will simply proceed with the files as they are, put on the record our response,and acknowledge the desire of the public to do everything we can to assure truth in broadcasting..."

New Democrats have told Parliament that the regulationary change after a decade's hiatus is not mere coincidence.

Hi.  The question has been "why now" (as Sun TV providentially appears) . Perish the thought that that meeting between Steve and the principals of Sun TV last year would result in arousal of the CRTC on this matter.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Emma Ruby-Sachs - Avaaz.org <[email protected]>
Date: Thu, Feb 17, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Subject: 48 hours to save Canadian journalism - massive response!

Wow -- 70,000 signers in 48 hours! The petition was delivered to the CRTC last night, and they're watching our numbers now - sign below, forward this email and make this an unstoppable public outcry!

Dear friends across Canada,

Public protections against false and misleading news coverage could be destroyed by the CRTC -- paving the way for "Fox News North" to spread false information to the Canadian public that supports their political agenda. We have just two days to raise a national outcry and urge the CRTC to protect Canadian journalism!

In 48 hours, public protections against false news coverage could be destroyed. The CRTC may pass a huge loophole to the "fair and balanced" rule that currently prevents media from outright lying to the public.

Canada's broadcast journalism standards are an impediment to the new "Fox News North" (Sun TV) network being set up by Prime Minister Harper's cronies, which promises to mimic Fox News -- the poisonous US propaganda network. The CRTC rule change, which allows false news to be blasted across Canadian airwaves, comes just as SunTV is about to launch.

We can stop this -- last year, we prevented Harper cronies from pressing the CRTC to fund "Fox News North" with public money. Now, we have just two days to raise another national outcry to save the standards of Canadian journalism, and our democracy. Sign the petition below, and tell everyone:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/canada_fair_and_balanced/?vl

The proposed changes to regulations protecting Canadian airwaves would require any complaint to include proof that the broadcaster knew that the news was false AND that the lies spread could endanger the lives, health or safety of the public -- so a journalist could tell any lie they liked as long it didn't kill or sicken anyone. Proponents within the CRTC are claiming that this change is in reaction to a Supreme Court decision, but that ruling was made fifteen years ago and has almost nothing to do with TV news standards.

Television news is regulated by the CRTC precisely because news that spreads lies degrades public discourse and destroys the ability of Canadians to cast an informed vote. These kinds of lies may not directly threaten our lives or personal security, but they do threaten our country and our democracy.

Avaaz, along with hundreds of other media advocates, has already submitted a detailed legal argument explaining why the "fair and balanced" rule is necessary to protect Canadian democracy. A national call to keep the news honest will focus CRTC attention on the legitimate objections to their dangerous plan. Sign the petition and forward this email to everyone:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/canada_fair_and_balanced/?vl

Just a few months ago, Canadians prevented government subsidies for "Fox News North" and helped expose the unethical conduct of its director Kory Teneycke, Prime Minister Harper's former Communications Director. Now Harper's cronies are back, and hacking at an essential pillar of our democracy, the standards that help prevent media from outright lying to the public. In the next two days we join a long tradition of Canadians who have built and sustained our democracy in the face of all kinds of threats. Let's do that tradition proud.

With hope,

Emma, Ricken, Laryn and the rest of the Avaaz team

Sources:

CRTC plan to lift ban on false news prompts political investigation:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/crtc-plan-to-lift-ban-on-false-news-prompts-political-investigation/article1898147/

CRTC notice of consultation on fair and balanced rule:
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2011/2011-14.htm

CRTC receives thousands of comments on 'false and misleading news' amendment:
http://www.wirereport.ca/reports/content/11955-crtc_receives_thousands_of_comments_on_false_and_misleading_news_amendment

Avaaz submission to the CRTC - Feb. 9, 2011
http://www.scribd.com/doc/48882523/Avaaz-Re-BNC-2011-14

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Ezra Levant tells it like it isn't on Fox North beginning Monday

You haven't heard Ezra Levant's rant yet!

Hope yer right, TP.  Business people love 'em.