CBC to open new radio stations
A CBC announcement that it will open new radio stations as part of a five-year plan has renewed a debate about the public broadcaster’s role — or lack of one — in Hamilton.
Details of where the new stations will be located have not yet been released.
In 2005, Hamilton worked with the Centre for Community Study, which prepared a report that argued that Hamilton — the largest underserved radio community — should be the next place for CBC expansion.
Councillor Brian McHattie was heavily involved in the political push and now says he plans to re-engage the CBC given Tuesday’s announcement.
“It’s an opportunity for us, no question,” he said.
Around the same time, a report went before a House of Commons committee examining the target markets CBC would like to expand into. In the English-speaking market, Hamilton was at the top.
“I would be surprised if Hamilton wasn’t in the top three priorities,” said Philip Savage, communications studies and multimedia professor at McMaster University.
Savage previously spent 15 years working for the CBC, mostly in audience research. While cost has been an issue, he said the biggest barrier Hamilton has faced is a lack of available FM frequency in the area.
There has been a shift in CBC management lately, Savage said, adding that he thinks this announcement points to making local programming a renewed priority.
Councillor Chad Collins said he would wholeheartedly support CBC in Hamilton.
“We need a station that looks at the broad issues facing Hamiltonians and by extension, Canadians,” he said.
“Hamilton residents and businesses pay an enormous amount of federal tax, and we rarely see anything in return for our contribution, such an investment would be quite welcome.”
Councillor Sam Merulla said he believes there would be widespread political support.
As part of the plan, CBC executives are also planning to introduce more locally based websites.
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/ar...radio-stations