The thought of my community without local television is a disconcerting one. This past year I’ve held my breath, hoping that Waterloo Region would not be affected by the budget cuts which have befallen broadcasters in communities not far from my own. Now, with local television under review by the CRTC, the reality is that we too could be burdened with budget cuts, or worse -- community television termination.
Television is one of several ways we stay connected with our local community. Even though technology has ushered in new ways for audiences to gather news and entertainment, I believe that local television is a fundamental part of our identity as a community.
Local content acts as an equalizer that puts our stories on par with nationally broadcasted media. We are made to feel that our lives are newsworthy and no less important than everything else we watch on TV. At the same time, watching our friends, neighbors and community leaders at the forefront of our televised news and entertainment speaks to us on personal level. It also reinforces that we as citizens have agency in the media we consume-- we are just as much a part of the news as we are in producing it.
“The future of local TV and the financial health of the broadcast television industry in Canada may rest with community television, and initiatives to reinforce the creation and distribution of local community programming.” mediacastermagazine.com
Have you given your two cents yet?
I have to agree with the issues you raise about local television. I think local television is important in developing a sense of community with in a region. Local television allows people in that community to be informed of the issues ongoing in their community and to develop opinions on them to be able to improve on current conditions.
ReplyDeleteLocal television has the opportunity to provide coverage of local events and possibly even a culture that is particular to that community. I do agree with what you had to say, that local news allows us to position ourselves with in the nation, to feel as our issues are important.
I feel as if local television is taken away, and subjected to budget costs, it takes away a part of the citizen's voice for change and opinion on a local level. Hopefully other people realize this too so we do not lose our connection to local communities.
It always seems to be that the most real and beneficial outlets are the ones to face problems and adversity. FOX News is the most bias and useless news braodcaster but you dont see them being affected by budget cuts. Of course it has to be the local outlets which actually give an opportunity to locals to express themselves, their views, their productions that would never really make the big networks.
ReplyDeleteWhy take this away from people? With more and more sources encouraging particapatory media, why remove the one outlet that makes this possible?
Thanks your your insight. I think that despite the fact people may get their news from the web, local TV still plays an integral role for communities. Perhaps this is the bone of contention for the CRTC. I can see them considering local television to be a bit superfluous since we have become more inclined to access our news via the web. However, as a local television volunteer, I can definitely see the value in having a local TV station. As you both mentioned, it places an importance on the community and local issues.
ReplyDelete