Local and Community TV Review: Discussion Forum Comments

I watch community television regularly. It forms a thread that serves to tie our community together. The local Rogers station provides topical stories and data of interest to Londoners, information that is not accessible through any other media. It tells stories of our community, environment and fellow citizens and enlightens us about services and activities that are available. We get to know local personalities and view sporting events of great local interest. None of the national networks provide the indepth coverage of events specific to our local community.
to lose that service would be a serious blow to the sense of community that is so essential to the quailty of life here.
I hope and pray that the CRTC will continue to support community television.

Rogers Community television and the local programming it offers is important to me personally and to the organization I represent. Habitat For Humanity Heartland Ontario has enjoyed strong interest and support from both the London and Oxford Rogers stations. They have been vital in helping us build awareness about our work and to promote events and other intiatives we have underway. I regularly hear from people that they saw an interview we did or coverage of an event so I know it works for us to participate. Daytime and other shows give Habitat and other non profits a local forum which we could not afford to pay for. We also know and appreciate that volunteers are a key component to the success of Rogers Community TV. Volunteerism and community engagement is fundamental to Habitat's work and success so we value and understand how important this is. On a personal basis I really enjoy local sports coverage, especially Knights hockey, City Council meetings, political and opinion forums, as well as some specialty programs. To close I believe community television provides a platform for people and organizations to communicate and build awareness which we might not otherwise have. It is therefore important to the well being of our community.

Local programming defines a community and gives it the flair that makes each community truly unique. Local News, Sports, Weather reports, News Updates and other locally produced features and shows are an integral part of the community. Our local television station is a major player in various events and consistently gives back to the community supporting various organizations throughout the year. It is part of the stations' committment on an ongoing basis to the citizens of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. I trust the CRTC will continue to support local television productions, local television stations and with it the communities that need them.

This is Mary Anne Marlow the host for the Sex with Dr Zen show on Rogers TV London Ontario. The CRTC is vital for the community because it gives people like myself the opportunity to voice concerns, issues and vital educational information to the larger public and get some fun stuff out there too; SO EVERYONE CAN LEARN, UNDERSTAND AND ENJOY. I have done only 2 seasons of the show out in London; and hopefully I can continue to broaden the minds of the community with healthy, fun and informative material with the help of show guests.
I have driven all the way from Toronto, Ontario into London to do the taping of the Sex with Dr Zen show and have also taken the time off my work as a self employed practition in order to passionately get my voice heard. Hopefully the opportunity will come my way again to do a 3rd season; and I would drive to the ends of the earth to do it again and again!
I love London and as a great town and the shifting of opinions; we need the CRTC as a platform for the younger generation so positive change can occur for the human race in order to lift us into a healthier lifestyle dimension.

As a viewer: It’s so easy to get lost in the mainstream news programs/channels. Quite frankly I find it somewhat depressing & it gives me a sense of helplessness & isolation. Local News Coverage and Programming on the other hand, provide the perfect blend of world news story coverage, but more importantly provides the community with a voice of their own. Local news and programming gives the individual a heightened sense of belonging to their community. We watch our local news every night.

As a station employee: I truly appreciate the hard work that goes into creating local programming and News here, at Thunder Bay Television. Working in the Traffic Department, we see the heightened demand on our Local News inventory by both National & Local Advertisers everyday. I also see the result among family/friends who refer to the days local events/news stories they saw on Newshour/Late News.

In the community, you know the benefits of local News/Programming are huge when shopping local and engaged in casual conversation with a store owner, they ask where you work and you tell them the TV station. (The first question they ask is 'do you know so & so') but then they then go on (without provocation) to tell you how they see their greatest benefit as an advertiser when their commercials run in local News and the dollar value it brings through their doors as a result. Many times I’ve been told by local store owners that what they hear from their customers is: ‘We are here because we saw your commercial in the Newshour’ or ‘We saw the story the local News did on your business’.

Local Programming & News has such an important impact on the community and surrounding areas as a whole. There’s no question it provides a vital component to the local/regional economy through the information it provides and through advertising.

I have been a volunteer for local television in my community for over 20 years. I find that coummunity TV gives me a more update what es happing in my area.

Community programming is essential and is at the heart of how we define who we are as a Community. Over the past few years community broadcast keeps eroding and is being replaced by often sensationalized news and events that maybe important as a whole but should not overshadow local community.
My experiences with Rogers has always been met with passionate, dedicated and professional people that genuinely care about local community. Being an Executive Director for a large charity that supports adults and children, our Community exposure directly affects our ability to provide quality service. My community involvements as a volunteer has also brought me to Rogers to spread the word on the community events including World level sport coming to our town.
Please be wise when debating any type of financial cutback as the value is in people and community which is "priceless "

Since 1957, CHAT TV has been a proud part of the Medicine Hat region. As an independent station, we take our responsibility to our viewers very seriously, communicating the news of our area through award-winning daily newscasts. We also support hundreds of local causes.
• CHAT TV provides 1-1/2 hours of live local newscasts each weekday. For two years now, our newscasts have been judged as the best small market newscasts in Canada by the Radio Television Digital News Directors Association (RTDNA).
• We produce special programming on current events, such as our extensive coverage of the major flooding in 2013.
• We produce “Week in Review”, a look back at the week’s top local stories and events.
• Our commitment to local sports includes “Tiger’s Time Out”, a show that follows our local hockey team.
• We also produce shorter segments of general community interest: a community event bulletin board, a movie review segment, a Crimestoppers feature, a monthly feature on local arts, and others.
• CHAT is available in high definition. This was a massive financial undertaking, and is a true indication of our dedication to top-quality, professional broadcasting.
• Our local business community relies on CHAT to be a major part of their marketing plans, providing cost effective advertising and promotional opportunities
• Each year, CHAT provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in value to local non-profit and charitable organizations. We are a part of this community, and show that by our support of many, many events--like the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, the Rotary Music Festival, the Medicine Hat Public Schools Golf Tournament, the Friends of Medalta Black and White Gala, the Chamber Business Awards…and many, many more.
• Our team members are volunteers and leaders in our community. As residents of this region, they are an integral part of the framework of life here, over and above their presence on air.
CHAT TV celebrates the unique lifestyle of Southeastern Alberta, on TV as well as through the internet. We hope the CRTC will recognize the importance of our station to the market, and the importance of Small Market local TV to Canada.

What would our community do with out our Rogers Channel. I wonder if the community knows how much money is raised through this local channel of ours in Kitchener/Waterloo For instances there are so many Lions International Service Clubs who raise money through the Local Bingo nights on Channel 20. My Lions Club gives away thousand of dollars every year to those in the community who need help. We were able to give $25,000 to Rim Park to help build an ice rink. We hold a free skate every year with Santa.
Best Friends of Big Sisters/Big Brothers raised one millon dollars for this agency. This is all done from the Chef's Gourmet Dinner. The Chefs appear on Rogers along with our Chair and the community sees what we are doing. This has been a sold out event for years and we thank Rogers for advertising it for us.
K-W Habilitation we go on Rogers to talk about our Scotch Tasting, This agency supports over 600 clients
The Alzehimers Society is another charity that Rogers supports for us. We have had our M/C from Rogers over the years.
The New Hamburg Lioness had a Fashion Show and we were able to go on Rogers to talk about this event.. With the proceeds we bought a Hearing Dog through the Lions Foundation of Canada.
I have been involved in many organizations and every one I support Rogers/Susan Cook Scheerer have always endorsed
WHAT I LIKE IS THAT THE SHOW IS REPEATED THROUGH OUT THE DAY, SO IF YOU ARE AT WORK YOU CAN WATCH IT IN THE EVENING.
How many people watch the hockey games on Rogers, If the funding is cut we would all miss so very much
Think of all of the volunteers who get training at Rogers.
It would be a great loss to our community if the funding is cut for this wonderful station, please reconsider your thoughts of cutting the funding. It is local and it is all about our community and the only station that promotes so much of what is going on in Kitchener/ Waterloo and area.
Thank you
Janet Dawson Brock
President of Best Friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters
President of New Hamburg Lioness
Secretary to K-W Community Spirit Lions Club

I think it is telling that ROGERS is the only cable community channel EVER mentioned in relation to providing a valuable service in the community. Good for them. But please don't give them more of our money to continue to do the same thing. And please don't support SHAW's efforts in the west which are never mentioned because they simply aren't worthy of mention. Do they even let volunteers work there anymore? completely irrelevant in western markets. Don't channel more of our money into their pockets so we can consume the same bland content.
These subsidies will kill the innovative companies that are waiting in the wings and hoping to begin employing all of these recently laid of journalists and provide new, robust digital platforms that will be far more effecitve in engaging our local communities. But they can't compete against subsized, national, vertically-integrated public companies. Please let this old structure die it's natural death so the next evolution of local media can begin...and we can all get back to the business of telling local storeis and engaging our audiences in new ways... we need to engage the 30, 40 and 50 year olds that are the movers and shakers in our communities... and supporting community cable stations with a subsidy (over and above the money you already pay them each month) will not get the job done. Most in that age group don't even know there is a community cable channel... again, Rogers, good on you... but ask yourself, does this work for the next generation that have cut the cord and don't even own a TV? No, it does not.
btw, I'm in my 50's and have worked in conventional media for 3 decades. It's time to move on, not subsidize.

I am a fan of our Chek TV for our Vancouver Island ! I think they do a great job of keeping us all informed !
I can see how we need Chek and are lucky to have many Island Businesses supporting them so they are able
to stay on the air ! I hope the businesses can continue their support even in this turbulent economic times ! If
not then perhaps a fund for these types of Local Channels can be found by our Local, Provincial and Federal
Governments !

I support CHEK tv and watch it regularly. It is a breath of fresh air. I heard recently that the cable companies are adding a surcharge to our bills because of the low loonie. The big cable companies are legalized bandits and they can add charges to our bills wlly-nilly. It is unfortunate we are held hostage by them.

I work in the TV industry (in a smaller station). I know first hand how hard we work to get our stories on air, to get our viewers up to date on the most important stories in our area. The station saw so many good people leave the industry, and not get replaced. We are working with a skeleton crew but we know that's just how it's going to be moving on forward. But everyday we go to work ready to tell the stories of our community.

Especially in a smaller community, local news is so important for those who want to know what's going on in their own backyard. We need more resources to be able to do more.

Local news is important for those who may not be tech saavy, and still enjoy getting their news the "old fashioned" way.

I grew up watching the 6pm news with my parents and siblings. It's a tradition I'm happy I got to experience, and one I want to pass along.

Local news makes a community stronger, by sharing the voices of their neighbours. Watching National newscasts are important, but our stories are not told there. They are told at the local stations.

We need local TV. We need local news... we need to revel in our communities.

I don't regret joining this industry at all. This is what I was meant to do. But I'm afraid this industry doesn't love me back as much as I love it. I really hope it finds a way to grow and become stronger with changing times.

ChekTV is the only news station that covers Vancouver Island and gives our North Island coverage as well.. Please do not remove this vital link to our well being up here. The news stories are relevant and cover all areas that we need to hear about. Everyone on this station is professional in their jobs and we watch it 7 days a week.......Please keep it on the air.

I have watched CHEK TV for 55 years, it has only been around for 60 years, I watched it in Victoria when I lived there nad now I watch it from Courtenay, a few hours north. I would be devistated if it was off the air, they fought so hard to remain as an independant station. It is the only link I have to the city I grew up in and can no longer afford to live in. Please continue to support community television.

Why is it that any money given to Shaw Cable does not go to CHEK TV as it does the larger stations. Is this not funding discrimination?

Thank you for allowing the public to present their views. I will be short, Canada is geographically too large of a nation not to have local tv news stations in particular. Do we need stations replicating US TV shows in excess, no. However local TV is imperative in communicating emergencies or getting information out quickly to the public. I live in the greater Victoria area, there is no way I would trust a news station from Toronto (self proclaimed centre of the universe) to keep me informed of an earthquake or tsunami were to hit the west coast. Web best only information is also suspect, there is no guarantee a Web story is legit, there is no content regulation body for Web content.
Local stations should get funding from the got. Perhaps even more money based on a sliding scale for local Canadian content, in other words the more local programs they show, or produce the more cash they get. Not sure if a PBS format would work for local stations (pledge based support).

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce I would like to express our appreciation for our on-going partnership with Rogers TV – Grey County, Ontario.

Rogers TV provides Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce with an invaluable medium to help promote our program, resulting in increased tips and more crimes solved in our community.

Over the past few years we’ve been afforded the opportunity to appear on Rogers TV on a fairly regular basis to promote upcoming fundraising events, new initiatives, and specific crime-solving initiatives.

In addition to these appearances we also partner with Rogers TV in the production of our unsolved “Crimes of The Week” episodes that highlight local crimes in an attempt to solicit calls from the public to solve them.

Crime Stoppers is, in fact, a cooperative partnership between the media, law enforcement, and the public working together to help make our communities safer places to live.

Rogers TV and Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce share a common vision – “A Better Community”.

We look to the past with great appreciation and look forward to the future with great anticipation of our valued partnership with Rogers TV.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Egerdeen, President
Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce Inc.

Vancouver island needs its local CHEK news, the mainland stations ignore our area unless we have an earthquake or murder. Our weather patterns are also vastly different from those of the mainland and we need to keep abreast of the local weather and sports.

We watch CHEK TV daily and it is the only way that we can get news that is relevant to people living on Vancouver Island and our island communities specifically.
Our local community newspapers are disappearing very quickly and shortly there will be no way, other than local TV, to get information on issues and news specific to our Vancouver Island homes.
I feel that independent TV stations offer an more in-depth look at the areas that they cover as opposed to the large newtworks that are obligated to give the national overview of a subject.
We cannot let these independent voices be silenced.

We watch our local TV channel ( CHEK TV) every day to receive information about our Island happenings, local weather and road conditions. Without local programming we would have to watch a mass media channel. These channels do provide general information but focus more on Lower Mainland day to day happenings. CHEK provides up to date news about our Island, provides information about local charitable happenings and local activities. The need for local programming is very strong and it would be a great loss to any area to lose their local TV channel

For me the community television is essential. I watch community television regularly, In my opinion the community television serves to unify our community in one simple way. Talking about specific local rogers station, i think that they provide many interacting programs such like, stories, and daily information of whats happening in London. Local Rogers is the best way to be in touch of whats happening daily in London and also we get updated of people that are in charge to take important decision i the government of our City.

Community Television is essential in unifying a community. As an employee of a local broadcasting firm, I know the hard work (and the number of local employees) required in getting information out to our local viewers. Thunder Bay, ON is an isolated community - the "capital" of Northwestern Ontario, many miles away from the hub of Ontario. If we did not have local television stations, we would have to rely on the big stations to bring us our news/weather/local events -- Thunder Bay would simply not get this information.
As a community television station, we provide local stories, weather, news and events to the viewer. We have local programming, support local non-profit and charitable organizations. We provide Marketing Sponsorships to many local events. Would any of this happen without local television?
I hope and trust that the CRTC will recognize the importance of Local/Community Television

As a viewer of local television as well as a contributor (volunteer) to the production of local programming in St. John's, NL, I would be very disappointed if this valuable resource was not available to me and other residents of my community. There is something very unique about locally produced television that continues to be appreciated by viewers. Community spirit is very important to maintain and local programming is a significant source for keeping us abreast of local celebrities, heroes, community matters and activities happening in our own backyard.

Here in Thunder Bay we are not in close proximity to any Network owned stations. To have no locally owned OTA station would mean we would not be able to have up to date news, sports, weather or events in and around the region. We would also not receive immediate notification of road closures, school closures, amber alerts for missing children etc. as the local stations run crawls to inform the public. Local charities would lose the ability to have televised fund raisers, local events would lose the ability to promote their events for free. I know it would not affect a lot of viewers but with no local OTA stations, viewers who are on a limited budget due to a lack of pensions would not be able to, with some speaker wire and a $5 connector, receive free tv saving them $100/mth or more for BDU,internet fees.

I think we all agree that local news content is an important piece of our daily lives, and a large part of what is important in terms of our daily intake of information. We live our lives locally, after all. Having lived in big cities (over 5 million), mid sized cities (1 million or so), and now a smaller city, I can tell you that the way people are able to access local news, sports, and issues varies widely with the amount of access each place has to local television coverage. And it does make a big difference.
Small centers, if serviced by local (and sometimes independent) television, have a chance of meeting the goals of the CRTC, and of all of us who understand the importance of local coverage and content. If that service goes away, or struggles (reducing content), the locale will stuggle as well. Let me give you just one example - and imagine from just this one, how many other industried are affected by a loss of local independant television. The city I live in has a major junior hockey team. It employs dozens of people, and dozens more on game nights, and brings excitement, fun events, and pride to the city. It loses money most years, I am sure, but stays afloat somehow. Nearly all revenue is derived locally - tickets - and the entire business faces enormous headwinds. People don't go out for entertainment like they used to. Sports fans in particular have dozens of options to watch a game on any given night, without having to go to an arena and pay admission. To make matters worse, much of this change is fueled by the big national networks - the rights holders for professional sports - who saturate the TV channels with thier games, and market relentlessly to ensure that everyone with a TV or handheld device tunes in, every night, all the time, rather than go to a local game.
It is no shock that attendance in junior hockey, and in all minor league sports, is down. Way down. What gives the local team, and local business, a fighting chance? The ability to touch the local buyer, the local fan, and the local business, and engage them all. Advertising is a part of this. Editorial content and local coverage is an even bigger part of it. Effectively being able to have both (locally) is critically reliant on local coverage - local television in particular. In short, the team would die without it, I have no doubt.
I strongly believe that this is true in any city that loses local TV. Local teams die. And, perhaps more importantly, I believe this is true for any type of local business, or industry, that relies on the engagement of local people, in the face of headwinds pushing them to look away.
None of this crossed my mind when I lived in a big city. Being now in this smaller city, and seeing now what the local independent TV station means to us all, it is striking to me that a scheme to level the playing field (funding assistance off of the backs of the mega-media conglomerates) does not exist. It should, it must, and any careful consideration of what occurs without it would convince anyone.

Please support CHEK TV in Victoria with some financial assistance as this station is very important to the people who live on Vancouver Island. The only island news shown on Vancouver TV stations is that of very serious accidents etc. that might interest people that don't live here. However, Chek provides us with all kinds of island news plus our own weather and a lot of things of interest to island people and not to others.
thank you.

Shaw TV in northern Vancouver Island epitomizes "community TV" and I just can't imagine our community without them. We do have a "local" TV station in Victoria, but they have no presence or meaning in the communities in our region. Shaw on the other hand works closely with local organizations and individuals to provide a platform for the information that matters in this community. They have offered countless volunteer hours to non profit organizations in the community supporting their efforts to improve the quality of life for all. If citizens have an idea for a show to profile a local issue, Shaw is proactive in finding ways in partnership with those individuals allowing them to tell the story. Just one example of how Shaw contributes in this community is that they sponsor the local annual Telethon for children with special needs and have done so for over a decade. This is an 8 hour live broadcast featuring local talent that raises much needed funds. Shaw provides, entirely without cost, all the crew for production on the day and is closely involved in the planning up to the day. This is a massive contribution in our community. I urge an approach that sustains community TV stations, like SHAW. They are truly part of the community and provide valuable information and a voice for us all.

Rogers Community television and the local programming it offers is important to me personally and to the educational community of Barrie, Ontario. The SCDSB has enjoyed strong interest and support from the Barrie Rogers stations. They have been vital in helping us build awareness about our schools and to promote events and other intiatives our studetns have underway. I have regularly conversations with people that they saw an interview or coverage of an event so I know it works for us to participate. We in education know and appreciate that volunteers are a key component to the success of Rogers Community TV. Volunteerism and community engagement is fundamental to our student's overall learning success so we value and understand how important this is. On a personal basis I really enjoy local sports personalities and their investment in showcasing the accomplishments of our students! We recently organzined and ran a provincil wide tournament and Barrie Rogers live broadcasted through out the event giving those families who could not attend a professionally produced experience! In closing, I believe community television provides a platform for people and organizations to communicate and build awareness which we might not otherwise have. It is vital that it continues!

I am the Artistic and Managing Director of Theatre for Living (formerly known as Headlines Theatre). Our relationship with Community Television began in 1986 with Rogers and has continued to this day, now with SHAW, when the change-over happened here in Vancouver. The constant in this has been Mr. Micheal Keeping, who I believe deserves an honourable mention.
Via Community TV we have been able to pioneer REAL live, interactive, issue-based television and then webcasting. Using an interactive style called Forum Theatre, we have presented hard-hitting plays on issues of family violence, addiction, homelessnessness, mental health issues and many, many others. Audience members from the local area (and now with live webcasting from all over the world) can intervene directly in the action of the play in real time and try to solve issues inside the play. This gives us the ability to create very deep community dialogue on issues that are often very difficult to discuss.
SHAW comes into a professional theatre space in which we are already running and provides a remote studio, camera and sound people, cameras, microphones, and, with the help of another person in charge of the web streaming, we reach many thousands of people who we would never reach. SHAW also rebroadcasts the recorded 2 - 2 1/2 hour long events.
We are the only theatre company on the planet doing this and it would be utterly impossible without SHAW.
For more information on these projects, see www.theatreforliving.com

Local News coverage is of vital importance to communities (such as the Regional Muinicpality of WoodBuffalo). Not only does it provide a much needed platform for community agencies (who often serve a broader prupose) to share information but it provides connection and collaboration opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. There are many types of information and events being shared as a direct result of local programming, from arts abnd culture to community issues like homelessness.

I find our local Shaw community station to be very useful in keeping abreast of what is happening in our winnipeg community. It often features local artists and musicians as well as every day people in their programing. I find this to be a refreshing break from all the reality shows and US content on other stations. I comend them in their quest to provide local content.

As a director of the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame, we have been using community programming for 30 years. We film an Induction ceremony for athletes, builders, and teams. This high profile event in our city reaches far and wide in our network for the ones that are shut in and cannot make the ceremonies. We are so thankful to community programing as it helps our organzation reach many people in sport.
As the Executive Director for Athletics, community programming gives an opportunity to offer many non profit sports to showcase there events on ShawTV. Thousands of community residents benefit from seeing other sports or activities that they might not see on regular TV. Lots of family and friends might not be able to attend and having this brings joy to parents or grandparents seeing their family members on TV. So a big thank you to ShawTV for their support over the years.

We need local TV because we do not watch yanki TV. We would rather watch the local news.

As far as television goes, our local CHEK TV is the sole of the community and apart from the local CBC radio station, it's the only way we learn about current local events live. Even the ads are more relevant to where we live and inform us about new services and businesses in the area.

TO THE CRTC:
I am a independent community television producer in Sault Ste. Marie. SHAW TV is an essential part of local media in this city and plays an important role in our community. Myself and a group of 30 plus people produce a weekly scripted soap opera for the community channel. The program has become very popular in our community. Without SHAW TV our program would not have an outlet to air our show. Producing a weekly scripted drama is a lot of work, but we all love it and have a blast doing it. SHAW TV has been very supportive of our show and provides a creative outlet for us and many other groups in the city. We lost our OTA broadcaster in 2001 and SHAW TV has filled that void. SHAW TV has become our "local tv station" and provides top notch productions of such things as Greyhound Hockey, Community reflection, news and City Council meetings. Without SHAW TV , Sault Ste. Marie would have no community reflection available on TV. In my opinion local community channels are vital in communities like Sault Ste. Marie. Thank you.

For several years Rogers TV KW has been a great partner of Waterloo Fire Rescue.

Rogers TV has provided us the opportunity to come on several different shows to educate viewers on Fire and Life Safety here in the city and in the Region. We are very grateful to Rogers for this opportunity and the partnership that has been formed.

Rogers has always been open to our requests to educate the public and viewers on fire and life safety.

We welcome and hope that Rogers TV KW continues to be a valuable partnership in our attempts to educate the public on fire and life safety.

We look forward to many more years of this great relationship and say Thank You to the support over all these years.

Yours truly in fire and life safety.

John Percy
Waterloo Fire Rescue

With the demise of many local newspapers it is imperative that we provide funding to our local TV stations like CHECK on Vancouver Island. Cable company's should fund local stations as they do other programme providers on their networks. It's vital for Canadians to receive news from an indepenpant regional/local sources. Canada deserves the diversity and choice that this would help provide.
Bill Hedges , Nanaimo British Columbia

January 29, 2016

To Whom It May Concern,
RE: Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-421
Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to express our support for local community television programming and speak to the importance of local broadcasting in Medicine Hat.
As a police service one of our core responsibilities is to ensure that the community we serve is informed about our activities and matters relating to community safety. Although it is true that in a digital age the way in which individuals gather information has changed, the need to for locally produced content has not. As a police service we rely heavily on our local media partners to assist us in delivering messages to the community, in a timely, accurate and relevant manner through locally produced and broadcast news and videos.
Without the assistance and cooperation of our media partners at CHAT TV and Shaw Communications, we would be challenged to provide the same level of access to information to the community, as we simply do not have the resources to sustain these initiatives on our own.
Thank you for your consideration,

Andy McGrogan
Chief of Police

Please support local television. It not only provides a stimulus to the local economy, it also provides us with news which would not otherwise ever get. And I would suggest that cable companies be compelled to support local television as well.

The CRTC is irrelevant in today's digital age. Stop wasting taxpayer dollars on this hearing.

\HI there. Here in the discovery islands we have been without t.v. for almost 10 years now.With the advent of digital signals we lost all our free to air signals. Unfortunatlywe can't afford sattilite as we are on a fixed pension, and rely on cbc radio victoria for our news. Its a sad state of affairs as our local campbell river paper went broke this past year. If we could convince broadcastors to air chek cbc and perhaps knowledge network for an affordable price say $30 a month we would feel a bit more connected, I think this is more of a public safety issue and i'll be writing to our new M.P. raising more concern. thanks

To Whom It May Concern,
RE: Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-421

The need for local programming especially local news gathering and current events in any local broadcasting market is of hugh importance. Local reporters, in radio and television markets should be encouraged. Therefore there is a strong need to support local broadcasting in both radio and television.
However, what we are witnessing is network stations in both types are consolidating such news broadcasts and or production in central locations in the attempt to save funds. News is massaged by folks who have no knowledge of local city or provincial characteristics, or indeed specific concerns of a particular locality. This concentration must end and we much return to local production, news writing and opinions.
How can this be funded? It seems to me that the cable companies are apparently mighty profitable and I do believe at least 5% of their profits should be allocated to local programming. I think too, that the CBC should concentrate much more on news and local events at the local, provincial and national levels in the various categories, news, sports, politics, arts, etc. I think too one of the objectives, certainly in the news should include gauging the mood of the public by allowing input in a variety of ways.
Bottom line, the local television and radio needs to be bolstered, and certainly the industry must assist in that requirement.

Community TV is important as it is one of the only sources of information that is:
-local - very little TV coverage carries local news or issues
-reliable - it can be trusted
-able to offer support and offer pulibicity to community groups - whether arts groups or non-profit assistance groups.

with newspapers fading, local community TV is even more valuable. Many of the things covered by Shaw TV in their community productions are viewed online, but the creation of them needs to be done by these professionals. Their coverage is trustworthy and invaluable.

I lived in Red Deer, Alberta, when it was decided that the local Chek tv station would be shut down. The only news we recieved from television broadcasts after this took effect was from Edmonton. We had no idea what was going on in our own community of nearly 10,000 people. A local newspaper supplied some coverage but a once per week presentation of information can hardly be called news. Local radio provided scant coverage of events and did not compare with the television newscasts with which we were familiar.
Vancouver island has many small communities which cannot be served by radio and occasional newspapers. To take away our local television news coverage would be a travesty.
John

​Q.2 Jean-Pierre Blais : "More and more, digital technology is playing the role of the traditional community element by giving Canadians a range of opportunities to personally produce and disseminate content for their community, and they can do so at very low cost. Is it still necessary and relevant for the CRTC to intervene to ensure that Canadians have access to the community element of the traditional broadcasting system? And if the answer is yes, what type(s) of intervention should continue or emerge?"
ANSWER : It is very apparent that Cable Operators (BDUs) find value in their Community Channel undertakings, as they position them as EXCLUSIVE to their brands, and therefore of economic value. Thus the 1%-4% of gross revenus outlayed to the Community Channel , and which has been determined to be public money , is in reality reinvested into their own companies. Is that in the spirit of why we allow them use of the public spectrum ?
Youth Emage Jeunesse previously appeared before the CRTC with a cutting edge concept : a Virtual and Collaborative TV Studio for Teens mentored by members of the broadcast and marketing worlds, in cooperation with local broadcasters. This could be created as a network of after school clubs as well as being library and community centre based, (as the Canadian and Ontario Library Associations suggested in the CACTUS intervention ). The mission : empower youth to be the best communicators they can be , for academic, artistic, and entrepreneurial purposes.
A Canadian-wide collaboration under the supervision of a community charity such as CCS-Montreal.org and/or Media-Smarts and the NFB would be an alternative to investing in community programming that is non-discoverable and ratings-poor. Hyper-local programming starts with the family and the school, and can grow in unimagined tangents from there on.
Please touch base with me if you feel the same : elybonder(at)gmail(dot)com .

I'm reading some of these comments and I have heard about Pay TV being forced to put out a basic package of just a few channels and I've read comments that this will cost more in the long run or some channels will lose out. The approach is all wrong and the error goes back decades and that is when all past Apartment buildings and condominiums were built including present day ones and no plans were made to include OTA in those buildings and they are in fact Pay TV Only. If they had both systems Pay and Free available from the beginning then people could have chosen which one they wanted in a healthy competitive environment. Pay TV could offer what they wanted and OTA would have been there as a viable alternative. In the united States cities have dozens of free OTA channels available due to the use of sub-channels which has been held back here mostly. If people are not satisified with OTA they could go to Pay TV, that's called Freedom of Choice a foreign concept here in Canada it appears.
Pay TV and the Networks should be independent of each other offering what they have and let the people decide. That would be healthy competition but what we have right now is stagnation and people being forced onto one system only mainly Pay TV. The TV stations owned by Pay TV have a distinct advantage over privately owned TV stations in that they get revenue not only from advertising but from the public as well with their cell and Internet bills, cable and satellite etc. This is an unfair advantage and even the CBC needs funding and there's talk of many stations going off the air by 2020. There is too much concentration of ownership which reduces competition and is very bad for the consumer and small market stations. You need to make OTA available everwhere that cable and/or satellite are being offered and you need to bring our OTA system up to par with the American one.
Then there is the rights issue. People that own their own homes can choose to put up or have put up an outdoor TV antenna to save money and take advantage of the free over-the-air TV signals that have existed in Canada since 1952. However, people that live in apartment buildings and condominiums generally do not have this right,why? Why is this being allowed to continue? Some of those people no doubt would like to save their money too but that right has been taken away from them. Canada is either a free country or it isn't. All Canadians are supposed to benefit from equal rights everywhere but they're not when talking about over-the-air television. Then there is the curious situation of little to none reporting in the news media about Digital OTA and TV antennas and the recent progress made, why? This obviously benefits Pay TV having a public ignorant about. OTA and how far we lag behind the Americans. This whole affair is being regarded "TOP SECRET" but needs to be corrected soon. Local private stations as well as the CBC should receive all the funding they require, Pay TV certainly doesn't need your help and this should be your 'TOP PRIORITY".

I should very much like to add my name to the list of those supporting local television. After decades of relying on CHEK NEWS VICTORIA B.C. for local news, sports, weather etc.. it seems unimaginable that CHEK could be lost at the expense of other programming that has little value or meaning to me.Quite honestly, I'd rather see 75% of existing cable of dubious quality disappear before the local channel

As we see print media at the local level dwindle, local tv becomes an ever more important part of our information. We were worried when CHEK appeared likely to go off the air a few years ago, and delighted when the employees rescued it. Since then, with truly local input, it has become more important to us than ever. It produces news with a strong emphasis on the local level often ignored by larger news organizations- yet sometimes it is what happens at the local level that is of most interest and concern to us. We also appreciate some of the "classic" tv fare it provides when few of the current offerings seem worth watching.
It seems bizarre that Shaw cable through which we receive our signal should be paying for the numerous channels for which we have no use, yet make no contribution to stations like CHEK upon which we rely daily.

I am hopeful that as Mayor of the City of St. Albert, Alberta that there is granted permission and indeed direction for Shaw to continue its great service to the City of St. Albert by offering the broadcast of our Council meetings as has been done for many years. it is a great community service, well watched and appreciated by many.

Keep up the good work Shaw!!

Nolan Crouse
Mayor, City of St Albert, Alberta

Rogers Television is a vital component of the fabric of Mississauga – a component which needs to be maintained to ensure that Mississauga continued to flourish as a diverse and welcoming community.
Serving more than 2300 individuals who have an intellectual disability, Community Living Mississauga relies on support from local businesses and residents. Rogers Television Mississauga has been instrumental in helping Community Living Mississauga build awareness about the programs and services offered by our not-for-profit organization.
Through coverage of our events and participation on programs such as Talk Local, The Local View, Local Notes and Podium, Rogers Television has introduced us to community partners who have helped us grow our programs and better support individuals who have an intellectual disability to be fully integrated into their communities.
Each year, Rogers Television Mississauga helps to promote our Tribute Dinner, honouring a local community leader. There is no other local or regional television outlet which would help us promote this event – an event which raises money for unfunded programs such as our Summer Teen Activity Program, March Break Program and other children’s support programs.
Some of the individuals our organization supports have been given the opportunity to appear on Rogers Television programs. These on-air appearances have helped to achieve personal goals and build self-esteem for the individuals we support, provided opportunities for participation in their communities and, most importantly, promoted inclusion by breaking stereotypes about individuals who have an intellectual disability.
Community Living Mississauga is an organization which also relies heavily on volunteers. As the demand for our services has continued to grow, so has our need for additional volunteers. By promoting our organization, Rogers Television has helped us attract volunteers with a wide range of skills and abilities. These diverse talents have enabled us to offer new and innovative program options to the individuals we support.
In addition to helping us promote our events, raising awareness of our organization and providing opportunities for the individuals we support to achieve personal goals, staff and management from Rogers Television Mississauga have also become active participants on our Board of Directors and on several event planning committees…truly giving back to their community.
We believe Rogers Television has consistently demonstrated its commitment and dedication to meeting the objectives for community-based media for cable community channels and truly needs to continue!

Keith Tansley
Executive Director
Community Living Mississauga

Hi There, I would like to comment on Community Television. In our area we have Shaw Tv. They are our source of local information. Shaw Tv has given me and our community, the Portuguese community, an opportunity to voice and show our culture to the entire community. Shaw is a staple of our city and provides an invaluable service to everyone here. Without Shaw Tv, we and many other communities would not have an opportunity to be creative and have local programming. We have been a part of Shaw Tv for the last 5 years and they have been supportive in every way with providing resources such as volunteer camera operators, providing studio time for our show, providing workshops to helps us learn more about making our shows better. The people there are far none the best I have ever worked with, so giving and energectic and so helpful never turning a challenge away. We need community television becasue they make our community and have always been there for anyone who wants to be a part of this amazing community television. Please ensure that this continues for eveyone here and allow them to provide us with eveything that they have given our comminuty. Shaw Tv is a staple of our community, they are our community. Please keep the local and available for people like myself and my commuinity.

Thank you for allowing me to make my comments.

Paulo Bergantim
Local Producer
Winnipeg

I believe the importance of community television cannot be overstated in my home community (Fort McMurray, AB) where the only permanent local television presence is through Shaw TV. As our community has grown the importance of community television has also grown, and Shaw TV has become a fundamental part of media coverage in our region.
Both as a communications and media relations professional and community member, I rely on Shaw TV to share stories of our community and our region. I am appreciative of the hard work they put into developing and delivering these stories, and I am cognizant of the impact they have as evidenced by the numbers of community members who comment to me on the stories.
In a community without another permanent television presence, community television is of critical importance. Professionally I rely on community television to share important information with our public, and personally I rely on them for information about other community initiatives. Without community television in my region we would be further isolated from sharing community messages and stories, and it would be detrimental for all involved.
Theresa Wells

Shaw TV has provided an invaluable service in Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray). Not only have they provided community news and special events coverage, but Shaw TV is an integral part of our community. Their videojournalists have spent time in our classrooms, worked with students on Skills Canada Alberta mentorships, lent a helping hand to our charitable efforts, and have in turn inspired many into possibly pursuing videojournalism as a possible career.
Community television gives an opportunity to highlight the smaller regions in Canada. This programming helps create and maintain the culture and spirit of many regions of our country

It has been interesting watching the hearing but I have some concerns with the direction of the questioning. There seems to be little discussion about whether or not the funds available for the channel should be reallocated or not - at least as far as the community programmers that I watched appear. I don't feel that reallocating this funding is appropriate. I feel that the commissionaires should be asking this question of each presenter as a simple yes or no - I suspect the answer would be a pretty resounding no.
The presenters I saw seem to view this hearing as an opportunity to speak to many of the other issues facing the community channel - I hope their concerns are heard and acted upon but I fear that this is beyond the scope of this hearing.
The other concern I have is that there is a lot of questions on issues of resources and access and the challenges of community programmers to access resources that are important but ignore some fundamental governance issues.
Even if a BDU is providing an excellent channel that is meeting the goals and objectives of providing a means of expression for citizens they nonetheless control access and ultimately determine who gets airtime. A proper governance model for the channel would require access content to be under some form of citizen, not BDU, control.

I speak for Edmonton and area public service of Shaw Media. With the continuous cull of journalism from local tv news, print and radio, citizens have to now more than ever depend on being informed citizens rather than customers, at the community broadcast level. Shaw shoulders the growing burden of the economic downturn more and more each year.
Community broadcasting at a grass roots level provides a regular citizen an opportunity to be heard. That often is a challenge with mainstream media. It is also a vessel that provides ordinary citizens the opportunity to learn about television production in a voluntary capacity. Volunteering and learning is good for the soul.
I support community programming 100%. ~ Jacqui

I support local programming and believe that it provides a direct connection to our city, towns, communities and agriculture.
How valuable it is to be informed of local news and keeping current on the good and bad that gets reported by our local Shaw TV. Shaw has a special place in the city of Calgary well known not only for its great service paid or unpaid but as clear view for Calgarians and newcomers to have something to call their own. Every segment and broadcast directly connects people with news, weather, local talent, businesses and so many other areas that you may not see covered otherwise and it would be a loss to miss out on these snippets of a place we call home.
I am proud to have a direct connection with Calgarians and withShaw TV and support ensuring that this connection with locals continues.

If the cable companies pay for content, they should be able to pay some to local companies as well. I pay plenty for my cable and with bundling I still get many channels I don't want, but pay for because it is still cheaper than paying for the individual channels I want. I definitely would not want to lose any local programming just because they weren't affiliated with a larger corporation. I don't want
Bell to own all the stations and censor what they're CEO doesn't like.

I've watched CHEK TV in Victoria for over fifty years .I watch the local news every night to get my community news. I also enjoy other programing this channel. CHEK is a vital link to what's happening on Vancouver Island. Their staff are extremely professional. They are committed and we all have fought to keep the station on air.They invested in their station to continue to broadcast local content.They should be rewarded for all their efforts, as we the public benefit from our community/local programming.

I grew up on the Island and now live elswhere in BC, my mother still lives there. Out of all of the news shows that I have seen CHEK is my favorite and main one that I watch everyday at 5pm for news. They just have a special way of presenting the news, weather and sports which makes it for the most part enjoyable to watch even though the world has its downward times. That alone says alot for the quality of CHEK. Truely proffessional and vital to the Island and others who watch news outside of the Island. I was shocked to hear that the cable companies get the funding and none goes to CHEK TV !
CHEK deserves the funding and it would be a great loss without them.

To whom it may concern,
I am writing in response to possible changes to future television programming. It is essential that our local Victoria television station, CHEK TV, be supported financially in order that it can continue to provide local news and community information. CHEK provides content for its viewers that is informative, important, local and which helps to foster community involvement.
Our local television station is essential. CHEK TV must be supported by the Federal Government. I have been a taxpayer for many years and this is what I want my taxes to support.
Adelle Hatch

Please send a reply to:
Adelle Hatch
1661 Hollywood Crescent
Victoria, B.C.
V8S 1J2
adellehatch@shaw.ca

On behalf of the Mississauga Sports Council, its member sports groups, athletes, coaches, administrators, sports officials, local businesses, sports fans and our grassroots community at large, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank our local RogersTV Peel for their ongoing support and dedication in support of the promotion and development of community sports.

In our opinion and experience, our local RogersTV Peel station embodies Canada’s Broadcasting Act and ensures that its Shows not only meet the needs and interests of Canadians; its practices and partnerships “walk the talk” and incorporate those same values in the planning, development, production and airing of each grassroots show and community connection.

If "The medium is the message" we’d like ours to be accessible, authentic and reflect the inclusive and collaborative tapestry that makes our country great and humble / capable and compassionate; positive values, neighbours and neighbourhoods; Canadiana – a lot like community television.

Speaking from the experience of a multiple decade partnership – RogersTV has been an integral part of our organization successfully reaching our local audience (of hundreds of thousands of viewers living in our area – but not easy to reach). With our focus on grassroots sports, there are no other options – there have been no other opportunities to capture and preserve our special moments on film and tell our local stories to an accessible, diverse and local viewership. These are the similar stories that community television is capturing, sharing and preserving across our great land – stories that would be lost to us and our viewers if left without community television.

From capturing our local high school sports; OHL games; Sports Dinner; athlete interviews; sharing local event updates and then covering those events on air; training and developing our community volunteers and sustaining a successful long line of broadcasters, production crews and competent and well prepared citizens who started as rookie high school/post-secondary students / new Canadians / Canadians in workforce transition, etc. Our local RogersTVPeel station not only shares, it cares!

As we approach our country’s 150th birthday celebrations, we fully support and look forward to working with our local RogersTV station – connecting our community – capturing and preserving the moments that we’ll be able to celebrate and share today, tomorrow and as we look down the road towards our 200th anniversary milestone. Where would we be without them? Oh Canada?

Mississauga Sports Council
A proud partner of RogersTV Peel

I have been an employee of CHEK News on Vancouver Island for 13 years. I was among the employees who kicked in money to help buy the station, with special thanks to many parties who helped make it happen, including the CRTC.
As you can see from this forum CHEK News still has strong support in our viewing area and I believe we continue to provide a valued service with our local news and local programming.
We have continued to innovate to meet the next generation of viewers with our website, streaming newscasts and social network interactions with our audience.
With dropping national sales, the business has been extremely challenged. It's a much different scenerio than when CHEK's first station license was issued in 1956. It makes sense to share cable fees or some sort of special funding with the local independent stations like CHEK that continue to provide local content and OTA transmission.
Independent journalism has been taking a big hit with closing newspapers across Canada. The CRTC has an important role to help ensure local programming is able to continue at stations like CHEK.
Kendall Hanson
Nanaimo, BC

Shaw Community TV in Winnipeg Manitoba is a much needed community TV service. Shaw TV currently produces a fashion show called Style Signals. I am one of the hosts. Working with John at Shaw has been a pleasure. Working with the volunteer camera people is also very cool, these are people who have day jobs and then come out at the end of their long day to do a 3 hour shoot with Style Signals. The workshops Shaw TV offer are also very beneficial and I look forward to receiving the emails and picking what Id like to attend.
I graduated from Creative Communications in 2011. Since then I have been doing community work in Winnipeg's North End. In my free time (I am also a single mother and do some part time contract work on the side), I work on Style Signals with John (from Shaw), volunteer camera crew, and the local talent/designer we are interviewing that day. Style Signals is hoping to air sometime in the Spring.
Shaw Community TV have always been easy to work with and very professional. I sincerly hope that this programming can continue.
Thank you,
Jasmine

Re: CRTC: Local and Community TV Review, Feb 3, 2016
Feb. 3, 2016
Dear Hearing Panel:

Rogers Television plays an integral role in Brampton and is worthy of continued support by the CRTC. Through its local programming, Rogers facilitates a better understanding of the regional economy for its viewers. It does so in a very professional and impactful way.

Shows such as Talk Local, The Local View and Business Casual, to name a few, allow deeper discussion into the issues facing our regional economy and west GTA communities. Business owners and representatives are often interviewed on these programs. The insights they provide and discussions that occur lead to introductions, meetings and referrals that help local businesses and our economy to grow.

Our Board of Trade has seen the impact of activity generated by appearances on Rogers TV. Last year our membership revenue increased more than 10% and our engagement at business meetings and events increased 22%. Rogers TV was an important contributor to our ability to share ideas and connect with citizens and business people region-wide.
In addition, we have received many favourable comments for our partnership with Rogers TV in moderating candidate debates for recent municipal and federal elections. Citizens often comment about the comprehensive nature of the questions and comments that occur. Our annual State of The City event which focusses this year on enhancing Brampton livability is another example of local and community TV helping citizens engage and develop synergies that improve quality of life here in Brampton and beyond.

In a suburban community, where commute times make social interaction and insightful understanding of community affairs more of a challenge, local and community TV like that provided by Rogers TV plays an integral role in connecting our region and its citizens. Thank you to Rogers TV and thank you CRTC for your continued commitment to local programming.
Sincerely,
Todd Letts
CEO
Brampton Board of Trade

Thunder Bay is very remote and far from any other major city. It is so incredibly vital to have a local station. Without it, we would not have any up to date news, weather, or events in the city and that would be a huge loss. It would make us feel more isolated than we already feel. We need local news so that we can grow and bond as a community. Local charities depend on local TV for air time, local residents depend on local TV for notifications of road closures, and breaking news. We cannot lose local TV in Thunder Bay. It would be an absolutely devasting loss to the entire region as Thunder Bay serves as a hub for ALL of northern Ontario. Communities such as Terrace Bay, Fort Frances, Atikokan, Geraldton, and many many more, including First Nation Reservations rely on these news casts.

First of all, my name is Khal Shariff, and some of you will know me. I worked at CBC in 2000 and cosulted heavily with Fred Mattocks about the direction the shop should go (CBC.ca), and then left to code it, because I am primarily a developer.
I've been a very active developer for 20 years now, full time; hard to believe, and lately enjyed CMF funding and Gates Foundation grants.
Here's the thing:
The people are already gone.
We have to think about the future, and then decide on a plan. For that you need content vision, regulation vision, and technology vision.
Serving local television and content is a joy (I know it from MTS' portals Around Manitoba to CBC Manitoba to National Programming).
In order to do these, you must follow the silicon valley way. It's about small, deployable apps, content platforms, and easy-access.
They are gone to Netflix, gone to Facebook. The numbers are shocking, but not surprising. All of us are much more saavy than even 19 months ago, and the public is busy with their own lives and will go where it's most convenient.
That's true of music, of linear television, and of video games and other things we fill (mostly) our evenings with.
I used to lament that old CBC theatre productions could never be found, and was a huge supporter of the CBC archives (which exist).
Here at Project Whitecard, we've got our one best suggestion to you and everyone:
form a new mandate, call it Digital Canada (or whatever), and do what CMF asks all of us to do to promote our products. Have twitter, and every other social media channel, including Youtube connected. Cycle the people who do the connecting by limiting contracts, and promote the *eck out of everything Canadians do.
It's that simple - you create a channel (metaphor) that breaks down into localities, and then we can all get our news.
Do not make it a monster. Clearly designate the line where Digital Canada ends so that the local (affiliates, stations and producers, etc) can tie the threads, and in turn promote the *eck out of their content. ALL OF IT - MUSIC TV GAMES - we're busy you know, and Canada quite frankly feels very sleepy at times, but only because our eyes feel closed.
The Internet is a beast, but if we put our brain trust in a place that serves all of us, with fairness algorithms, and treat Digital Canada like a forever-renewing skunkworks, we might have a chance here.
-Khal Shariff
CEO, Project Whiteacrd

Local and community programming is an absolutely vital component of providing citizens with exposure to events within our city. It provides access to so much information that is not being provided at all by the major broadcasters.
Here in Ottawa, I am one of the organizers of the Preston Street Bicycle Races which will be held for the 44th consecutive year in 2016. Rogers TV has been a major part of this event for the last 5 years and we have worked together to create an exciting show for our community. This has helped us to grow the event significantly and attract more participants, especially in the youth categories, who then sign up with cycling clubs/coaches to get more invloved with the sport.
We are also working with Rogers TV for another major cycling event that will generate even more high quality community coverage of an event that would not otherwise be seen without Rogers help. This is a significant contribution from Rogers and we strongly recommend that the CRTC provide support to local and community programming.

I believe it is important to draw attention to how Bell is on record responding to commissioners:

1402 And here we hear you knocking at the door again despite having a rather rich and diverse and rather large stable of properties in the media world.
1403 MS. TURCKE: Right. And having mandatory carriage is a privileged situation. It means that we capture many, many viewers. Our news properties reach 26 or 25 and a half million Canadians every week. Five and a half of them are millennials.
1404 The issue is the advertisers are not valuing that audience the way they once were for all kinds of reasons, some of it rhetoric, some of it fact.
1410 MS. FREEMAN: Well, it’s just interesting to note that our 6:00 o’clock newscast across the country have still really high ratings. In fact, in some markets the ratings have actually gone up. But what’s happened is that the advertisers have gone away because of cord cutting, of course because other people are going to the web, and again, we’re switching, you know, digital dollars to digital dimes -- dollars to dimes. But the ratings are still high. You know, people are still sitting down at 6:00 o’clock and watching the news.
1417 Looking at Numeris numbers, our 6:00 o’clock news ranks between one, two, and three, depending on what book you look at, for all television viewing in Winnipeg, and that’s huge. That’s the number one watched program up against under some demographics and some books Big Bang Theory.
1418 So people want to see the 6:00 o’clock news. There are still appointment viewing

Yet those employed by new media infotainment outlets arrogantly oppose this notion, because they're hungry for attention/profit and seem to have a common sadistic desire to "finish off" all traditional forms of media. Sorry, modern news junkies and wannabe nouveau journalists: consumers do not have a uniform appetite for news presented from Buzzfeed et al. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for delivery of local news, either.
It'd never happen, but imagine if local and community television were permitted to self-regulate, and therefore by assumption, abandon everything. Then CBC could be transformed away from a general purpose broadcaster into a Canadian news-only mandate, and reinstate local stations across Canada. Then we'd have better balanced journalistic integrity instead of all the pretend-news vertically-integrated crap produced by Bell/Rogers/Shaw.
It's been fun participating in this discussion; let's hope the CRTC rules in favour of Canadians, not "VI" corporate interests.

I have no complaint as to the content of my present service, my interest is in having the ability to select those programes I am interested in without having to pay for a whole list of programs that hold no interest to me at all. I am 84 years old having a list of childrens programs is waste to me and I can not beleive it cost my server a single penny more to delete one program and replace it with another. I accept that there are costs involved in providing a service and these cost may vary do to Company costs but I fail to accept that to provide group A is anymore expensive than providing groupB or C so allowing me to have a basic set of programes, such as local and national news as well as the major T V channels along with those individual programs I may profer can not be a profit loss to the provider I select.

We need to maintain community programming. There are scores and scores of people who enjoy watching programming on tv rather than going to the internet - most notably older people who prefer tv over internet as a source for knowledge and entertainment.

It is clear from both the presenters at the hearing as well as the comments in this online dialogue that Canadians from coast to coast to coast have a real need for the distinctly local content that community channels afford. These channels act as hubs of connection that help draw the continuity of public dialogue across this sprawling landscape we have the good fortune of sharing.
Becuase of this I feel strongly that the funding for community channels should not be reallocated. Moreover it should be a system of citizen based oversite rather than the BDU's that get to decide who has access to these resources so essential to a functioning democracy.

I regularly watch our local community channel because it is the only source for local news and information about activities and cultural events within 100 km accessible on television.
I like the shows where people of local interest are interviewed. I like to listen to discussions, which actually are completed, and not interrupted as is the case with regular news shows.
I have produced numerous shows on CHCO TV and have found the experience to be rewarding on many levels. Being both the interviewer and the interviewee gives me a deeper insight into television production and has made the station a part of my life.
Funding a production budget would go a long way to improve community television. Emphasizing news is important, and understanding what exactly makes a story newsworthy is also important. It's not just up to the minute breaking news, but cultural and historical news is equally, if not more, important.

I produce shows for MTS TV Stories From Homeand watch a number of them on the VOD service. These are stories about our community that would have no other voice if it were not for MTS TV. There are a number of community producers that I work with who are only able to create these productions because of the funding we receive. In Brandon, MB especially, we are without local television as our local station CKX was closed a number of years ago. I was Creative Director at the station until it closed and know first-hand how devastating it was to our entire area to lose that local tv. The MTS TV VOD model should be adopted across the country because of the high production value, incredibly diverse range of local stories that are shared, and community of storytellers that it creates. There are two aspects that could change to improve it. Currently it allows for only documentary and lifestyle programming. Expanding it to include narrative fiction would allow for local voices to be heard in a different genre. The other aspect that should be looked at is the amount of money that has to be spent on closed captioning. Currently, all providers have to pay the same amount, regardless of the programming they provide. This means there's a flat percentage that all companies pay whether they are a company that has to provide live closed captioning (ie. local sports games), which is very expensive, or they are a compnay like MTS which has a much lower cc cost. There is no chance that MTS can spend the amount of money they are required to for closed captioning, so they undoubtedly end up sending money back to the government - money that could have gone into local production. The CC requirement should change based on the type of service provided. MTS TV Stories From Home and other local services are vital, especially to smaller communities, in telling local stories. Without these types of services, our area in particular would have no local voice.

Do I regularly watch community TV?

I used to watch community TV regularly when I worked for Shaw Cable TV in Calgary, because:

1) I had free access to cable as a cable company employee. That's the only time I have had access to a subscription TV service in my life. I work in the not-for-profit sector and cannot afford TV subscriptions as a general rule. (Cable penetration today hovers at around 56% nationwide, so the restriction of 'community channels' to cable TV is a problem.)

2) At that time (before 1997), the community channel in Calgary aired exclusvely content made by community members.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?

The programming that interested me was:

1) local drama, including televised plays, short films, and animations—artistic content that was using the channel and its resources as an experimental platform. I myself was an 'emerging artist' and the presence of the channel in the community for that purpose was an extraordinary resource for the artistic community.
2) Programming created by groups we think of as 'marginalized' or less visible in the community. I was always immediately captured and enthralled by these voices we never hear, and what they had to say about living in our community. The two programs that changed my life and gave me a life-time commitment to see that community media in Canada flourish were:

i) a documentary made by 15-year-old street prostitutes about their lives on the streets of Calgary in the control of pimps, and their long road to recovery. We trained them to use Hi-8 cameras, and they went out into those cold and brutal streets and told the rest of us what it was like to be them, and the challenges they faced trying to regain the 'normalcy' that the rest of us take for granted. These were our youth speaking, our future... fragile strands that community media was able to strengthen and give a voice to.
ii) a weekly magazine program made by and for deaf people. Not, however, a captioned version of 'hearing' news. This was programming that deaf people made for themselves, signed, in their own language, unfiltered, raw, from their hearts. We rewired the studio to enable them to communicate between their crew members in the control room and their crew members in the studio because they couldn't talk using headsets. They needed an extra TV monitor. I will never forget the delight with which the deaf director would make a chopping motion across his neck at the end of a good take to say “cut”.
I don't know whether those former prostitutes or the group of deaf Calgarians will ever make another video or TV show in their lives. That's not the point. The point is that they discovered that they COULD. That Canada's communications infrastructure was open to them IF they needed to, and would always be there for them. They discovered that they didn't have to be on the outside anymore looking in. They could redraw the boundaries of who was inside and who was outside, and that's the point. If we live in a democracy, we have to commit to include every last one of us in the conversation. If we live in a digital democracy, that means ensuring that every last one of us has to have the tools and skills to be in the digital conversation—as individuals, as small business owners, as managers of cultural and social service organizations.
Otherwise, it is not a democracy. The mere existence of the Interent alone is not enough.
We have suffered the loss of a fundamental democratic institution over the last 15 years as we have seen cable community channels dismantled one by one, as communities have been fibreoptically interconnected and the cable production studios have been closed across small-town Canada.
They need to be replaced, by digital media produciton centres open to every citizen, operated by communities... perhaps in your public library, perhaps hosted by an existing organization like a community radio station (community radio stations are managing to survive better than community TV because they are community-owned already), or a video co-operative.
There will always be the disenfranchised. They will always need a voice. And everyone of us at some point in our lives finds ourselves disenfranchised and without a voice. We all need to know that the communications system is also there for us, when our time comes.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Of course, and many times. Before I worked at a cable company, I learned reporting skills at Maclean Hunter in Ottawa, and how to shoot a TV drama. I got the skills I needed to work full-time in the film and television industries. But that was in the 1990s, before satellite competition entered the picture, and changed the way cable companies viewed their 'community TV' channels. As the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Community Television (CACTUS), we have heard complaints over a decade about the lack of access or difficulty of accessing cable community TV stations today.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
Community channels should be managed by not-for-profit entities such as our member channels. There are a relatively small number of them with their own licenses (7) because none of the cable subscriber money collected to support 'community TV' is available to them. If all 'community TV' channels were managed by not-for-profit community-elected boards, communities themselves could ensure that community members could access them, and that the “diverse needs of the community” are met. The money that is now concentrated in big urban cable-owned 'community channels' could also be redistributed to all the smaller communities that have lost a TV production studio over the last decade, and the content could be distributed free of charge on all platforms so that the whole community could see it and participate.
The second part of this question is a trick question. The CRTC is proposing in the current consultation that the amount of funding available to support training and production by ordinary citizens might be used instead to produce “professional local news”. “Professional local news” is not community production. And the way the question is posed is also loaded: “... to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities”. How does creating “professional local news” “cater to the diverse needs of their communities”? If the money that is supposed to support free expression by individual members of the community is instead use to pay for professional news production, that means all those diverse voices that are supposed to find expression on the community channel (and which the mainstream 'professional news' are notoriously bad at serving) will NOT be served, because there will be fewer resources to serve them. Ten times as much can be produced by a diversity of community members as volunteers than by a few paid 'professional' staff.
Furthemore, “Professional local news” is what private- and public-sector broadcasters are supposed to do. The CRTC has been clear over the years that the role of the community channel (and the role of the public and private sector media also) is to be complementary to one another, not to reproduce what the others are doing:
“[The community channel} … should not duplicate the programming available from conventional broadcasting outlets.”
The CRTC's policies for the community channel have not changed since 1971. The role of the community channel:
“should be primarily of a public service nature, facilitating self‑expression through free and open access by members of the community”.

Dear Nate,
Good to connect in cyberspace. I echo your thoughts that genre diversity are important. I used to facilitate drama production at Shaw's community channel in Calgary in the 90s and never understood why it was so rare. It's really important to have low-risk experimental platforms for drama.
I also agree that a more cost-effective way to close-caption must be found, as it's prohibitively expensive to caption all community-generated content.
I think it's important also for there to be live, linear platforms for community debate and interactio, and note that your community felt the loss of your local TV station keenly. VOD services are better than nothing as aggregators for a community, but not that different than YouTube if you think about it.
How is MTS facilitating access for non-professional community members to express themselves? You need facilities and face-to-face interaction for that. By the CRTC's definition, you and your friends that are paid for MTS productions are not 'community producers' but contractors--which is fine (BDUs are allowed to spend part of their budgets on professional content), but it's not the same thing. The primary role of community TV (which distinguishes it from public- and private-sector channels such as the one you lost) is the ability for ordinary folk to tell their stories too.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
The local community channel provided by SHAW in New Westminster BC has almost no local content. Because the programming offered on the channel is produced in other cities, our local issues are not covered.
For example, the Shaw channel carries a series on education that is produced in West Vancouver -- the issues there are not at all similar to the issues in New Westminster. While New Westminster residents may have a passing interest in the education issues of Canada's most wealthy community, we have no coverage of our local school board which has been dealing with some major issues. Certainly commercial media does not cover local education issues in the detail that a community channel should.
New Westminster will be affected by the coal transfer station being proposed to be built in Surrey, immediately across the Fraser River from New Westminster. New Westminster residents need more information from a New Westminster perspective about how our community will be affected by the service. We'd also like to hear from the Provincial helath officer, and other government and non-government experts with pertinent infomation about how the facility will impact the community.
Transportation is another local issue that should be covered from a local perspective. Because it is the first city to be built in British Columbia, many of the important transportation routes cross right through New Westminster. Because of this, we have much through traffic that affects the quality of life here. A recent proposal from the regional transportation authority proposed the re-building of the Patullo bridge from its current 4 lanes to something much bigger that would increase traffic in New Westminster's streets and would require the destruction of a neighbourhood to accommodate an on-ramp to the bridge. Fortunately, that project was nixed by city council, but such initiatives need an active community media examining the issues so that residents can develop an informed perspective -- regional coverage presented on commercial stations had no inkling of the issues and concerns here and Shaw was never present at any time to understand or communicate any of the issues.
Residents of New Westminster who subscribe to SHAW Cable TV services pay for community television as part of our subscriptions. Apparently, Shaw Cable has the right to transfer the money collected in New Westminster to provide community services to other communities. Members of NewWest.tv would prefer the money collected from our accounts to be spent in our community.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
The information available on SHAW's local community channel is mostly generic regional information and upbeat tourist style prgramming celebrating the wonderful things going on in the BC lower mainland. Our members want thoughtful, knowledgeable programming about New Westminster produced with the money contributed by the residents of New Westminster.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel?
Because of the distance, time and cost to get to Shaw's studios, our members cannot easily particpate at Shaw's service in downtown Vancouver and have chosen to volunteer in production of local programming through NewWest.tv instead.
Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel?
Some of our members have particpated in training and production opportunities with Shaw. Travel required to particpate is an issue.
What has been your experience?
Shaw provides a semi-professional service that does not meet CRTC regulatory requirements and as such is unsatisfactory.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
Make sure local programs are local. Do not send more "professional" news gatherers who, because they live and work in another city, do not know the issues of our community and are not easily accessible to residents of our community. Local pograms must be informed bya deep knowledge of local issues and concerns - something that cannot be provided from afar.
The Community channel shoud be required to meet all of the "Local" and "Access" CRTC requirements for community television. Let our community determine what programs get madeand by whom.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?

I am an avid Television watcher, have been all my life. I do spend quite a bit of time watching community TV for a few reasons. I find the Community channel in my area provides the best election coverage you will find on Cable. it's not biased, it's resented in a way that is meant to inform viewers of ALL the party platforms and policies. Every single candidate running in the election has an opportunity to make their case for my vote and I appreciate that, it helps me feel informed when I go to cast my ballot. I also watch Community TV because I'm an OHL fan. The town I live in is an OHL hot bed and I myself watch the games when I'm home. I can only do this on Community TV and they do an excellent job. The broadcast is HD and the quality is amazing, especially when you consider that 80-90 per cent of the crew on these games are volunteers.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?

I myself have been a volunteer specifically at Rogers Cable TV. I saw many, many community members pitch shows and then end up producing, writing or even hosting their show. I can't speak highly enough of my volunteering experience. I was treated with respect; I was allowed to work on any aspect of the production I wanted. Rogers “Volunteer Day" was amazing. They truly made me feel like I was part of something really special and at the end of the day I was. Whenever I watch my Community TV station I see promos advising me to pitch an idea for a program and I must admit I have jotted down some ideas, but never followed through. I know someone who has and from what she told me the process was incredibly easy and the response was within a day or two.
I think it would be incredibly tragic for the CRTC to inhibit the ability of Community stations to produce community content in anyway shape or form. My community channel provides informative entertaining television that I cannot find anywhere else. Furthermore let's put as much effort into stopping the obscene amount of content piracy in this country that we are putting into figuratively cutting the legs off of Community TV.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I do. I don’t live in a metropolitan area so what happens outside my door isn’t always reflected in the large media outlets except when major stories occur. It’s so important to have a voice, a voice which is heard by the community, for the community. I regularly watch my morning program provided by Rogers TV. I learn about people who live down my street, their stories and their services.
I love hockey and I follow my OHL team on my local channel. I can’t afford to go to an NHL game, and I don’t identify with millionaire athletes, but the OHL is great to see passionate young players chasing a dream. Plus, I love seeing the local announcers and chatting with them at the grocery store after the games.
Local tv provides a window on my community.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I’m a retired senior. My working days are gone but I do volunteer at Rogers TV. I’m learning how to use a camera. Volunteering has enabled me to meet a lot of people who love the industry, and it’s expanded my knowledge about technology. Been a wonderful experience.
If local people don’t have the ability to bring their local stories to life, then what are we left with? Corporations in big cities who don’t hear our stories at the local level. That would be a terrible loss.

Q: Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
A: No, I do not regularly watch my local community channel. I never watch them. Why? Dry news personalities, uninteresting. I get my news over the internet.

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Q: What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?

A: There is nothing of interest on my local community channel. Not even sure why it still exists.

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Q: Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?

A: I have no interest in participating in the creation of programming at my local community channel. I am very interested in seeing the channel shutter, close up, and removed from television bundles.

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Q: What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?

A: The local community channel could be improved by closing it. I don't watch TV for community stuff. I watch TV to forget about reality, to get lost in a story, or to take a thought-provoking journey.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I used to watch the community channel more in the 1970s (in Oakville, Ontario), 1980s (in Oakville and Toronto), and 1990s (in Orillia, Ontario and Ottawa, Ontario). In the 2000s, I have watched the local Community Channel less and less.
However, I believe your question is misleading and it should be understood that these channels are not known by the public as the Community Channel. They are known as the Shaw Channel or the Rogers Channel or some other corporate name, not normally the "Community Channel". For example, in Vancouver I have come to understand that our community channel is named on the tv guide as the Shaw Channel. At first, I didn't understand that the Shaw Channel was the community channel, as Shaw has a number of channels, including Shomi, so I'd presumed it was another corporate channel, not the community channel. For that reason and the fact that I have High Definition television, the way my tv channel listing guide is organized, the Shaw Channel or what you may call the Community Channel, is listed further down well past the High Definitiion channels that I normally watch. It's essentially buried deep in the guide using a corporate name, not listed as Community Channel. I suppose that if it were listed higher up the list among those High Definition channels that I normally watch as the Community Channel, I would watch it more often.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
The kinds of programming that I have enjoyed in the past has included the Tom Green show (a comedic talk show from the 1990s), town council meetings and discussion of local issues, talk shows, political debates and discussions that informed me of local concerns, music concerts, Junior hockey, and arts. As teenager, I often enjoyed watching my friends doing different shows.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
In the early 1990s, I took a training course with Trillium Cable in Barrie, Ontario. After that, I volunteered to do camera work and editing on hockey games. I really enjoyed it and vowed that I would get back into volunteering again after I moved away, however, never did. When I looked into it in Gatineau, Quebec where I lived from 2006 to 2014, the language barrier seemed to be too much a problem. Videotron didn't seem to be as welcoming as when I volunteered in Orillia, Ontario in the early 1990s. It was too difficult trying to interact with them after a few times to find out where I could get training. They may not even have training in English, as far as I know in Canada's most bilingual community.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
First of all, change the name to the "Community Channel" rather than by their corporately branded name (e.g. Rogers Channel, Shaw Channel). It's hard to imagine a community channel represents the community, when its named after a company.
Second, allow public libraries to run Community Television training and production, as they have a mandate and public trust to do this already. For example, the Vancouver Public Library has its Inspiration Lab in which people can be trained on filming video and editing, then use their studios and editing equipment. This is a large space that occupies half the third floor of their Main downtown branch. Public libraries are places where people with Masters degrees in providing public access to information, training, and tools provides this sort of training already in a number of public libraries. This trend is growing to meet the vacuum. Cable television companies may have technical expertise, but they are not designed as educational institutions the same way public libraries are. Public libraries are connected to the whole community as entrusted facilitators of information and communications. For example, the Vancouver Public Library launched their Inspiration Lab last year and are probably as busy as any Community Channel in developing new content. Public libraries may work with journalism programs run by the schools to train new journalists to develop stories for Community Television or their library channel / website. This could provide local news coverage. For example, the Schreiber Public Library has covered its local council meetings video streaming, fulfilling this.
Third, promote more meaningful local news on the Community Channel. For example, during the last election in Vancouver, political candidates were limited to 2 minutes on television to voice their positions to the public. Shaw, a corporation, decided how much time candidates were to be allowed, essentially filtering how much political content the public was to view. I understand that by CRTC regulations, Shaw or any cable company had the discretion whether or not to even allow politicians to speak on the Shaw Channel. In Gatineau, where Videotron is owned by the leader of the Parti Quebecois, that company can decide what candidates get to debate on their MaTV community channel. One would think there may be the potential for corporate bias, if those who were hired by the Parti Quebecois leader, were the ones making the decisions which of his political adversaries would get to appear in debates or even on tv at all. How are corporations made responsible for making such decisions what the public should be watching during election times? Shouldn't that decision be left to a group that truly represents the community's interest, such as a board of representatives or even a public library that is already mandated to provied political content to their community and has the experience to mediate difficult content decisions on behalf of the public interest?
Fourth, finance other community groups to produce content. Why is it that cable companies are the only organizations in many communities that are allowed to provide community content when public libraries, schools, and film coops can do this too?

Thunder Bay Television is a uniquely situated city, in the middle of Northwestern Ontario surrounded by multiple small communities that are served by the local television station. The local progamming offers a specialized featue discussing the events that make the news in the region. This program gives them a voice to share their news events/stories and community events. Providing this service helps tie our region together and Thunder Bay Television does that well, supplying a voice for the region. The local television station provides many opportunities to provide awareness and support for our local charities, non-profits and various groups. Local television brings Thunder Bay and Regional News to the viewers keeping them informed of happenings within our city and region. Our local television station keeps us all connected!

I think community channels are important but that depends on where you live. If you live in Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver with so many diverse cultures, community channels are important. Where I am I can watch the Italian and Chinese programs, Italian for me Chinese for my wife. however, we watch that channel strictly by using an outdoor TV antenna, no Pay TV for us. With the state of the economy and much more important things to pay for every month we see no need to throw money away.
Having a community channel connects people to their individual cultures while they are adapting to life in Canada. I do believe that community channels should be overseen by one or two networks, Omni for example coast to coast to be more organized but not by Pay TV of any kind. I find that Pay TV controls too much already and that a community channel network or networks should be handled by people or an organization independent of Pay TV.

Hello,
My name is Sean Dechene and I am the Media Director of MADD London (chapter). Our local Rogers network plays a very key roll in helping us get our message out as well as spread awareness. We continue to have a strong connection and wish to have many more years of working together. Our community benefits from local news stations and in the interest of our community, it is important that we maintain these relationships.
Regards,
Sean Dechene

Do you regularly watch your local Community Channel? Why?
I live in Kincardine, Ontario and our local Rogers Cable TV Channel 6 provides a very valuable service to the Community. It has expanded greatly over the last few years and now airs programs such as Capturing the County, The Morning Coast, Community Billboard, Kincardine Cooking, Kincardine Church Service, OHL Hockey (Owen Sound Attack), Municipal Council Meetings, Rotary TV Bingo...etc.
As you can see there is a large variety of programs catering to various interests in the Community. The local Producer is always seeking new ways to bring local events into our living rooms and provides a very valuable service.
Major TV networks cater to the city centre in which they are located, so it is nice to see the Local Community Channel filling the gap and providing local coverage. Keep up the good work!!

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?

I watch the local Rogers channel to say in touch with my community events.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Anouncements about local events, local programming such as Rogers Daytime. This is an efficient way to to receive information about my area in one place.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I was part of a Rogers Daytime television series, Tails of Life. It was an amazing way to reach out to the public to make them aware of the veterinary servies available to low-income people and non-profit rescue groups. It was a fun and engaging experience working with the Rogers team.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
Make segments available online and on youtube. Take advantage of posting videos on social media.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?

Yes because I like to keep up on what is going on in my community. I love the local sports and news the best.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?

The sporting events are what interest me the most. I am a huge fan of Lacrosse and to be able to watch the games on Rogers is great. It shows the local talent.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel?

No I didn't realize this.

Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel?

No I have not.

What has been your experience? N/A

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?

I think things are pretty good as it stands. I think focusing on the community and the people in the community is a huge think. I think showing the local talent is interesting, especially when the local talent move on the bigger and brighter thing.

Community programming is the best way to promote local businesses and charities. As President of the local MADD Chapter we rely heavily on our message being promoted by Rogers TV. They have been very supportive by broadcasting our yearly launch of MADD's signature event Project Red Ribbon. They also support us at other various times throughout the year to help promote our messaging and educate the public. From a personal perspective, community programming like Rogers TV is the best way to support local businesses and educate the people living in the surrounding communities about what services are available for whatever their needs may be.

I watch community television regularly. It forms a thread that serves to tie our community together. The local Rogers TV station provides topical stories and data of interest to Londoners, information that is not accessible through any other media. It tells stories of our community, environment and fellow citizens and enlightens us about services and activities that are available. We get to know local personalities and view sporting events of great local interest. None of the national networks provide the indepth coverage of events specific to our local community.
to lose that service would be a serious blow to the sense of community that is so essential to the quailty of life here.
I hope and pray that the CRTC will continue to support community television.

I am the Public Information Coordinator for the London, Ontario Fire Department. Rogers Community programming has given my department the opportunity on many occasions to spread our various messages about fire and life safety. I regularly hear from colleagues and friends that they have viewed interviews and other programming featuring the LFD. Rogers also offered us the amazing opportunity to take part in a 9 episode series highlighting the many ways in which the fire department helps the London community to remain safe. Rogers ensures the quality of the messages by employing talented employees and volunteers to produce programming that is interesting, professional and truthful. Rogers has made a lasting commitment to the London Fire Department for similar opportunities in the months and years to come. I would hope that the CRTC will allow Rogers to continue serving the community with programming about London for Londoners.

I feel that amongst all the choices out there now, we, as viewers, don't feel that connection to the programs that we watch. I grew up in a small without access to a local channel and when I watched televison, I always felt that the events that were advertised, or the products that we being featured in commercials just didn't apply to me. I couldn't buy that handmade pizza from Ceasars place, or go that festivall as they were all in other countries or the other side of our country. When I moved to Thunder Bay, I was always so excited to watch TV because now it felt relevent to me. I felt part of the community. I was informed of what my city had to offer me. Now I have a family and although we can choose to watch our programs on different channels, we choose to watch our local stations. "they just feel like home" my husband who grew up here always says. My kids look forward to seeing which Pets are being highlighted in the Pet of the Week features in Support of the Humane Society just downt he street from us. My daughter says that when shes old enough, shes wants to volunteer there. This is because she feels that connection. That is the power of community televison. I see many many of our local events on television as well. I can see how much fun they are so we tend to want to go. Or at least my kids make me because of how fun they look:)
Im the kind of person who loves everything local. I want to eat food from our local farmers, I want to go to a homegrown local business. I love unique things and products "made with love" I love that fact that these kinds of businesses can have presence on community televison. Fingers crossed they never go away because I fear many will not even realize what they had until its just too late.

Community television is crucial to the fabric of our small-town communication. In a world of decreasing medias, small towns in NB are no longer served by CTV/CBC/Global, and even if we get a few seconds of airtime on their so-called "local news" it really has become a joke. With our local community service, Rogers television, we at least get to see some local content on a weekly basis. My mom and friends get to play their local bingo, i've had many friends/peers get a chance to be on the local talk show, and a Christmas telethon every year raises important funds for our community. The other medias can not and would not do these kinds of programs. As well, my kids have been covered in local sports coverage, and I get to watch a couple of games per week from the QMJHL (Excellent coverage by the way!)
I'd like to see even more local content, not less. Ridding our community of its only local TV source would be shameful! Please do not even consider taking out community TV!

Community telelvision and local programming is an important way for The City of London to communicate with its residents. I think of the staff at London Rogers TV station as communications partners, assisting the City with "telling its stories", promoting new civic initiatives and informing Londoners about ways to engage with City Hall. In an age where mainstream local media is much diminished, community television has an even more important role to play. I think it is vital to the well being of my community.

1) Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes, I regularly watch my local community channel because it is a valuable source of news and entertainment. It is great to see what is happening in the community. I learn important information that I wouldn't otherwise have access to. It creates a more dynamic and productive community. I watch it because it is vital to the community.
2) What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
I enjoy learning what local businesses and organizations are doing. Events and community initiatives are covered, and I am able to learn about ways I can get involved in my community.
3) Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I did know that I can participate in the creation of programming at my local community channel, and I have taken advantage of this opportunity. I am the curator at the local community museum and our local Rogers TV crew regularly visits the museum to produce segments on our programming. I do tours of new exhibitions and speak on camera about the museum and our programming. We also have our local TV crew provide coverage of lectures and special events at the museum, such as when professors from area universities or authors visit us to present lectures, talks, readings, etc.
I know that it is effective because I hear feedback from people in the community who have seen the segments on TV. Also, when these segments are uploaded and made available online, our local community television program is able to be seen by people all over the world.
It has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. It is an effective way to reach a broad audience and contribute to the cultural health of our community. It has been great for me to get involved with professional television production, and having the presence of a local cable TV channel in the community has an enormously positive impact on the area.
4) What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
The community to which I have been referring is the municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, and the local station I have been referring to is Rogers TV Strathroy. An up-to-date physical television studio in Strathroy would improve our community channel. It would provide an opportunity for local residents to create their own programming in concert with Rogers TV's programming. It would also provide valuable volunteer opportunities. The station has been functioning very well as-is.
In conclusion: community television is vital to our community.

I have a wonderful experience volunteering at Rogers TV. Supervising Producer and my producer were very supportive despite of my hearing and they gave me a chance to volunteer as a host for my own segments. Being deaf doesn't stop me from doing TV and Rogers TV should continue offering volunteers to achieve their goals. such a wonderful people there and I enjoy volunteering there :)

Community television in my world means Rogers TV#53-Collingwood, Ontario. Our station is a community cheerleader which represents a regional area - the south Georgian Bay area comprising four municipalties - Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Clearview and Town of Blue Mountains. I would like to state that I have been a Rogers Volunteer for the past 5 years as Host/Community Producer of my own show which features/profiles the known and unknown gems of our area. For me and my viewers this can mean spending an hour in dialogue with an individual, organization, business , not for profit or members of Boards of Directors who are sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for their specific area of expertise. I pitched the show as a result of what I call my ' day job'. I work in retail and became extremely frustrated by hearing people at my counter stating that ' if only they had known' about......! The confidence placed in me by Rogers Community TV to host a one hour/one topic weekly show has been rewarded by viewer loyalty and comments.
Talk about community - I have been approached in grocery stores and whilst out walking my dogs and even when making a run to the local dump to talk about a recent show, favourite shows or potential show ideas. This is a level of engagement and ownership which cannot be quantified but is incredibly real. Community television and its programs can be lifelines for many of the community who otherwise are not engaged. Many seniors in our community will watch their local Council meeting as well as the different programs currently available. Our Rogers channel also offers extreme value, my show is new each week, but after its initial airing will be re-run up to a dozen times until the next weeks' show.. Many of my viewers have their favourite time to tune in - value and access for the community to local programming. Many people jokingly approach me and say that I'm a 'Star' and I am very quick to respond - no , I'm the host - the star is my community - we need to engage and celebrate and understand what it has to offer us.
The unique combination of professional television Producers working with volunteer community members to produce shows for our area is the definition of community television. The challenge is insuring that funding not only stays the same but increases to allow the development and production of television which is relevant to our community.

I look forward to the various news segments and stories from the local and surrounding area. This is a great way to bring the community together in ways that print and Twitter can NOT!! This format is VERRY beneficial to so many different charity groups and organizations. Please continue funding and supporting community television !

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I do watch the local community channel. I recently moved to a new city and the local community channel allows me to be immersed in what is happening in the community and to learn about topics and businesses that are not always covered by other media outlets. I used to watch it regularly in my former community because it introduced me to local people and local topics.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Topics about what is happening with local environmental groups as well as what businesses are working with these groups to achieve environmental sustainability. I focus on topics that have an impact on my purchasing and therefore am interested in locally produced products and the people who make them and supply them. I am also interested in local political programs where I can get to know the views of my city councillor and local MPP's and MP's as well as the expertise of local city managers. The format provided by community television brings this all into focus at the community level. I also appreciate the local daytime show that provides interviews with a broad spectrum of local people.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I do know that participation is encouraged and have taken advantage of this to propose a project and to be the community producer on a local project. My experience was beyond anything I could have imagined. The producer was extremely supportive and made it easier for me to do the best job possible in co-creating several episodes highlighting locally significant topics. Assistance was provided in scheduling interviews, in interviewing techniques and most importantly in putting the most relevant video clips together to make it of interest to the audience. The show was well received and had several reruns due to the relevancy of the information and the professionalism of the stations producer. The show involved children, adults, and local experts and therefore attracted a wide audience.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
I don't think you need "professional" news broadcasting on community television. You need local people telling the local story. In addition the community station is a good training ground for those studying journalism and broadcast TV and a good opportunity for volunteers to contribute to the local stories. This elicits more local input from the citizens who may not otherwise have a voice.
The community should detemine the flavour of the programming. There should be more opportunities to talk back to TV shows such as there is for Facebook pages and the YouTube channels. Society has become more interactive and therefore no longer sits for long periods or specific periods of time to watch a TV show.

In terms of introduction, I am a father, husband and try to stay informed and engaged in my local community of London, Ontario. Up until late last year, I was in fact a community producer and host of a television show (#LdnOnt) although to be clear - I am not currently or have I ever been an employee of Rogers. My goal from the beginning was simply to make my fellow citizens aware of issues and events around the city. That being said, after four years I opted to step aside and give someone else a chance.
Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I do not. Well, at least not on TV. While I had a show on Rogers, I have actually been an employee of Bell Canada for 20+ years and as a result of emploee discounts I have their cable services. Our 'local' channel is CTV2 London, although their 'local' programming is limited to the news each weekday. I have sent numerous cprrespondence to them asking them to consider additonal shows, but have always been replied to with a simply no. Not at this time. That being said, I often will watch clips of shows posted by our local community show and find them often entertaining and informative.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
I like local issues and events - news type shows. We are lucky to have a diverse choice of shows highlighting different aspects of our community - arts, heritage, multiculturalism, social work - the opportunities are endless. Local sporting events are also great to see when I get a chance. Seeing my friends and neighbours showcase their passions and efforts is always enjoyable for me to watch.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I have .. .as I mentioned. #LdnOnt was a show I created and was the community producer and host of for for years. We looked at local issue and events as seen through social media and even enabled viewers to chime in, ask questions and opinions live during the show via twitter. I had absolutely no experience and was pleasantly surprised when Rogers contacted me to say that liked my idea and we were going to go ahead. The staff, crew wer always amazing and I met a lot of wonderful perople who joined me as guests along the way. I have heard on numerous occasions that people got more involved and engaged with the local community as a direct result of the show - which I thought was the highest praise I could be given. While I have stepped down, someone else has stepped up and I am happy to see the show continue.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
It's difficult for me to answer this as it is not necesaily my area of expertise. But by my way of thinking we need a LOT more local programming -- not less. More choices on local news would certainly be welcome - but seems in stark contrast to how things appear to be going. I believe that there are many who would prefer and benefit from more access to local programming and as consumers I'd like to see more demand it. In closing, the market is changing - the way people watch TV is changing and without more local programmiing I suspect many will simply decide to forgo cable altogether. London, like most places I suspect, are increasingly diverse and I hope and trust we can one day have increased local programmiing that reflects this reality.

Our local channel is on cable which I am not set up t watch.
I am, howver, actively involved with the community channel through my involvement with the Kincardine Rotary Club and other local organizations. For the Rotary Club the Rogers Cable TV community television is an essential part of our local fund raising program. We use the channel for our weekly TV Bingo for 30 weeks every year. This is our major fund raiser our local community development plans. We have been doing TV Bingo in Kincardine for more than 40 years with Rogers and its predecessor.
The Rotary club also uses the Community television for our annual TV auction. This is another major fund raising program which could not operate without active support from the local Community Television station.
The Rotary Club also uses Rogers Cable TV community television to publicize our local events. We use their local events listings and also do guest appearances on their local morning show.
Outside of my Rotary Club involvement, I have also uses Rogers Cable TV to publicize other events such as local concerts by the Community Singers. Their morning show offers an excellent opportunity for live discusssion on an upcoming event. Since the program started, it has been a sigificant promotional tool for many local events.
The presentation of local news on a daily basis could be a useful addition to community television. In our case the only print media publish once a week, so it can be a challenge to get current news.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes. In fact, the only broadcast TV I watch is the local Rogers Community Channel, the local CTV affiliate, and CBC. I watch the Rogers Community Channel because it provides the only real local content beyond the confines of what is going on at City Hall or "Ambulance Chasing" type stories. From local OHL hockey to Daytime's diverse range of features on community organizations and interesting upcoming events, the Rogers Community Channel truly covers "community" in a way that other media outlets simply don't.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
I'm a huge consumer of OHL hockey broadcasts, but I also enjoy Daytime and #LdnOnt as programs that give a look into what is going on, and some views and opinions from people in our community. Local current affairs and community events and initiatives are very important to me and that is the type of programming I can only get on my local Rogers Community Channel.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes, I do know this. I have actually participated in local programming productions. I have been a guest on "Election Night" panels for both federal and provincial elections as a political pundit. I have been a guest on #LdnOnt and Daytime on multiple occassions. And recently I was asked and accepted the role as the new host for #LdnOnt when the show's creator decided to move on to other roles. In every instance of involvement with these opportunities, I have found, from the station manager through to volunteers and students helping on camera crew, everyone to be friendly, helpful and open to ideas while maintaining professionalism.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
It would be great if my community channel was able to offer local nightly news, that was truly local (I often turn off the local CTV news when it starts air stories from the USA or BC or Nova Scotia that have no real local connection but seem to be thrown in as "warm and fuzzy" good news filler). However, I know from involvement with the local media outlets in my professional role in the community that local news requires a budget. It isn't just the broadcast time, but funding to have the staff to be able to research and put together the local stories on a daily basis. I don't consider "professional local news" to include filling air time with stories produced in Toronto or Ottawa (excepting of course where a station uses an affiliate there to get comment from a local MP or MPP to send home for the news). Local news should be LOCAL, and should not come at the expense of shifting funding from community programming to news. It would require additional revenue streams/funding in order for this to become a reality.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why? Rogers TV Grey County is a channel my family and I turn to quite often. It is why we still are Rogers TV subscribers. We watch the local programming to keep up to date on what is happening in our community - it could be Owen Sound City Council, Politically Speaking, local election coverage, Owen Sound Attack games at home or on the road and Rogers Grey County Live.
• What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why? • All of it is well done - whether it is council, local history, hometown hockey or local news I enjoy seeing what is going on in our community.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Yes
Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? Yes - a number of years ago I worked with our local partner to produce a show on the Owen Sound Triathlon. I am also on the channel a number of times a year to meet with the host to go over important fire safety information for our residents
What has been your experience? The crew at Rogers in Owen Sound are true professionals. They always do their best to produce quality local programming.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities? They need to be funded better so they can recruit and retain staff. If there was a local news show that would be a great addition.

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact me
Greg Nicol
Fire Prevention Officer/Community Emergency Management Co-Ordinator
Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services
519-376-2512

We strongly beleive and support local community TV. Rogers provides a valuable window into activies with our community. Many people do not receive the newspaper and rely on Rogers to share community info. We have benifited many times over by appearing on Rogers to promote our events.

• Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why? Yes. I believe that local programming is essential in finding out what is really happening within our community.
Unfortunately, the other television programs that are available within our community do not allow for charitably groups, or the like to promote – well, anything for that matter.

• What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why? I really enjoy Rogers Daytime, and some of the other scheduled programs that are offered through Rogers, Channel 13. There is such diversity that is not available the other stations. A great deal of it is innovative, and different in a good way.
• Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience? No I haven’t, yet – I am very aware. If I had the time I would definitely come up with something, and run with it. I will also mention that I have had the pleasure of watching the programs that others have done, and quite enjoy some of the unique programming that is available.
• What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities? As far as I am aware – our local station is doing very well, and it would be shameful if they were forced to shut down. I have spoken of the ability to do so much via our local station that is frankly not available through the other stations. I would also like to mention that unlike the other stations – even ones that are located in our city, Rogers TV are so kind, nice, and very approachable. They are real people, who treat everyone with respect – which is lacking in so many areas elsewhere. I love dealing with them, and truly appreciate every opportunity that is given in regards to promotion, and to speak on daytime TV.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I do. I want to be locally informed but I also want to support my community. Rogers has been such a vital partner in the London, Ontario community. I honestly cannot think of what our communtiy woudl be like without it. It is a great way to engage locally and has such a valuable place in London and area.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Daytime show to keep informed on whats going on in my community. As well, local election coverage is important to know whats going on in the ground as well as important commentary from local leaders. I really think Rogers is great at covering and representing the diversity of which is in our community. They also come up with some very unique and innovative ideas. Also the coverage of the Pride London Festival Parade. I look forward to it every year!
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I did know that! We are currently working with Rogers on an application for programming that fits in line with what my organization is trying to accomplish in our community. It is something we have been working on for some time as we want to ensure that it is the right fit. My experience with Rogers has been nothing but amazing! There staff is friendly, helpful and provides some amazing resources to our community. Again, I don't know what we would do without them!
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
I think they do a great job at providing a variety of content and what goes on in the community. I don't see much need for improvement as they're great at adapting to community need. I think you really need to look at the needs of each community.
Keep up the great work Rogers local!

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes, I watch my local community channel because I believe it is important to be educated and informed on what is happening in the community. Community television promotes diversity and acceptance by shedding light on prominent issues which we may have had preconcieved notions about before learning the facts. Through the medium of television, we are able to learn about personal stories, available community resources, and supporting local businesses. So, my community channel is the driver to positive change in and around my city. One example of this positive outcome is the "We Are London" show. A community member started a conversation with me about the entrepreneurial episode with The Small Business Centre (SBC). He was so impressed with the fact that anyone can access the services offered by the SBC, regardless of academic, professional or ethnic background. These were things he previously had no idea about. So, through shows like these, with that personal and relatable aspect, community members can regain a possibly lost hope or motivation in terms of social and economic standards.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Shows like "We Are London" which shed light on the immigrant communities are important because they help break the stigma and the stereotypes that encompass those communities, while also celebrating multiculturalism. "What's Up London" is great for learning about all the different initiatives that are happening around the city. "Western Revealed" and "Fanshawe Learns" are also great shows that touch on the academic aspects of our community. So, there is a lot to learn about our community whether it's through cultural understanding, volunteerism or academic insight.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes, I do know about participating in the creation of programmig with my local community channel. Though I have never personally taken advantage of this opportunity, some of my peers have actually been successful in producing shows with Rogers cable TV right here in London. It's really refreshing to see how open and willing Rogers TV is when it comes to producing shows with the community. This is what community is all about - collaboration. And this is what's so great about our community programming - it is for the people, by the people. So, it's really important that each community member has a voice, but when we are given the opportunity to be heard, that takes community collaboration to a whole other level because we are actively participating in the creation of our programming. This helps in the strengthing of communities.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
I believe that London is doing a great job with our community channel, Rogers cable 13. All sorts of programming - from entertainment, to news, to educational content - is proving to be quite beneficial to the viewers.

My comments are specific to RTV Barrie - Rogers Television, Barrie & Simcoe County.
For the past number of years and in particular the last four (4) years I've worked with and volunteered at Rogers. Either as a guest on their Daytime show which by the way brings local community events and happenings which otherwise would perhaps go unnoticed. I have also pitched a show successfully called Man Time and I'm in my fourth season. This creative outlet allows for me to bring topics to people for a wider audience and also stimulates conversation and thought processes.
I thorughly enjoy working with the team at Rogers; from the studio producers and supervising producer they have all endeavoured to make me personally feel welcome and part of the team.
Community televison such as Rogers brings the urban/rural folk a connection to what is happening in Simcoe County and with our Rogers this would be lost. Appreciate the opportunity to comment.
Thank you/Merci

The local Rogers tv here in London is important to me not only because I know people who work on programs broadcast by the station but also because it provides insight into my community on things that aren't otherwise covered in our area by other media. The loss of such programing would be a travisty.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I have always enjoyed watching local programming. I think it is very important as a method to 'grow communities' as well as keep people engaged. Very many years, local television was also used for local fundraising efforts and community news.
• What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Local community organizations discussing upcoming events; education; local personalities and leaders; politics.
• Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience? My husband was the host of "Inside Elgin" in St. Thomas. The feedback in the community regarding his show and the guests was totally incredible. He had a wide range of viewers regardless of the topic. I have also assisted by co-hosting a local program and until 2015, was the co-host of the St. Thomas Santa Claus Parade. People expect and want local programming.
• What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities? Our local station was recently closed. I do not support this change as I believe it has taken away a very effective means of communication and community participation.

I like local television stations because it showcases the extraordinary stories of people in our communities that would never be picked up by larger news stations. There are many interesting people living very interesting lives all around us, but their stories are never heard by news corporations unless they find a way to profit off of the newscast. I also feel that most large news stations broadcast an extremely high amount of fearful and negative news, whereas local news usually showcases positive stories and inspires viewers to take opportunities in the immediate community. Please do not cut funding to local news, as it represents the most honest and inspiring stories for viewers to watch in the city.

Grey County Chatsworth Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) support local television programming. As a regular guest on "Grey County Life", a local community program through Rogers TV in Owen Sound, Grey County OPP has had the opportunity to deliver important and relevant information to the public on a number of topics such as crime prevention, frauds and scams, safe winter driving and emergency preparedness, to name a few. Grey County OPP hope to maintain this partnership with Rogers TV in the interest of serving the residents of Grey County.
Alina Grelik
Media Relations/Community Services Officer
Grey County OPP

On behalf of the Council and staff of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc we appreciate community programming as it provides a great opportunity to keep our citizens informed on all matters related to municipal government including many programs and services. It shows our community that we are open and transparent in dealing with matters before Council.

• Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why? Everday! i love seeing local tv ,local programming is essential in finding out what is really happening within our community.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Out of the Fog in St Johns NL, it keeps me informed on whats going on in my community. As well, local election coverage is great as well , I love the anything local!
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience? YES 100% im a independent Producer in st johns and it really keep me in working,. i love produce tv for a local tv and to have a network to shocace it is incredible, I love the people at Rogers TV in St johns , Super professional and always their to answer my questions, they alway get back to me ASAP!
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
Give them more finical support!!! keep our tv local! :) Rogers TV in St Johns is the best as it local ! everyone has interest in local programming! The internet is not for the aging population 60-100 this is a hugs demoraphic who needs TV and for the rest of us, we can't view local content on the internet we need local tv for that! Advertisers feel the same way TV is still KING! :)
Take care
Donny Love

On behalf of Breaking Down Barriers Independent Living Resource Centre, I would like to comment on the importance of community TV. Rogers TV in Collingwood grants us an in-kind contract yearly. This includes appearances on various local shows, inclusion in their calendar, on their website and social media and also having a local on-air personality join us at our events. Our small non-profit organization does not have an advertising budget so this kind of exposure, free of charge is priceless to us. I know that people who need our services, potential volunteers and donors are watching because they tell us that they saw us on TV all the time. Community Television helps to ensure that adults with diverse disabilities get connected to the programs, services and supports they need. It also ensures that we have community support. I also watch local television for current, local news, informtion about events and to stay connected to my community. Thank you for a job well done! Andrea Abbott-Kokosin, Executive Director, Breaking Down Barriers

I find Community Television through Rogers to be a vital way to stay connected and informed. I watch to know what is happening news and culture-wise in my area. I have also had the pleasure of being interviewed on a number of Rogers programmes regarding events I am involved with and services I provide through my professional practice. The experience has been great and I have seen first hand the benefits that flow through to all who participate - interviewers, interviewees and staff. The volunteers at our local station are getting great experience and giving the community a fantastic experience to boot. Keep local programming alive!

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I watch it more regularly than any other station, but I don't watch tv regularly, only on occassion to watch local news or Rogers London to see someone I know that is being featured or hear more about a community event taking place.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Anything that supports local community events, programs and people. Even though I don't watch it regularly it is all of interest to me.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?

This past year I had a wonderful experience as a community producer with Rogers TV London. I appreciate the opportunities it has opened up for me and the skills I have learned that can now be applied in other areas of my business, but also in my commnity.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?

I think more of an online presence would help to increase viewership and exposure of the programming offered. Also offering opportunities for more interaction and at home participation.

Local news is a great idea! I'm not sure if by "Professional" it is meant that another news station would be featured on Rogers? If created by Rogers, perhaps incorporating a more local, community focused program with more positive and celebratory news.

I am a frequent viewer of London Rogers TV and a guest on the show from time to time. I believe many local people do in fact watch this channel and shows and as a business who has been on air, we have seen increased business because of it.
Great staff, great producers and hosts.....could not ask for better.

I'm a regular watcher of local tv. Out of the fog is great because it helps launch local endeavors/events to an even wider market. Also NTV does the same. I'm aware that you can have a hand in making local content, as I have a few friends who have done just that. And in great fashion too

My name is Craig Needles and I'm a talk show host at a local radio station and a Rogers volunteer. I know community-ased programming is very important to London and needs to remain in place.
Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes! Be it London Knights games, London City Council meetings, election night broadcasts or various locally produced programs, Rogers TV is a very important part of the London Community.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
I like programs I get get on Rogers TV that I can't get elsewhere. Programs that focus on London and what's happening in our community.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes I have and the experience has been tremendous. I've enjoyed my relationships with communit producers, Rogers staff and volunteers. Tremendous people with a passion for London and the people who live here. Losing this sort of programming would be a major blow to the commuity. Be it an election night or on a locally produced show, I've always enjoyed the chance to be involved at Rogers TV.

As an elected member of City Council, I have watched Rogers, heard from Constituents who watch Council on Rogers and appeared on various shows over the years. The programing has a level of personal participation and engagement not found in any other forum.. If the hallmark of local government is transparency and accountability, then the local programinng on current affairs of Rogers is the window for many to their government.
Beyond this I can not imagine not having the access to local sports provided by rogers. For some this is their chance to shine. For others this is a prelude to a bigger stage but for al the moment is important.

It was a mistake for the CRTC to encourage more channels for the same size of audience. That just dilutes viewership, making commercial ads less valuable. The broadcasters that created extra specialty channels destoryed their business model, and could not survive on the lower rates for ads caused by lower viewership per channel. They then persuaded the CRTC to force cable carriers to pay "carriage fees" which of course get passed on to cable customers. The original philosophy that cable operators expanded the broadcasters' coverage at no cost to the broadcasters has changed to "the broadcasters should not provide content to the cable operators free." That is perverse. To make matters worse, the fee structure is not applied equally. Small and valuable local broadcasters like CHEK TV Victoria are being short-changed and are financially disadvantaged to the big boys. This has to be corrrected.

Community television as presented in London by Rogers TV has been a vital part of the successful story of Aeolian Hall. This grass-roots approach to community building has a profound impact on supporting local art, culture and education. For the past 12 years, community television has help the Aeolian grow to international stature by telling its story, promoting its events and taking interest in our community. Please preserve this mouthpiece for our community and help it thrive!

Roger's TV London is a great station with great local connetent, specifically I really enjoy FANatics it's an awesome show that should be on a network like Space. And London is lucky enough to have it on our local cable channel. Not only is the conntent of the show great but it does a great job of promoting local business as well.
Along with Fanatics being tuned in in our home, my girlfriend also really enjoys the TV Bingo pressented by the Opptimus Club that airs on Roger's. There is also other great local programming that you simple don't get out of a regula network channel.

Roger's TV ondon is awesome and as a community London needs a channel like it, please don't take it away from us.

Thank You

Erin Miklos

Rogers community TV in London ON plays a vital role in the grow of our city. They serve hundreds of organizations and bring forward local stories by keep us informed and entertained. Is the only broadcast way that our friends, neighbors and co-workers receive most of the times their news, events and local content. We need Rogers TV or we risking London losing the soul and the purpose and sense of community.
I am a viewer and a participant on Rogers TV and I always valued how they promote the diversity of our communities and needs of London. As a result, they have established a reputation of being a distinct voice which should be maintained on the local television landscape. Rogers’s community TV has been serving London for long time and they have demonstrates the importance of their existence. The quality of their program for the London community and the esteem of their staff and volunteers have earned our respect and our valuable support. Without them London will be a much poor community.
Yours truly,
Felipe Gomes

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes. I watch my local community channel when I want to be updated on current events, activities, and issues affecting my community.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
I am very interested in local programming that focuses on issues that are important to Londoners, ranging from community events, discussion-based programming, and local community and sporting events. It is extremely important to provide a forum that supports the engagement, contribution, and creative expression of members of the public.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes, I am aware that I can participate in local programming. I have taken advantage of the opportunity to share information with the public regarding community events and updates on health research in London, and have been supported by my local station in covering a community event designed to enhance the health and well-being of members of our community. My experiences with my local channel have been extremely positive. Staff and volunteers have been extremely professional, supportive, and interested in how best to showcase information that I wish to share with the public. I have heard strong positive feedback, in turn, from community members who have seen these broadcasts and found them informative and helpful.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
I would encourage the CRTC to increase its support of local community programming in order to enable members of the public to have greater access to information, events, and entertainment reflective of local interest, experiences, diversity, and priorities. I am supportive of the CRTC providing greater opportunities for smaller markets to have access to quality news coverage.

I cannot think of anything that is more important to a healthy, thriving community than access to community television.Quite literally it gives a voice to what we value, questiion, and hope for. I watch because it matters to me. It's about my neighbours, the people I elected and the choices we are making or avoiding. Over the years it has started conversations with friends and family and pushed me out of my routine to get involved. I have lived in this community a long time - raised a family here, volunteered in the community, worked here and will soon retire here. And at some point, at every stage, I have accessed Rogers community TV. Whether it was a business event, a fund-raising initiative or a school activity, they showed up. It may not be the big breaking news stories of national TV but it is the stories of our lives and what we have accomplished and thankfully that matters in the world of community TV.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes, I regularly watch my local community channel, which provides informative and interesting current events, political affairs and general information programming. Watching local community-based television online keeps me informed on the issues and events happening in my home area while I attend post-secondary in a different region.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Local sports coverage, current events, politcal affiars, community updates, arts and entertainment and general information programming are all available on the community channel that I watch. Local sports coverage, such as the OHL, is of extreme importance and value to me as it allows for the opportunity to watch hockey on a regular basis without having a large cable package. As well, the arts and entertainment programming on my community channel is valuable to me, as it highlights members of the community who may not be vastly known and provides special opportunities for them.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes, I have taken advantage of the opportunity to actively participate in my local community channel. The experience has been something that has truly impacted my life and my career choice. During my final year of high school, I was a co-op student at my local community station. Having the opportunity to learn from professionals and experience live and live-to-tape television gave me the ability to work on programming under knowledgeable staff members. As I continued to co-op with the local community channel, I was confident enough to take on roles such as Director, working closely with paid staff members and pitching ideas for segments of various shows. I graduated in June of 2014 and am currently a student in Niagara College's Broadcasting for Radio, Television and Film Program. Having the ability to co-op with my local community channel gave me an advanced knowledge during my first year in the program, and allowed me to understand the concepts of what was being taught with ease. I have streamlined my degree to television this semester, and it is undoubtedly thanks to the experience that I recieved at my local community channel. I continue to volunteer for the channel any time that I have when I return home at various times during the semester or the summer.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
As it stands, my community channel is very well run and programmed. I absolutely love the idea of having professional local news as a part of my community channel, as it would benefit students like me who access community programming online while away for school. I think that having professional local news would create a larger audience within the community for the channel and would generally be a huge benefit.

My husband and I read at least one newspaper every day and often two or three on weekends. We have also watched the CBC national news for most of our 55+ lives. Since we moved to Victoria BC 27 years ago, we became acutely aware that this city, despite being a provincial capital and with a population greater than Prince Edward Island, is largely ignored by national media. Not only do we watch CHEK news every evening, they also produce some quality local programming. All this in spite of the fact that the station does this on a shoe string. CHEK TV is not only a voice for Victoria, but also for Vancouver Island, which again has a population equal to New Brunswick, greater than Newfoundland/Labrador and rivals that of Nova Scotia. It is extremely frustrating as we routinely feel either neglected at best or insulted at worst by national news broadcasts. Outsiders as well as newcomers to Canada would be easily forgiven for believing Toronto and Vancouver were all that really mattered in this great country of ours. CHEK goes a long way to fill a void in our community and is cherished by many for their ever present engagement in and among the local and regional population. Local TV matters.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes, Rogers TV London provides excellent community coverage. As news media is becoming more generic across Canada, it is wonderfully refreshing to have Rogers TV London telling local stories that are relevant to citizens of London.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
The programming is built with the community by listening to needs and working with all community partners to built stories that explore the fabric of the people that make London a great community. Daytime London provides a great vehicle for non profit organizations to get their messages out to the community in a professional interview format.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority partnered with Rogers TV London to produce Backyard Wilderness. This was an excellent partnership that produced a wonderful educational series. Many, many people in London were introduced to local natural areas and the importance of watershed health through this series. We continue to work closely with Rogers TV London and feel they are an extremely important asset to community stories and programming.
What could be done to improve your community channel?
It would be great to see the continuing growth of sharing programming online.
Thanks Rogers TV London for all you do with our community!

Hi, I regularly watch my local community programming, i have also been a volunteer with the local programming station for 15 years ranging in roles from sportscaster broadcaster to tv series host, i am also a Community Producer for a weekly show that focus' on my community. I believe this type of programming needs to stay if not get even better because simply the community embraces it whether we are out and about in the community taping shows or if they are simply at home watching. My community is pretty much split between satelite residences and cable tv but my community also has a fair population of elderly and shut-ins who view this community programming as a way to stay abreast of whats going on and they find it very useful. I hope this doesnt change.

thank you

Do you regularly watch you local community channel? Why?
I do watch the local community channel. As a person who enjoys arts and culture, the local community channel in Grey County allows me to stay connected in the community; what is ahppeningand learn about the topics and businesses that are not aalways covered by larger media outlets. I regularly watch it because the station continually introduces me to local people, topics, projects, events and programs that are available in the community that I would not have known about otherwise.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of the interest to you and why?
Programming that cover the following, are of interest to me and my family specifically are : - local environmental issues and challenges; what is being done about it and the progress - programs that inform you about the local produce and products available locally and within the Grey Bruce region - programs that inform the public about what interactive opportunities are available in the arts, music and culture ie. projects, workshops - programming the involved talks with the key members and groups that are presenting the events, dances and dinners; include a calendar of events - also interested in programs that local political figures and topics; a program that allows you to become familiar with the city councillours and local MPP and MP. As the manager of a not-for-profit organization that presents and promotes arts and cultural, the Grey County , Owen Sound community channel is essential in keeping the community informed and connected. Having the station in the community also supplies a venue/stage where young musicians and aspiring performers can become familiar with the world of television production through their own performance experiences.
Did you knowm you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a pfoject to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes, we are quite aware of the fact we are encouraged to participate annually. The Georgian Bay Folk Soceity is a not-for -profit organization, led by volunteers, that promotes and presents arts and cultural progrmmingin the Grey and Bruce counties. It is imperative that the organization in constant contact with our volunteersthroughout the year. Rogers TV has become a major communications conduit between the Folk Society and the 700 plus volunteers assisting us annually in the multiple programs, projects and events presented in the community. Having the station in the community allows our community to present and share information efficiently, professionally and with pride. The use of the production equipment and staff would be irreplaceable. The producer and camera crew are extremely supportiveand make it easy for everyone to look good on screen. Assistance is provided in content development, scheduling and in the art of video editting which is integral to excellent programming.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of the communities?
The community should cetermine the flavour of the programming. Thers should be more opportunities to supply interactive feedback and correspond with the guests while on air. Technology has created an audience expecting an oppotunity to interact. Community television needs to update in this field, but maintain its local programming. You need to have local people invested in the stories, telling the stories. As mentioned previously, the community television station is a good training ground for those studing jounalism, broadcast television, marketing, production and camera work, fim editting and so much more. Professional? Improve the equipment and update the technology at the Grey County station

January 20, 2016

To Whom It May Concern:

I have had the pleasure of volunteering with Rogers TV as an on-air personality, reporter and color analyst for local youth hockey for roughly seven years and more recently QMJHL coverage. Growing up in Moncton, New Brunswick it was common place for my family to watch sporting events on local television.

As a young competitive hockey player in this region for quite some time being featured on community television was in many ways motivating and inspired the dream to one day play at the highest level possible. It has been a tremendous honor to give back to the game of hockey in my community as a local broadcaster. I continue to gain a greater appreciation for my responsibility as an analyst and the impact that these broadcasts have on our local sporting community.

Sporting community set aside, the effect of local broadcasting can be seen widespread throughout our region on countless levels. Whether to capture up and coming local talent, feature local news or to showcase the skill set of employees and volunteers, community television continues to have a strong influence on its viewers.

I have had the rare opportunity to witness both sides of the camera. The benefits of community television are remarkable and it is unfortunate that sometimes these are overlooked. In my opinion, local broadcasting continues to have a profound effect, to downplay its importance, detrimentally affects the very essence of the community in which it represents.

Sincerely,

Craig Eagles
Teacher
Moncton High School
Rogers TV
Reporter/Color Analyst QMJHL

Community television is very important in our community. In Georgina, we have had a local Rogers station for a few years, and the value to our residents is immeasurable. Our local station broadcasts our muncipal council meetings, providing a way for residents to be involved in how our town is run, without having to leave home to attend the meetings in person. Many people have indicated to me that they watch the meetings regularly and enjoying having this service. For those who have mobility issues, it is a way for them to keep up to date easily. Our local cable station also assists with economic development, spotlighting local businesses, and even allowing those businesses to create their own television show, expanding their benefits to the local community. Economic development is extremely important in small communities, as it helps to balance out the tax base, taking the pressure off of residential homes. Further, our local station is a popular place for youth to volunteer, and gain valuable skills in broadcasting and communication, which would not be possible otherwise. This investment in our youth is important. For a small town, the ability to use community television to promote local events, and services helps to create an inclusive community, and encourage shut-ins, new residents, and seniors to take part in what is happening around town. Our cable station also broadcasts a live auction benefitting our local children's charity, Georgina Cares. It is the single biggest fundraiser for the charity, and provides funding for children for a variety of sports, activities, and medical needs. Community television in Georgina has become so integrated with our small town that I can't imagine Georgina without it.

My name is Mike Vecchio and I hosted a daily local Rogers interview program called Inside Elgin and That Show for many years. I also had the pleasure of working alongside my wife Karen hosting a show, and MCing the Santa Claus Parade each year for 5 years now.
Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I will say I watched it much more frequently when the shows were fresh and up to date. Since the closing of the studio here in St. Thomas, the programming is basically stale and full of reruns.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Local organizations and event coordinators talking about upcoming events that interest the community at large.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes I have particpated as a paid employee, and when the income was cut off by Rogers, I continued to host as a volunteer. I feel it is important to keep our community together with this channel. Many folks still to this day come and ask me when I'll have new shows to watch. I have to explain that there won't be any with the changes Rogers has implemented.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
Bring it back to include live and up to date programming.

New Brunswick is in need of independent media, especially television broadcasting. Currently my show which features in-depth conversation on themes which are major in our province (environment, healthcare, education, economy, community soul, how everything is connected, etc.) would not be possible without the resources of CHCO TV in Saint Andrews. I focus on content and guests and "voice" of the show (as well as promotion, research), and they offer me all the technical support, venue, and significant broadcast reach.
I can not do this on my own. While I have a Youtube channel, website, and Facebook page ... all of these combined do not have the reach or impact of CHCO TV.
Recently a group has emerged around my show who want to work towards a provincial educational/documentary network, with my The Dennis Report as the hub, and several pods or satellite shows spinning off it. The model is Public Broadcasting in the U. S., and those provinces who have educational channels. There is no avenue or venue for this in New Brunswick, and there is significant potential for CHCO to be that venue. Members of this group include a private trades college (with a media production component), University of New Brunswick, and independent documentary film makers.
So ... in our case, it is so important at this time CHCO continues to be viable, and funded, and ready to take on the new wave of independent media which is about to happen. The fundamental platform is television for its technical expertise and broadcast reach.
All of these elements are ready to come together to deepen the provincial narrative in Ne Brunswick. We need CHCO TV in Saint Andrews to be strong and ready to grow in order to make this happen.
My Youtube channel is The Dennis Report if you are interested.
Thanks for your attention,
Dennis Atchison

I have lived in Georgina, ON (Keswick specifically) for almost 15 years. I have always counted on my local Rogers station to provide me with information on what's going on in my community, as well as sporting events, charity events, political shows and different community shows (Georgina Life, Mommy Talk).
I recently was able to work in the area and became a part of the Georgina Life show as a recurring guest for approximately two years. As I shopped and travelled through town, I was amazed at how many people stopped me to comment on the show and helpful they found the segment. It is amazing how far the outreach is within the community and helpful local programming is.
Last spring I had the experience of taking high school students to the station as part of a mentorship program. The Executive Producer, Jim Anderson, and the host of Georgina Life, Jennifer Anderson, were both on hand to speak to the students about their experiences with Rogers and working for, with and in the community and it was an experience the students still talk about.
I would be quite upset if I turned on Cable 10 one day to find these programs gone. It is an essential part of our growing community.

Hey All

Do you regularly Watch Community TV. WHY?
Yes I do because I enjoy seeing people I know on TV. I enjoy being able to see my community thrive and come closer through the power of community television
2) What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Local talk shows, special interest shows, city council meetings, community billboards, hockey!
3) Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I did know that. I have never participated in the communityy channel, but I enjoy watching it. I am not very tech savvy and not keen to learn technology as I am old. I enjoy the city council meetings and local talk shows.
4) What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
They are doing a great job. I would like to see the funding continued

Do you regularly Watch Community TV. WHY?
Yes I do because I enjoy seeing people I know on TV. I enjoy being able to see my community thrive and come closer through the power of community television
2) What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Local talk shows, special interest shows, city council meetings, community billboards, hockey!
3) Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I did know that. I have never participated in the communityy channel, but I enjoy watching it. I am not very tech savvy and not keen to learn technology as I am old. I enjoy the city council meetings and local talk shows.
4) What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
They are doing a great job. I would like to see the funding continued

I have been a volunteer with Rogers TV in St. John's NL for the past 5 years and I see immeasurable value in this channel's community programs. Because I am involved at this level, I watch Channel 9 frequently and am aware that Rogers TV encourages and promotes the creation of local programming.

The coverage that Rogers TV provides via shows like Out of the Fog, One Chef One Critic, and Local Matters keeps the viewers in touch with what's happening in our area. Rogers also airs AHL hockey games from Mile One Centre for the sports fans in their audience. As well, Rogers TV provides the most extensive coverage of any local media outlet of The Royal St. John's Regatta every August. This day-long production sees interviews with local athletes, politicians, and other prominent community members, while keeping the viewers up to date on the winners of every race. Other notable productions that happen at this station throughout the year include live coverage of election results and an annual call-in Santa show each December.

I am extremely proud to be associated with Rogers TV, and if I had to come up with any way to improve on what's being done, I would request additional funding to support the efforts of the Rogers TV Team so they are capable of producing even more quality LOCAL programming.

I value and appreciate the local content for events and areas within our community that would not receive coverage without this community channel. Sports events (Rangers), Santa Claus parade(s) which highlishts the joy of the season, local council meetings which directly impact all of us in our community and special events that I may not be aware of. I like the format of the noon talk show when I am able to see it.
I wasn't aware that I could participate in the creation of programming but now that I am, I see great potential to engage with this in my specific field of interest and work - that being supporting citizens with a dvelopmental disability. This possibilty for both diversity and inclusion is exciting.
We are constantly bombarded with news and current events, electronic communication that is instantaneous and worldwide. This tends to highlight drama, catastrophe and suffering. We begin to lose our own identity and recognition of our local culture and the good that is in our world. It is easy to lose perspective and hope when faced with this daily diet. The option is mind numbing TV sitcoms. Local community programming through this channel allows a platform where we can reconnect with who we are as a community and celebrate the successes and lives that enrich where we live. This contibutes to the overall health of the community which ulltimately benefits us all.
Let's keep a good thing going!!

With being in business in Georgina and having many options of who we can use for our cable/satellite/internet we use and support Rogers TV. The one, and only, reason that we have Rogers is because of the local Channel 10 that has many local programs on there showing off the community. We have recently signed on to the local channel to sposor one of the local shows that airs on oput local channel. We love watching the station and seeing what is happening in the community. As well, we see the benefit of being involved with the community by sponsoring local kids sports clubs, donating to local charities and being part of several other initiatives in the community. By being able to follow what is happening in the community and utilizing the local Rogers TV programming, it allows us to become part of the face of the community. So, from a business point of view it is priceless having local programming that allows businesses to show how they function and as well support the community. On a personal user note, we watch to see who is supporting the community and being part of the community so we support them and their businesses by going to their business and using their services. If it were not for the local channel, and the local programming that is available on that channel, we would be with another cable/satellite provider that would be more beneficial for us from a financial standpoint.

Rogers Daytime is a great way to promote local businesses and events to the community. We have appeared several times and greatly appreciate the extra exposure. The team at the station do a great job. Sharing on social media is an added bonus to increase visibility even more.

community television is very important to my and my family, and most people i know and talk to in the community. This is what keeps our community in tune with what is going on. From local debates to what's going on a city council and so many issues having to do with Thunder Bay and our surrounding area.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I have often watched my local community channel because it creates awareness of pertinent local events and issue in a way that local news cannot--it's a much deeper level and it truly allows for a community spirit. I have participated in events that I learned about through community television...I have hosted events that were promoted by community television and received a large audience as a result. The only reason why I ever ceased watching it was due to my employment in the film industry taking up so much of my time that I no longer get to watch much TV of any sort.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
As mentioned above, the community matters programming is something that I feel to be very valuable and crucial. It goes way beyond the level of information that one can see on major evening news hours, and does so much good to the local (municipal and provincial) economy as a result. Rogers TV St. John's has a show called Out of the Fog, which acts as a news programme, talk show and showcase for local musicians, and so many people have benefitted as a result--including myself.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I was indeed aware of this. As a former volunteer, I spent years performing various technical roles on the flagship show on my community channel, and was even given the opportunity to be showcased on the station in various advertisements. I later created a university-based web series that I was actually quite close to having aired on my community channel, which of course was a fantastic experience; it only did not happen due to my unexpected new employment--I currently make my living working in professional film and television, having worked on projects such as Republic of Doyle and now Frontier.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
Community channels deserve more funding than they receive, and sadly they do suffer as a result of it--our flagship show, which is state-of-the-art by design, is forced to film on standard-definition broadcast equipment rather than the standard high-definition cameras, due to lack of budget. Also, staff must work long hours as there is a limit to how many staff they can have, resulting in bringing on many volunteers...which is an excellent training tool, however when a volunteer gets trained well enough, they often end up leaving for employment elsewhere (as was my case), because there was nowhere else to go where they were--which then means new people have to be re-trained...it's so hard for them to advance when this happens.

Question one? Yes, I do watch community television regularly. Channel 10 in Durham. Primarily for local news and sports. I enjoy watching the OHL hockey broadcasts of the Oshawa Generals as well as the annual Santa Claus parade. Catching college and university sports teams in action is great on my local channel 10 for sure. Enjoyed baseball broadcasts from the KInsmen Stadium in Oshawa but that has ceased to happen lately. The other show I enjoy is Daytime as it covers the entire Durham region with all kinds of great topics and guests. Was not aware you could submit your own idea for a show or invilvement of tnat nature. Great idea. I was involved at one time for a number of years doing play by play for Rogers televsied game action at local high schools and college. It was alot of fun and met alot of great people on the Rogers side.
For improvements, an expanded and more supported local evening news,weather and sports at 6 and 11 would be at the top of my list. This I value very much from my local TV channel. As well the content needs to be local rather than national.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes - I live in Georgina, Ontario - and avidly watch Rogers TV only in Georgina. We watch it (family) to find out what is happening in our own backyard. For years I lived in Keswick and did not feel connected to our town in anyway. When we started getting Rogers Community Tv - we started finding out about our own community not Richmond Hill, Newmarket but what was actually happening in our own backyard. We started joining things like Yoga as we saw Charlene Biggerstaff Yoga Ten. We found out about Community programs such as Sandgate Women's Shelter - The Learning Centre, GTTI, Linking Georgina, Georgina Chamber of Commerce all because of Community TV. WE discovered that the very place we lived in had a wealth of incredible people doing groundbreaking work and it was happening right in Georgina. Rogers TV was now bringing information to me and then we could find out about it for ourselves - we were finally feeling connected to the community we lived in. One of the best things that happened for our family as a result of Rogers Community TV was that I found the Nurses Practioner Clinic and Sutton - we had lost our family doctor and one day was watching Georgina Life - and there was someone talking about the service of the Georgina Led Clinic - we immediately called the number on the screen and became their patients (saved my life) and I mean that sincerely.
• What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
I love any type of show that is going to give me information and introduce me to someone in our community who is making a difference. I particularly enjoy watching Georgina Life and Mommy Talk.

• Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I did not know at first that I could be involved until I saw the "Want to be a volunteer?" I then got to meet with Jim Anderson and we spoke at length - and he offered me the opportunity to host a show called Parsons Live - this was a dream come true for me as I always wanted to host a show of some sort (Brian Linehan - was one of my heroes) but more than that I love meeting and talking to people that are actively making a difference by their actions. Jim had the courage and confidence in my ability and that of my husband who worked side by side to produce/write/and find guests for this hour long show. What a privilege it was to be entrusted with this responsibility. It was a prayer answered. As a result of this experience I met and worked along side some of the most courageous inspiring people that I have ever met in my entire life (I am way passed my Prime and Jim did not hesitate to bring me on) Because of community TV I interviewed Mitchell Stark. Mitchell is a teenage boy - who was born with Cerebral Palsy -when we met him he was 16 and was very concerned about his accessibility to his own washroom in his own house - he did not have easy access (meaning he could not wheel in their with his wheelchair. He came on Parsons Live and talked very candidly about his needs and his desires and his issues with Accessibility in our community. Mitchell had started a crowd fund and as a result of Parsons Live the news got out there that he was raising money to fund his new washroom. As a result of that show he was inspired by media and its affect on his journey and then went on other tv shows to tell his story, he is now working at a community radio station. Rogers TV inspired this - by creating the opportunity to tell the story - how incredible is that. Mitchell 8 months later has his new washroom - it is accessible and it started as a result of him being a guest on Parsons Live. Community TV gave me the opportunity to meet people in our community who were making a difference just because that is who they are not because they wanted promotion - but a community station does allow the word to get out there about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Parsons Live - was having conversations that mattered. We talked about Mental Health issues, we talked about the need for Inclusivity in our communities - we talked about Sexual Abuse, Human Trafficking, the use of Fentanyl and many other topics that affected people in our community. We were able to have discussions and then have Subject experts help us understand how to deal with these issues. We understood that as a community we are affected by things directly and there are steps we can take to find help and make our community a better safer place to live... that is a result of Community TV. Rogers gave me an opportunity to have a voice and find voices that would share and touch us with their stories and again have Conversations that matter.
• What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
I feel that the way to improve our community channel is to get involved. The station and the people that run are there to help and they do. I have worked with Jim Anderson, Jeremiah Bretton, Jonny Russell, and so many other people including volunteers from our local high school. They were all very supportive and generous with their time. They showed us what went on behind the scenes. To improve our channel is to get more people involved with more ideas - so that we do not recycle the same shows over again. Local news is an idea - a lot of our shows are talking to people that make the news. Working as a Producer/Host and PR person gave me the opportunity to see what was happening in the community and I feel more shows hosted by youth would be wonderful. We get a lot of shows aimed at young moms and general knowledge shows - but I don't see a lot aimed at our tweens to young adults. However we need them to come forward and support them with their ideas. Therefore the type of improvement I could see would be creating shows for youth and involving youth from our community and get their point of view on issues that concern them within our community.

I can't say enough what a privilege it was to be part of Rogers Community TV. I feel we are so lucky to live in Georgina where we have our own station that speaks to us. It is so important to have this station as it is a way to connect our communities of Keswick, Sutton, Roches Point, Island Grove, Willow Beach, Egypt Pefferlaw we are all one under the umbrella of Georgina. We live in one of the greatest communities and up until about three years ago it was a well kept secret. Because of Rogers Community TV and the great shows such as Georgina Life, Politically Speaking, Mommy Talk, Cooking with Corrie, Energy Rising, and a host of other (sorry not to mention all of them we are more aware, more diverse and more appreciative of how wonderful we are as a community. Thanks Rogers Community TV for making such a difference in my life what you do matters

Thank you for the opportunity to add my comments to this review of services.

I have participated in Daytime on Rogers for approximately 20 years. This access has allowed me to grow my small business in London due to the reach of the audience. Otherwise I doubt that I would be surviving in this market as we are a niche business.
Do you regularly watch you local community channel? Why?
Community channels allow me to find everything I need to know in towns and cities that I visit. Local community channels are the first thing that I check on television. I regularly watch these chanels because it introduces me to new topics, events and people in our community.
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What type of programming available on the community channel is of the interest to you and why?
I love to hear about the local challenges in our city and what is being done about issues like the environment. I also like the community acitivists that come on to discuss their projects. Otherwise I would never hear about all of these things in our city.
Did you knowm you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a pfoject to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes, I have been very fortunate to participate often in Daytime television. I have learned alot just being on the set and watching what goes on behind the scenes. I have met people at the station that have actually come and helped me at my business with different issues.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of the communities?
I would trust the producers to determine the programming. I would always appreciate small market communities in and around the city to have a venue to show off their events and people of interest. I feel the producers of the shows would have a better idea of this venture.

Thank you again to all of the producers for their ongoing support and interest in small ventures.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?

Yes I do. Rogers Cable 20 in Brantford is my only access to local programming. Whether I'm watching election returns, city council, Inside Brant or Advocate Television I have access. If I need national or regional content I can go online but when I want local content I turn to Rogers. It's that simple.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
I really enjoy interview-style shows like Inside Brant and Advocate Televsion. This is my chance to get to know the people in my community that I may not otherwise get a chance to meet. I've learned a lot about local charities and not-for-profits that are in need of volunteers or financial support. This is a huge benefit to those local charities and not-for-profits who are in need of help and there is no better way to get connected than hearing the words right from the source.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?

Yes I do. I am the host of Advocate Television on Rogers. For three seasons I have helped to tell the untold stories of my community. Most importantly we have built cultural bridges by bringing First Nations voices and stories to Non-Native households in our region. I can't think of a more honourable way to make use of cable television access than to encourage positive Nation-To-Nation dialogue.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?

More programs. More on-location shows. Making all content available online.

I have been a volunteer for local television in my community for serveral years now. I have seen first hand the positive effect that local programming has on the community by bringing people together with common, local interests. People want to see and are interested in and supportive of local programming. Local programming provides many opportunities and learning experiences for those in the community who volunteer and whose dedication and hard work ensure that these local issues are given a voice. Local programming tells the stories that inspire, educate, motivate and interest all of us. These stories are import to us as a communtiy and need to be told. Who better to bring those stories to our communtiy and give them the voice they deserve then the people who live here. All of which is enabled by local televisiion and community programming.

Rogers TV Collingwood is an important link to our local community as it provides a forum for our fire department to reach customers with our fire prevention messages. anyone in the community with Rogers cable service can access antime to view community programming and stay in touch. We have been contacted to participate in creation of a program and it is an open discussion and may benifit the community in the future. Our overall experience have been nothing but positive when interacting with staff from Rogers TV Collingwood, The staff contribute positive community based programs that utilize volunteers and co-op students in the production of TV shows and facilitates real life experience for those people that seek a career in the media or want to help out in the community.

Local and community programming is essential for communicating what is going on and for connecting people in this region - especially as we are largely rural and are often challenged by extreme weather conditions. Television stations in the larger urban communities rarely reflect our activities or issues. Local programming provides important opportunities to convey information and for entertainment value. People who are elderly or who have mobility issues are able to stay on top of what is going on in the area and to feel a part of what is going on. The programming that is developed local responds to the interests, concerns and values of our community in ways that the programming in larger urban centres are simply not able to do. I hope that the CRTC will not only maintain funding for local programming but will also increase their support for it.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes, I do. I love watching what is happening locally. It is great to get current news of what is happening in my city.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
I love the adopt-a-pet segment with the Humane Society. It is so great to see Rogers helping animals in need find forever homes!
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
No I did not! That is so cool. I will have to look into this!
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
I believe they are doing a great job in covering a variety of topics! It’s great to see their regular segments supporting the non for profits and organization to keeping the community informed.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?

Yes. The local community channel provides me with an array of programs that keeps me informed about local issues that are vital to the health, safety, and well-being of my community. The work of RogersTV has been invaluable to promote young worker safety in my local community. The relationship formed between RogersTV and WorkplaceNL allows us to inform vulnerable groups who have high risk of injury to receive education and awareness of occupational health and safety. The broadcast of WorkplaceNL's Who Wants To Save a Life? Game Show gives us the platform to reach 170,000 people in our community - giving us an opportunity to advance the importance of health ands safety in all aspects of work.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?

All types of programming are vital to our community. Our community channel can allow additional time to explore issues with guest speakers and explore the various options to resolving community issues. RogersTV Out of the Fog program is an excellent program to explore more in-depth analysis of issues and to understand the various roles of stakeholders in community-based issues.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?

Yes. I have been interviewed on RogersTV Out of the Fog Program. My organization, WorkplaceNL, has formed a productive partnership to broadcast WorkplaceNL's Who Wants to Save a Life? game show which teaches young workers about occupational health and safety. The game show travels the province doing live shows in elementary, junior high, and senior high schools. The semi-finals and finals are taped in studio at RogersTV and broadcasted to an audience of 170,000 across the province. This is an example of a community channel being used to prevent injuries at home, work and play.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?

Community channels are the root that binds a community together. The CRTC should consider allocating a great percentage of funding to support local programming, to enhance the opportunity to educate and inform viewers, and provide better engagement of the public in community issues. Community channels can provide the depth in coverage that other local programs cannot address. They are vital vehicles to keep citizens engaged on local issues that impact their community. Kudos to RogersTV for setting the bar in this regard.

Strathroy-Caradoc has only one community channel and it is provided through Roges Cable. The programing covers many topics from council meetings, home town hero stories, sports events, election coverage, festivals and updates on many local issues. As Mayor I can tell you it is watched by many residents who admit they stay with Rogers because of the community channel. Having our council meetings and quarterly updates viewed by the residents helps us all stay connected. We are a small community and feel very fortunate to have a community channel and it would be a real shame if it was eliminated.Thank you for your time and feel free to contact me personaly if you have any questions. 519-245-1105 ext 251

Our local community channel is Rogers TV Barrie. Through this channel, we have been able tor each our community and surrounding area with life saving fire safety information with a bi-weekly call in talk show. We submitted a show proposal and it was acepted. We have been doing this for four seasons with positive response from our community members. This past year (2015) we received and Internation Association of FireFighters media award for best public education awareness program for our show, "Clear to Respond". This is from an international organization and we were the only Canadian Fire Department to win, all thanks to our local cable channel RTV - Barrie
!

Community Television is essential programming that we need to ensure continues to be provided in order to promote the important successes and good work that is being done in our community. We need to focus more on our local news and what is happening in our immediate communities in order to be a strong and growing community. We need to be inspired by our neighbours that we see are volunteering or thrive on the achievements of our local sports teams. Community Television gives us a sense of belonging. Without this there would be a disconnect in our community.
Professionally I have seen the difference that our local community station, Rogers TV in Mississauga and Brampton, has made for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel Region. It has allowed us to build awareness about our need for volunteers and directly helped us to find mentors for children in our community who are waiting for service. It has helped us to let the community know about our fundraisers so that we can encourage them to participate and assist us to raise the funds necessary to run our mentoring programs. It is also an essential way that we can highlight our incredible volunteers and the great work that they do. There is nothing like community television programming to be able to have our actual volunteers go on one of their shows to share their story about how being a Big Brother has changed their life, or to hear from a mom of one of our Little Brothers or Little SIsters describe the incredible transformation of their son or daughter thanks to the influence of their Big Brother or Big Sister. These kinds of stories are never shared on other televison programming and they really are the most important to inspire citizens in our community to get involved and contribute to their community.
The great work done by Rogers TV in Peel Region is essential to the success of Big Brothers Big Sisters!
Lori Plati, Public Relations Manager, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel

Love our local television station CKPR/CHFD! ...it's the glue that sticks the community together. Our Thunder Bay Newshour is very popular, a local program "Around Town" has been on for many years and promotes community events. The ads for local businesses are great for awareness and draws folks from outlying towns to come in to shop. Local sports, cultural events, musical events and politics are all topics covered on the stations. Our city is an interesting place and it has been promoted all these years by local TV.

I live in Collingwood Ontario and love our community television station. I watch several programs such as Mommy Talk, Budget Survivor. I have also volunteered as crew on several other shows so I can attest to what a valuable experience I have had. I regularly get community feedback on the shows from people who know I volunteer there. Many people love watching the shows as they keep people in the area up to date on local issues. Parents love watching their children performing or playing sports or being recognized on television for their accomplishments. Watching council meetings allows people to keep up to date with local politics.
As a volunteer I have learned many skills relating to telecommunications and am hoping now for employment in the industry. I have seen co-op students get hands on training before they go on to college and university. Aspiring actors, actresses and performers get an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in an environment that is not intimidating. Members of the community get the opportunity to see fresh new talented people.
Our Rogers television community station is invaluable to our community.
Heather Macdonald

Please keep our local channel 13. I would miss Daytime, London Knights hockey games, London National hockey games and many other local programming.
Rogers TV gives great opportunies to many in our area. There SO many reasons to keep this station. Rogers TV has been wonderful to our local high school by allowing students to co-op there. What a wonderful opportunity for students to experience working in a TV environment.
Many local shops would not have the ability to show off their goods without a great experience with Rogers TV. The citizens of London need to have the chance to see these stores, events, library programs and so much more.
Please be smart in your decision about our local channel.

As a volunteer representative for the Grey Bruce Animal Shelter I have had the privilege to to be a part of Rogers TV programming in Owen Sound. Community television is absolutely vital for areas such as Grey and Bruce - it is offers us the opportunity to showcase what the region has to offer to its residents and visitors. Rogers TV has always included the Grey Bruce Animal Shelter in regular programmes showcasing our pets available for adoption as well as promoting our fundraising events. The studio atmosphere is upbeat, fun and welcoming - the staff are professional, help you relax and be comfortable in front of the camera.
Thank you Rogers Owen Sound.

The Community Channel operated by the Rogers TV studio in London Ontario is excellent in generating community awareness in London. As a volunteer with the Optimist Club of Byron, I have participated in the Rogers TV Bingo program for over 14 years. Friends, families, and neighbours get together to enjoy the program and many have been viewers for years.

This program has helped the Optimists donate to and support many sports programs and celebrate academic achievements for youth in the city.

This investment in our community would not be possible without Rogers TV and its support of TV Bingo. The donations made possible by this program have a huge multiplier effect throughout the community that would be sorely missed if funding for local stations was cut.

I am a secondary school co-op teacher, Rogers has provided a great learning opportunity for our co-op students. It has helped them make career decisions by gaining hands on experience that if not for Rogers, they would not have been able to gain in our community. The students in production placements had opportunities to use cameras, operate audio, input graphics, help with setup and social media. In addition they had opportunities to interact with the public and co-workers. It allowed them to identify the area they liked best and get an overall picture of the industry. Many of our students went on to college to pursue careers in broadcasting. The staff at Rogers TV have taught our students so much and have always been patient and willing to share their expertise.
In addition to the hands on experience, our students were given reponsibilites that gave them self confidence and helped them to mature. I also think they gained a better appreciation of the commuity through the community programs. Rogers TV has been great for our students and we really appreciate the opportunity that they have provided.
Our school offers a "Specialist High Skills Major in Information and Communications Technology". Co-op is a component of this program and without Rogers, it might be difficult for those students to get the needed experience in within their community.
Please continue to support Community TV.

With so much canned content in the general television systems that exist. There is a need to keep local content accessible. It helps us to connect to our own areas and keep up to date with what is happening locally. This is a treasure to be continued.

Years ago I was doing a show on the local cable channel on Rogers out of a little studio in Pennfield, NB. It was subsequently closed up and the community channel for our area was moved to Saint John, some 100 kms away. Fast forward to late 2014 I subscribed to Bell's satellite service and stumble onto a local community channel on it.
Now I am the host of a talk show on the local channel in Saint Andrews, NB called the Mark Taylor Show. It's a half hour of local content that has had a wide range of guests such as ex-politicians, musicians, and people with stories to tell about things like Alzheimer's, suicide and drug addiction. There have been 30 shows to date and none would have been possible without the help of CHCO-TV on Bell. Although it is carried on the Rogers cable channel in Saint Andrews, it is not carried anywhere else in the area on ANY Rogers cable package. Bell carries the channel all over southern NB on Fibre Op and across the nation on the satellite system. I do not have the means or ability to produce my own show and throw it on youtube.
It's not like my show is Emmy Award material, but I feel it is something that many people can relate to or have experienced first hand. This post is NOT about me, it's about local programming. We need community based program to preserve our identity as Canadians; no matter what part we may hail from. Although I recogize that shows from other parts of Canada are vital to all of us, we all need to see what is important in our own region and be entertained and informed by local people.

As a busy professional I have little time to watch television and often get my news on the go from the net. What I cannot get and depend upon from Rogers community tv is information on local people, events, considerations and personalities. Only on Rogers can I get the meat and potatoes of an issue, get to know local hotspots and learn about the real WHY I should attend and event. I meet local people, special people who volunteer their time for my community and am able to stay up on whats new and happening in my city. To be honest the only reason I pay for cable is for Rogers community television. I can access any other program on line. I cannot access local current in depth information about my area in any other way. The producers of London's community programming go above and beyond traditional expectations to deilver qualitly programing.

I am writing to you today in support of local television. Almost 8 years ago, I began hosting local community television shows through Rogers Television as a way of becoming involved in my community. It was a fun way to gain television experience while providing content that my friends and family could be proud of. I fondly remember seeing my son watch me film the local news or cooking shows and having a wonderfully engaging experience with the volunteers and crew. The experience of getting a “behind the scenes” glimpse of what it was like to be involved in TV production only furthered my love of creating local broadcasting. I would never had known how invaluable my experience would come to be.
Several years later, I was lucky enough to be contacted by a production company in Los Angeles and ended up competing on the Food Network. It was an unforgettable and enriching experience that I won’t soon forget and thanks to my prior filming experience I made lasting impression. To date, I have competed on over a half dozen Food Network competitions - and have even won a few. I feel that I owe a lot what has happened to me over the last few years to my experience working with Rogers and local community access TV.
Because of my prior work with Rogers I, this small town woman from Moncton, New Brunswick, has had the chance to be competitive on these high pressure shows in Los Angeles and gain international exposure. This last year I went back to filming with Rogers TV again and I can’t even express what an amazing feeling it is to be able to bring what I’ve learned from filming in the U.S. back to my local community access show. For the family, friends and members of the community who work on these shows and the communities that get to enjoy them, it is an integral source of local news and entertainment by those that know the community most. It gives youth volunteers a way to gain the toolset they require to chase their dreams of filming engaging programming for years to come. As for me, it has provided the backbone for an adventure into high stakes cooking shows that will remain irreplaceable in my mind and heart.

Our local Rogers TV is highly connected to community and for that reason there are many engaged citizens who depend on this channel for information, news and entertainment. The host and staff are immersed in community and as a regular guest and past host I have been continually impressed with the professionalism and range of shows available to our community. Local community television builds a sense of belonging and engages volunteers and guests whie providing an opportunity to share their stories of impact. The current leve of programming meets the needs of our community and has creates value for our community.

My tv is tuned to Rogers TV Georgina very often.
They have captured the art of bringing local matters to their viewers in many formats. The ability to watch our local Council meetings from home, keeping us up to date on decisions being made in our Community is truly appreciated. Common interest shows, Politically Speaking, Your Town Your Call, Georgina Life, Tech shows and many more....all have a tremendous value in our Community. There is no way our Community would be brought to light on a larger network.
I personally have been given the opportunity of helping create and host a show on Police in our Community, a very exciting and valuable project that will bring the York Regional Police messaging to the viewers of Georgina. Rogers TV Georgina is also the supporter/host of the annual Georgina Cares Live TV Auction, raising needed funds for local Georgina kids so they can participate in extra-curricular activities. This past November, I was a volunteer call-taker on the show that raised over $28,000 for the Georgina Charity.

I represent a local community producer in Tillsonburg, Ontario. We have been a community producer for many years. We produce a show for the local Rogers station, and receive feedback from our viewers of their regular commitment to viewing our show. Recently, we made improvements to our program and found the staff to be very helpful and informative in our effort to produce high quality local programming. Having the opportunity to be a local producer is one of the key ways we choose communicate our message with our community. We believe local programming provides a much needed voice for urban and rural communities to express their varied views and opinions. We are very grateful for the relationship with Rogers Television and look forward to many more years of positive support.

As voters, consumers and citizens, we are often told that "you are important to us" on everything from our opinions and votes to our patronage. If that is true, then a vaildation of the is not just to be polled occasionally or deemed newsworthy by national interests and media, but to consistently be able to access a local platform in order to be heard on issues that we deem important and relevant. That platform is community television. Yes, social media has a valued and important place in the access mix, but is an often "noisy", and sometimes randomly selective forum in an of itself.
Behind the suspended licences, budget cuts and closures in community television, are the stories that won't be told, although they will continue to unfold every day in our communities. At times heartfelt, funny, frustrating and often unpolished and unvarnished, they are what we are proud of, angry about or heartbroken over ... but in other words, they are what is authentic and reflective of real challenges and accomplishments, It woudl be a shame to see them drown out by or cast aside in favour of slicker and more "cost-effective' forums and venues.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes, I regularly watch my Rogers TV St. John's Newfoundland channel. Watching local community-based television allows me to have an indepth understanding of community events and issues and gives me a better understanding then a standared 30 second news clip.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Local indepth sports coverage, food preperation, charity events, politcal affiars, and general information. As a Director of several local recreation and non-profit organizations Rogers TV St. John's allows me to stay informed and help promote important information to an engaged viewing community.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
As a Director of several non -profits including the Royal St. John's Regatta and Scouts Canada, I annually work with Rogers TV St. John's to cover important community events. The experience has been very positive.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
Contine to improve community programmingincluding indepth sports coverage and local events. Have better access to the Rogers TV mobile unit for festival and outdoor sporting events resulting in an improved quality of production.
As a millennial I prefeer to consume my news on social media and rarely watch a traditional local news program.Adding this format would not be something I would watch.
I enjoy watching Rogers TV St. John's because it goes beyond the traditional format and gives me information that would not be possible in a short news clip. I also enjoy the presonalities on Rogers TV St. John's.

As a resident in a primarily rural area, I find that Rogers, Owen Sound is an invaluable service to the surrounding area.
They broadcast municipal events, council meetings, Chamber activities, etc., They tape and re-air parades and special events that take place in the area and host information shows to allow groups and individuals to get their message out to the community.
Those broadcasts allow people who would not be able to attend, to keep up with what is happening locally and within the larger area.. Without this service, our greater communities in the Owen Sound broacast area would be sorely lacking a critical source of information.
In summation, Rogers, Owen Sound is an integral part of the flow of information and entertainment that we need to maintain, particularly in areas that are rural in makeup since they knit the comminities together and strengthen the bonds between us.

I am the Music Director of the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra and am extremely grateful for the opportunity provided by Rogers Cable programming to be interviewed about our orchestra concerts. It's a wonderful format to promote community events such as our community orchestra. It has proven invaluable to us in helping to get the word out about our concerts and events. Many people would not otherwise know about us especially many elderly who do not rely on computers and the internet for information.
I regularly watch Cable programming which spotlights local community events which would otherwise not receive this kind of coverage. Programmes are diverse and interesting and really show the many different things our local community has to offer.I'm always amazed to discover these programmes and the insights and information they uniquely provide.
Sincerely,
Sabatino

All moneys put aside for public broadcasting should remain in the hands of community broadcasters. Nothing should go to private stations or private efforts. All money should remain in public hands.

Our local Rogers TV programming is vital to the fabic of our community. Rogers TV in Grey County has been instrumental in the widening of our brand reach as well as many of the Ontario Hockey League teams that they cover. Outside of their OHL coverage, Rogers TV has assisted many local organizations, charities and fundraising initiatives, allowing them to showcase their important to our area.
Rogers TV currently operates with a wide volunteer base who cares deeply about our community and the people in it. They are all an asset to our region and a vital part of the fabric of our community.

As Chief Development Officer of our local health foundation and the chair of several organizations I am a big supporter of the local St. Johns NL Rogers cable community programimng...the community program provides groups and oranizations an opportunity to let the public know in detail what is going on within their group....we have had the oppurtunity to sit down and discuss our fundraising needs on their local program..... Out of the Fog....this was not a one line thing ...this was a regular interview which lastest approximately 10 minutes ....it gave our organization an opportunity to tell the viewers what we are about ....what our needs where...and why we need their support....because of community program and the local St Johns NL Rogers station joining us we were able to get the word out to the viewers and we had our most successful telethon ever....as a private subscriber I am a big time supporter of local cable and the major reason for this is for the community station and with their programs the local content it brings...it brings local issues and the people associated with these events ..those people being our families ...friends ....neighbours into our living rooms...sharing with us the local issues that are important to us....the local issues bought throughout our province with roughly half million residents that become a part of our lives with facts and major stories within all our communities....community programing and news is vital to the survival of our communities and we look forward to continuing to view the excellent professional program provided to us......I would say....professional programming at premium prices....keeping us informed on the things that are important to us the communities and viewers that have the privilege of being subscribers.

Much like the local municipal government is the place where a citizen can make a significant impact, the local community station is the place that speaks to the citizen about their municipalitiy and all the things that are happening in it. Local community TV here in Barrie has been a vital part of my experience in being able to watch local government and see what is happening each week and why decisions are being made, the public reasons things get done. Our community partner RTV Barrie is instrumental in our fire safety campaigns and has been recognized internationally for their contribution to public safety. Having access to "a Day in the life" of different community players really allows me to to see what drives people to do their work in the world and make it better place. So many of my acquaintances have access to shows that help to educate their compatriots from new moms to seniors and everything in between, highlilghting places and businesses to help those groups, its refreshing in this world of instant global connection to see what is at our finger tips, to solve our local issues. RTV Barrie does that in spades.

I work for a not-for-profit organization and community television is incredibly important in helping us reach members of the community that otherwise we would not have access to. With limited marketing and promotion budgets, community television helps us to promotoe our activities and programs. Further, I enjoy watching Rogers TV because it helps me to keep up to date with what is happening in my community, gives great suggestions of ways to volunteer and support community events. It is current and relevant. We have had the great pleasure of working with a number of staff at Rogers TV and they have always been helpful, accommodating and supportive. The hosts are very well prepared and ask relevant questions. Beyond the in-studio things it is always great to see the communtiy cruiser at local events. I can't imagine our community without them!

I think community television is very important in our community,. We need to be informed of the existing posibilities of interaction with our neighbords and our friends. It is fundamental to keep improving the communication channels in our comunity, to enhance our posibilties in participating as an active member of our sociaty.

As Mayor of Waterloo, I find local media an essential service in buidling community.
Our local community station @rogerstvcable20 provides continuous community awareness throughout the day.
The @Daytime20 talk show and the co-broadcast @EricDrozd call-in radio show promote/discuss/challenge local issues, and will host community leaders (political and otherwise) daily to get the message out, and build community.
On a regular basis, @rogerstvcable20 will broadcast local council meetings, so public can watch the decision making process from the comfort of their easy chair.
Local food and health is also very important, and when talented people such as @ChefDtv step up, they provide education to fellow citizens.
Finally, sports: @OHLRangers hockey game broadcasts are exceptionally profressional, and build pride in our community for one of our key sports team. I appreciate the coverage also provided to youth minor sports, and locally hosted events such as the Canadian Ultimate Frisbee Championships
This wouldn't be complete without a mention of the strong partnership that @rogerstvcable20 has with local college @conestogac, enabling students to have real experience.
I value @rogerstvcable20 and so do many in my community.
@DaveJaworsky
(Yes we use Twitter a lot here)

As a member of a small professional producing theatre company in Waterloo Region, I value the opportunities offered by our local Rogers cable station to get the word out about our activities. In addition to providing us with no-cost airtime and a stellar interview experience with Susan Cook-Scheerer, Rogers involves many volunteers to make the channel possible. Volunteers are all ages, all ethnicities, and include community members who are not in the middle of the bell-shaped curve. Indeed, our theatre company, Lost & Found Theatre, made a wonderful connection with a young Rogers volunteer who has Downs Syndrome. This young man expressed his interest in acting and he attended one of our performances after meeting me at Rogers while I was promoting an upcoming show. He connected with one of our company members who happened to be working on a short film and ended up playing a main part in the film. Community television is all about celebrating and involving the community and it's well worth the investment. Thank you.

Community television plays a vital role in keeping the local community informed about how our communities are changing and growing. The television shows are a window into the community they serve highlighting the many contributions and local activities that are undertaken by local citizens to improve their communities. These shows help to shape local community attitudes and expand the understanding of citizens with respect to what is happening in their own backyard. Rogers Television has been supportive of their local communities offering the opportunity for both rural and urban communities to celebrate local achievements with the local television audience that subscribes to Rogers. Having worked with our local stations, I have found them to be responsive to the local community and to have provided a professional approach to guide local community members who wish to share information of interest aross the community. Without the availability of community television, and Rogers in particular, these types of community-based programs would not be possible.

The community channel on Rogers TV is vital to the Empty Stocking Fund (ESF), an annual local telethon, that in the last 5 years has raised $1.2 million dollars to support less fortunate families at Christmas time. In 2015 alone, the ESF supported over 2000 children in the Saint John and surrounding area. Unfortunately, we have the highest child poverty rate in the country and there are many children that would not have a Christmas gift if it were not for the important work of this telethon​ broadcast​.

This local content and programming is so important to our community as the telethon is a long standing tradition for so many families. The ESF is the start of the Christmas season for some as they put up their tree or wrap their presents, for others it is the chance to see their child or grandchild perform on TV. This telethon also enables the children of the community to be involved in helping others and teaches empathy at a young age, our slogan is kids helping kids - the children work very hard through auditions and practice for the broadcast; it is a large piece of the Christmas season in our Saint John schools and overall community.

Rogers TV has been our broadcaster for the last 7 years and broadcasts the 8 hour telethon in its entirety, we would not be able to do this without the support of Rogers TV. It is so important to continue with community programming.

Hello
Being part of a business in London who got to do a TV show with Rogers " Better than yesterday", I first hand understand the importance to local brodcasting. Its a geat way to connect members of our community and create awareness of things going on in the city. The TV helped bring business to our facility and spread the word among the city about our strong personal training program. It also provided 2 more coaching jobs :) I love Rogers TV.... not only becuase they were great to work with us and our tv show, but also to watch it to educate myself on whats going on in the city well enjoying a level of entertainment :)

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes I watch local community TV. Also as a community producer I regularly come in contact with people that watch local and say how great it is. One specific comment is that it is the 'best thing on TV'!

• What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Rogers TV has great programming - all of it! Check it out. Great diversity, lots of interesting info - entertaining and worthwhile.

• Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Community Producer, host of show. The experience is fantastic. It never ceases to amaze me the number of people that watch the show, it certainly spurs the viewers to action and gets them involved and connected to their community in a meaningful way.

• What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
What can be done is empower, facilitate, support and built more incentives for broadcasters to embrace this model of community programming. In the current media climate, we are seeing the evaporation of local and community specific content (news and otherwise), in addition to its over-commercialization because profitability is the driver.
The value of hyper-local does not and should not meet this criteria - the measure of community engagement, information and expression is not in dollars, but good sense. It is that makes us who we are, it is the spirit of Canadian Content.

I believe in community programming and hope that CRTC will do everything in its power to protect it. Too many local channels have been gobbled up by larger chains. In this day of the Information Age we need local news and issues more than ever. I've watched, participated in, and celebrated local content as much as possible and invite everyone to do the same. Let's speak up to have the kind of community we want to have!

Everyone can agree that community television is important. But, I don't think we are discussing the right issues at the CRTC at the moment. Let me explain...

I own several commercial radio stations and spend a lot of my time ensuring we are in compliance with the regulations. Part of that is ensuring someone is in control of what is being broadcast to the public. There must be accountability.

For a few years, I volunteered for a community station in Manitoba. I was there as they went from serving a couple hundred viewers to being distributed on Bell and MTS TV. They went from 100s to well over a million possible viewers. The experience has shown that the current community model is broken. It only works fine when there is no money involved. The moment there is cash around, it breaks.

The CACTUS group wants to see money flow to these community channels. But they have not proven at all that they are responsible enough to use that money. If they should be granted money, the community channels receiving it would be destroyed almost immediately.

In the Manitoba example, a functioning board of directors who had served for years was displaced at an annual general meeting by a bunch of friends of one of the volunteers. Now that volunteer basically owns a TV station that broadcasts to over a million viewers. Should they start receiving any more funding then they already get - he gets rich doing what he wants with it. There is no suitable level of accountability in the community licenses to prevent this.

He has already made a habbit of billing the CRTC for consulting work on requests for comment such as this one. Can anyone from CACTUS argue that their role is to see their board members receiving $10,000 at a time for going to CRTC hearings?

If you give money to another perfectly healthy group it would appear just a matter of time until someone "took over" and made it their own TV station.

I fully agree that we need to have a community channel. I think they should be bigger. For example, Manitoba should have a community channel on all platforms that is allowed to air only content made in Manitoba. Money should be available to produce programming from all over the province for that channel. But the channel itself should not be run the way they currently are.

It should be professional and stable. The example I quote above is neither of those things. Most days they fail to broadcast audio. The picture flickers. The programming is played off a DVDplayback machine. Only people who are friends with the new management can have programs broadcast.

Rules about Canadian Content are ignored and the station broadcasts American programming. Rules about SOCAN fees are ignored. When someone questions the station they are lied to.

It is my opinion that the CRTC should direct funding to producing local television material. And, the CRTC should mandate carriage of a wide distribution community channel where ANYONE can air programming. But... that channel should not be managed by a volunteer group in backwoods where ever that can be taken over by anyone who gets five friends together.

As a commercial broadcaster we would be the laughing stock of the industry if we behaved like these community channels do. I can think of several things that would make this community system work.

The first and foremost would be to create regional community channel licenses that would displace the existing adhoc network of local only channels being broadcast nationally on satellite. Those licenses were never intended to be seen by more than a few hundred people. No due diligence was done in licensing them for such a wide scope. No one else could obtain a national license without due diligence and regulation - but these groups did.

Second, regional community channels should be licensed to commercial businesses instead of volunteer groups. Only commercial businesses have the required management structure to ensure day in and day out professional operation of a channel being broadcast to millions.

Third, to preserve the whole premise of community programming the license should come with specific regulations. I would suggest that it be allowed to broadcast advertising to offset the cost of operation but that a limit of PBIT be implemented - use the annual industry average to calculate how much the commercial operator can profit from the license. Require all other amounts to be devoted to producing programming for the channel.

Prevent any one group from holding more than one regional license. Prevent the major groups from holding a license.

We would apply today for a regional community television license if there was mandated carriage to the licensed region.
And, I know it could be viable in terms of operation and in showing only programming from the region.

It would do exactly what these community channels are SUPPOSED to be doing, but are failing to accomplish.

It would conform to the rules that the community channels are ignoring. It would provide more local programming and it would represent the entire region.

In closing, giving more money to the existing community channels which were never envisioned to be more than a local cable access channel is a mistake. The system needs a rework so that it begins to accomplish the goals of the modern day consumer wanting a wealth of local programming without the risks of volunteers and hostile take over's by groups of friends who want to "own" a tv station.
We don't allow that instability anywhere else in the broadcast sector, and it shouldn't be allowed in community television either.

As a member of the Town of Georgina's council, I couldn't imagine our community without having Rogers TV here doing the great work that they do. From live broadcasts of our council meetings to all the community work that the staff at Rogers TV are involved with. With all the regular programing such as Georgina Life, Mommy Talk, Politically Speaking and on it goes, Rogers TV offers great insight and support for so much in our community and life here in Georgina would not be the same without our local Rogers TV.
Dan Fellini

Local community television is a valuable media to keep our community connected. In the Guelph area, no other local television station provides current, local programming. Through shows like Inside Guelph and Talk Local, our community has both a tool to communicate programs and services of interest to the commuity, as well as learn about issues important in our local area. The staff and volunteers who run the station do an incredible job of ensuring that there is a variety of programming and that there is always news and stories of interest to everyone.
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin benefits greatly from the exposure that we receive monthly on our local Rogers TV station, by being able to bring awareness to the local United Way campaign and the programs and services that benefit from the funds raised. Being able to show viewers the people who are impacted by programs is a critical piece to our successful campaign, and Rogers makes this possible. Without the opportunity to participate in Rogers programming, our efforts would be greatly impacted. We strongly encourage the CRTC to continue funding to this extremely worthwhile and important part of our community.

I became a volunteer at my local community television station, CHCO-TV, about 8 months ago. As a postgraduate from a New Brunswick Community College with a Diploma in Journalism, I have long attempted to pursue my dream of working in the broadcasting industry. But, as many are aware, the province of New Brunswick has very few media opportunities for young, aspiring broadcast journalists. With city centers possessing nearly all of the television broadcast outlets, as well as many of the radio outlets, I’ve had little luck as a resident of a rural area community. Rogers TV is roughly 113.2 kms (1 hour 6 minutes) away from where I live. That’s a great distance of travelling one way, without return, to volunteer at a Television Station that doesn’t even cover information about my own local area. By having the ability to work as a volunteer at CHCO, which is only 33.1 kms (26 minutes) away from my home, I am gaining the experience employers require and making the connections necessary through networking in order to fulfill my dream and put my college diploma to good use. I work with a great crew of people who all have one thing in common - we love what we do. We dedicate our time to keep the public informed on a variety of area topics from news articles and live event coverage to local artists and public figures. We need community tv to keep us aware of the things happening in our local area!

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I watch community channel on a regular basis as it helps me be informed of happenings in my area, raise awareness of local community events plus provide interesting information on a variety of topics. It enables me to access the tremendous knowledge base available in my community.
• What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
The local Daytime show focusing on what is new and occurring in your community has made me much more community aware of events, charities and businesses in our area. I also enjoy the ability to watch local sporting events, news from the high schools and the senior show show that I am aware of all facets of the community I live in. The coverage of our local politics is important to making informed decisions on community decisions our government makes. The public safety show by our police service is excellent in providing advice and expertise to keep our community and family safe.
• Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I own a driver education company and we have taken advantage of access to locale programming to impart driver safety messages to the public. They have actively helped us spread the message of responsible driving and the dangers of negative habits such as distraction, impairment, aggression and speed.
• What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
I find our local station very proactive in our community. Although you can easily access our shows, a local newscast is always a bonus to ensure we have continual access to information in a centralized source.

I think there is great value to the community local porgramming and community driven broadcasts. We have suggested and been the community link on several show opportunities and it has been very beneficial for showcasing our charity work in the York Region community. We also enjoy the other community broadcasts that are hosted by others and see great value in them helping us all to stay connected with what is going on locally. The local persepective is an important aspect of broadcasting and helping the viewers to know what is benefiting and impacting our own neighbourhoods and communities at large.

Community television is so important to our community, London Ontario. The local Rogers TV station does a wonderful job providing access for so many voices that otherwise would not be heard. As part of that outreach, Rogers provides students with training opportunities. Rogers brings to us an important real world dynamic that we would have a harder time creating with only campus productions. The people at Rogers are so giving of their time and expertise to our students at Fanshawe College. We would be a much poorer program without them.
I know so many students who benefit from this experience and have gone on to careers both on camera and behind the camera.
We are so grateful.
Please strengthen the environment that allows this access and these voices to be heard.
Thank you

Community television provides a service that is not covered by the mainline TV stations. I have learned more about what is happening in my community by watching our local community channel than from any other source. They provide excellent programs hosted by community partners that really showcase what our city has to offer. Shows like Daytime give individuals and organizations an opportunity to get their message out. I have personally been a guest on Daytime on several occasions to talk about the risks and consequences of impaired driving and to promote MADD London's annual fundraising walk. They also do an excellent job of televising political debates among local candidates leading up to municipal, provincial and federal elections. I would be remiss if I did not mention the excellent coverage of sports events such as OHL hockey. Another service provided by community television is the opportunity for people to volunteer and learn media skills. This is an excellent opportunity for young people who are considering a career in media or for retirees who are looking to do something new. Community Television is important to the community and deserves to get adequate funding so they can continue to produce top quality programming.

Rogers Cable in Grey County does a great job of supporting local community events and is an excellent way for the constituents in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound to keep informed about what is happening in their own backyards. Community television offers the public an opportunity to provide input into the programming they want to see as well as offering an avenue for local charities and non-profits to gain support by having their activities broadcast to the community. Rogers Cable is a valued contributor to the lives of many local residents and businesses.

I watch Rogers TV, St. John's because it is the only channel that offers local content exclusively. I like everything offered and have actually participated in the production of a series. I proposed an idea for a show and the experience was very rewarding. Local community channels need more financial support. Otherwise, they cannot survive. Airing local professional news would be a good idea, as long as it does not place a burden on the community channel in any financial way.

Rogers Television Collingwood is an extremely valuable communication tool for the people of South Georgian Bay.

The station presents a variety of programing that allows local stories to be told to a broad audience. These stories often contain information about programs, clubs, events and politics. For example, the show Georgian Bay Life offers news about local fundraisers, entertainment, cooking and health. Another show on the station, Budget Survivor, provides helpful tips about personal finance.

The station also gives local residents a chance to volunteer, allowing them to learn basic television skills such as camera operation.

In closing, I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to comment and please accept my best wishes.

Sincerely,

Jim Wilson, MPP
Simcoe-Grey

Community television what can I say but awesome, gave me a great opportunity to reach out to our community and the communities around simcoe county with a great show to inform people that we have the greatest boating in the world right in our back yard, and the great people who are employed and support boating in our communities, and none of this would have been possible if it weren't for the awesome people in front and behind the scene's at roger's tv midland and Barrie. Thank you! we should never lose this community based television.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region relies on our media partners to assist us in our mission: Through community partnerships we obtain and distribute emergency food from our neighbours for our neighbours. Rogers TV has always been a good neighbour; strong community supporter; always willing to help The Food Bank to communicate the ongoing need for food assistance in our community.
In our community, the level of support from local media is essential in engaging our community and educating them about the issues of hunger and poverty. The creation and exhibition of locally-produced, locally reflective community programming such as Rogers ‘daytime’, helps us inform and engage the community to act and support their neighbours. For example, the opportunity for Food Bank staff, volunteers and supporters of The Food Bank to appear on Rogers TV for lengthy interviews plus the extensive coverage of issue-based events creates a better understanding of our community. Rogers TV provides unique opportunities to share stories of local importance that would be missed if not for our own community tv!
We are fortunate to live in a caring community. Rogers TV has demonstrated that it is a vital part component of this community.

Lindsay O'Connor
Rogers TV is a leader in the community showcasing local sports.
I have been a Community Producer of men’s and women’s rugby.
The benefit provided by Rogers TV has increased youth engagement and physical activity at the local level.
These athletes are our players of the future for provincial and national teams
Sport in itself has become a major facet of modern society; almost everyone in Canada through Rogers TV has access to local sports through either playing or watching the coverage in their area.
I have seen the levels of participation increased from grass-roots as a result of the local coverage.
However, a factor that often goes unnoticed is the effect this has on young people. It is important to highlight what this means for skills, participates, families and clubs to watch their son daughter to receive this kind of exposure through Rogers TV. Great work indeed!
Lets keep community coverage!

Community Television will always be important. While it's true that the major television stations are what the majority of the public tune into, it cannot be said that community television doesn't serve its purpose. It provides us with information about the happenings in our community. It hits right in the heart whereas as any major television station covers mainly the big cities and/or notable towns. Sometimes that isn’t enough. It’s our right as a community to know what is happening around us. Community television is made in our community, by people in our community and told to us by people who share our community with us. Without community television I fear we will all blend in with the masses and lose our individuality in that our news will not cater to us anymore.

I can personally speak in support of Rogers TV in Richmond Hill. I've been a volunteer at Rogers TV for over four years now. It has been both a stepping stone and a place where I was given the chance to hone my skills. If not for the opportunity to volunteer at a TV station in my community, I can virtually guarantee that I wouldn’t have half of the skills I do at present. I have learned more at Rogers TV than I ever did in my years in school and I have performed more behind the scenes jobs than I would ever be given the opportunity to at any “big” television station. I’ve also formed many lasting friendships and made a few noteworthy connections. I will be forever grateful to Rogers TV for giving me so many opportunities. I only hope that it can continue on so that many other people can have the experiences that I did.

If community television is allowed to become obsolete, what does that say about our communities as a whole? It’s the last outlet the community has to voice their opinions, share their stories or promote their business. Without it, the community will be left to rely only on themselves. While that may not sound like a big deal, I can assure that it is. It would be almost impossible for small businesses or local charity events to promote themselves on any major TV station. Community television is a platform and it should always remain as such.

I firmly believe that we still need community television. That being said, I also believe that there can be many positive changes made to community television. For example, it should be made more accessible in all streams of media; iPhone/Android, tablets, online web content, possibly even in print in the form of a community magazine, newspaper or newsletter. The more community television is advertised and recognized, the more its audience will grow. The community should be able to take a more active role in the planning and production of community television. Instead of jobs dwindling at such local television establishments, more jobs should be given in order to ensure that the finished products are as flawless as they should be.

There is no reason to remove community television. It should be given a chance to grow and prosper once again as I am one hundred percent sure it will.

As Branch Supervisor at the Strathroy Library I’ve had an opportunity to partner with our local Strathroy-Caradoc Rogers TV station over my past two years in Strathroy. Our local Rogers station is vital in allowing our library an opportunity to connect with our community by providing valuable information about the programming, resources, and services available for residents to access at their local library. We often have regular and new patrons letting us know that they saw us on Rogers and are coming to inquire further about a program or service they heard us mention on our local Rogers TV.
We had a unique opportunity to partner with Strathroy-Carardoc Rogers TV this past August for a special taping of a Friends of the Strathroy Library sponsored author visit from Dr. Michael Arntfield who is well-known for his latest book Murder City: The Untold Story of Canada’s Serial Killer Capital 1959-1984. By partnering with our local Rogers TV station for this event we were able to provide an opportunity for all interested residents of Strathroy-Caradoc to view this special program at a later date who were unable to attend this event.
We’re very grateful for being able to be a part of our local Strathroy Caradoc Rogers programming over the past few years, and we hope to continue to be able to partner with our local Rogers station to provide citizens with local content.

Rogers TV in St. John's, NL is a true asset to our community. They help bring real peoples stories to the table to connect with the audience at home. As well, they also help break down personal barries associated with different topics, which benifits society as a whole. They encompass so many different aspects, shedding light on everything from music, culture, politics, food, health, finances, non profit organizations, people with disabilities ( or abilities), local events, local entertainment and the list goes on. The host's of all the different shows provide a relaxing, upbeat, professional environment engaging their viewers to continue tuning into the channel.
Personally, i've been a regualr guest on the show "Out of the Fog" over the past seven years and have had so much fun educating the general population in the area of health and nutrition. Been both in studio and have had the show visit my home. The show helps enhance individual's well being while also supporting local business.
The fact that Rogers TV zooms in on Local Communities, Local People, Local Topics makes this station a must to watch. I like that they take time for indepth interviews with their guests to make sure the message is sent loud and clear to the viewers at home, while still having fun!
Financially, more funding could easily be allocated to this station so they can continue with thier high quality performance. An option to watch eposides on line would also help the community build a stronger relationship with Rogers TV. It's nice that everyday stories are shared that most likely would not appear on local "news" channels.
Cheers to continued success!!
Tara
Tara K. Antle, BSc.AHN, RHN, RNCP
Nutritionist in Private Practice
www.healthy-balance.ca

Local television is a huge asset to our community. The programming meets the needs to tell stories of what is happening in our city and the focus is very local. I enjoy watching and learning about people, organizations, local business and opportunities taking place. The hosts are always engaging. From the perspective of the nonprofit sector, it is a platform to help share our messages for events, activities, programs and to raise the profile within our communty. Community Television keeps up connected.

Local community television is a critical and vital tool for community building. Media outlets today offer plenty of entertainment and shows of interest, but largely affecting places and communities unrelated to where you live, work and play. Community stations allow for local programming, information that is relevant and touches your everyday world. I believe in local community programming and I believe that our local community television station is one of our greatest media assets. I regularly tune in to catch programs that are developed and proposed by people in my community. They are generally filled with content that I find relevant to me and my family. As a President/CEO of a local Chamber of Commerce, I've had the opportunity to appear on programming to deliver my message, engage in community conversation and communicate in a professional and effective way to my fellow citizens. Community television and its programming is essential, it keeps us close to one another, it keeps us engaged. We need this community tool, it is invaluable, our Local Rogers Community Television provides us the "community" feel, every day, all year long, they do a fantastic job for us.
Greg Durocher, President/CEO Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

Meaford Scarecrow Invasion and Family Festival has benefitted from a cooperative relationship with Rogers TV in Owen Sound. Due to the value placed on local people and events the Invasion has been able to utilize a number of opportunities at Rogers TV. Our yearly festival is a standard guest on local community shows such as Grey County Life. We are often offered a number of presentation slots to cover a number of topics such as scarecrow building, business competition, art scarecrows and infomration on the events. We usually are able to do a number of appearances. Last year we also presented out of the Rogers studio in Collingwood. We become minor celebrities in our town as people stop to tell you they have watched the show. Rogers TV is the only truly local television station therefore becomes a major conduit to learn about things in Grey and Bruce Counties.
Rogers is also a sponsor of our event. They televise our parade. Staff coach local volunteers on how to do the play by play of the parade. Usually a Roger's program hosts helps to MC our family festival. Community events are promoted by the station.
Working with Rogers TV in Owen Sound is a pleasure. The staff/volunteers are professional and welcoming. Their work and enthusiasm is an asset to our area.
Not related but important. Rogers is about the only place to get local election information - it is wonderful to tune in and the information and results are from our area.
Thanks Rogers!

It is tough to overstate the importance of local television stations here in Ontario. Living in London, I am a proud viewer of the local Rogers television station because it is one of the few remaining mass media sources truly dedicated to news and stories about my local community. On our local cable station, I get to learn about local events and occurances on the talk show Daytime, think about local political issues on #LdnOnt or watch the London Knights from the comfort of my home. I have also had the opportunity of participating in the making of several shows, including being a contestant in their televised debate program Toe-2-Toe which brought local leaders and thinkers together in a battle of wits.
On a professional note, the local television station is critical in providing educational opportunities for students interested in journalism, camera operation and television production. Both high school and post-secondary students benefit from the opportunities they're afforded through internships and placements at the station. My students are better off with a local television station here to both train them on the equipment and provide opportunity for their creativity to flourish.
Lastly, the local television station is critical because of the benefit it has to our public sphere. Because of the local focus, this channel has opened up an opportunity for community advocates, like myself, to talk about issues that are otherwise ignored by the national press (like accessibility and the rights of people with disabilities). Roger's local channel provides a platform to have these discussions and educate the local community on the problems (and solutions) at hand and we would be seriously impacted by the end of this channel. I can't count the number of times I've been stopped on the street by strangers who want to talk about something they heard me say on the local channel -- people who I would have otherwise had a very difficult time engaging. Encouraging and growing this dialogue is central to the work being done at the local station and our community would be worst off it were to close.
Jeffrey Preston, PhD
Professor, Digital & Non-Profit Marketing
Fanshawe College

Community Television and especially local programming is enormously important for Waterloo Region for many reason, but primarily for the sense of community it helps to build and maintain. Community Television in our Region is how the Region stays in touch, its how we connect to one another and to what is happening in our community. Our Rogers television station provides the tremendously important job of getting the word out about events, fesitvals, organizations, local sports and local issues. There are many choices available for television viewing, but I rely on Rogers community televsion when I need to know what is going on in my community and what is important in my community. Rogers Television in Waterloo Region keeps our community in touch and engaged.
Doug Wilson, Chair, Board of Directors, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

We participated in the creation of programming in Stratford, and have benefitted from sharing stories and information about what is happening locally. People who had access to the channel, shared the information with others, and as a result came into the career centre, looking at ways better their situation.
I would love to see the smaller community channels expand to include social media feeds, to amplify awareness and feed the network with local and relevant information, opportunities for development and networking. These are vital tools in any community for business success, career development, social satisfaction, health and well being. Content creation is in demand, and with increased funding, there is an opportunity to expand, and offer the community what it needs to be vibrant and connected.

Local Rogers programming provides a valuable resource of community information. It gives focus to the rich diversity in our area and crosses all aspects of the community; businesses, reacreation, cultural celebrations, the arts, sports, education to name a few. We see leaders, politicians, professionals and local personalities up close and personal and see how they are influencing our daily lives at a grassroots level. We learn about upcoming events or causes that we can participate in to make a difference in our own backyard. I have been a volunteer on the Daytime program for many years and it has been a privledge to meet so many interesting people in my community and the personal at the studio. It has certainly be a help to my business. And currently along with a prominment community innovator we have submitted a proposal for a television show that we hope will be of interest to the Kitchener-Waterloo veiwers. That process has been smooth. Susan Cook Scheer is an excellent host and true community leader herself. Local Television is an asset we as a community cant afford to lose.

With the changing landscape of mainstream media newspapers that are dowbnsizing and merging, along with the lack of local news coverage in many smaller cities (like Stratford, Ontario), citizens are becoming even more poorly served by journalism. Where previously there was not only fact based reporting of issues of interest and concern, but also a critical editorial analysis, now we have an enironment where such issues lack a channel for communication. Community teevision fills an essential gap in such areas as reporting on the workings of local city councils (democracy enhancement), exposure for grassroots initiatives (volunteerism promotion, fundraising for charities and non profits) and items of local cultural or sports related events (a large and diverse list). Community television, in short, helps tie the community together in a connected manner that nothing else can achieve.

For us, and a great many viewers, that if it wasnt for this invaluable platform how little of expressive thought,education and enjoyment there would be for many to reach out to within their communities.
To be able to platform education,awareness and home grown entertainment is nothing short but of an invaluable opportunity for so many to explore, wereas in other forms of comunication this would be impossible to reach the greater populance of local communities.
This allows the viewers to simply relax and watch their favorite local program were it be alone,with others and or their families,all created with the community in mind. It becomes personal.
I am very proud to say that through this amazing outlet we have been able to bring to the community,let alone the world,wholesome fun,entertainment and above all valuable information that otherwise could never be seen in other electronic formats. Along with the sources,information and classes provided to us, through community programming, we have been able to grow in creativity to the point of mastering a world class production with audiances requesting ever more episodes to be seen.
We can not thank community television enough for their gracious and second to none support in our production!

I host a television show on Rogers Georgina called Politically Speaking. This show is one part of a wide spectrum of shows offered by our local Rogers channel, and by Rogers across its broadcast base.
There are many different versions of our show in many communities, each with its own host(s), its own local feel, and its own particular audience. Throughout, the idea of this show is to connect the community with the politicians and bureaucrats who serve them. I'm proud of that heritage, amd I'm thrilled to be able to host the discussion.
As a host I see my role as that of an educator. Since our school system has not (and does not) adequately teach our society what governments exist, which level does what, and how the public can affect the decisions their governments make in their name other than a periodic election, I am working with our local Rogers station to bridge that divide.
One might ask why so many people feel disenfranchised by their own governments. I believe its because they don't know how things work. Once you know how it all "hangs together" you can make an informed decision of how deeply you want to be involved.
With my partner Rogers-TV we are committed to personalizing the connection from the community to its representatives and vice-versa. Rogers is the facilitator, I have the privilege of being the conduit.
This kind of programming is vital to the health of the community, and I encourage the CRTC to continue to compel cable operators to provide this kind of community programming, and further, to support the cable operators with supportive oversight and strategic investments. The costs are not small, nor are they great. Once thing is sure: the value to the community is immeasurable.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes to keep up on local events/news. CHCOTV is one of the last independent stations left in Canada. I believe independent media not owned by large corporations needs to preserved and protected.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Interviews concerning the community and coverage of local events (town council, ceremonies,etc..) that are relevant to our area which is about 12 small communities/islands in Charlotte County NB. Typically events and news in this area are not covered by other stations which are in Saint John/Fredericton.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I have been volunteering at the station for two years and find it to be a valuable asset to get truly local news, events. The station is open to creating new shows that represent Charlotte County and area. The volunteers are very enthusiastic and supportive of new ideas.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
CHCOTV is only carried by Rogers in one town and not at all on Shaw satellite for rural customers whereas Bell carries it on Fibreop and satellite province wide. If Rogers and Shaw were to broadcast the station it would greatly increase CHCOTV's reach in Charlotte county and give more people access to information about their community. The station already has a weekly news program which focuses on stories that would not be normally covered by larger centres 100+ km's away.
Acess to funding would also improve the station as the big telecoms seem to only funding stations under their banner.

We strongly support the local programming of CHECK TV. We live on the mainland of B.C. but prefer to get most of our news from CHECK. It is local, pertinent and does not have the sensationalizm that is so prevelant in many other broadcasts.
Their programme lineup is varied and enjoyable. We appreciate the fact that does not include a great deal of violence and horror shows.
We even enjoy some of the commercials that feature local businesses promoting their own services.
We NEED independent, local programming.

I believe strongly in community programming. Rogers TV is a strong supporter of all groups within our city and it is the local programming that ties us together. It is critical that people have an avenue of communication that is relevant and timely to the events of the city and Rogers provides that in a professional and thoughtful way. Keep local programming. It is the right thing to do.

I really value the contributions Rogers TV in Waterloo (ON) Region provides me and my family. In our busy hectic life, it is sometimes easy to forget that we are citizens of a community and that it is the common good -- enlivened by a clear understanding of what's happening in our region -- that is essential to its health. It is very easy to forget that ignorance of the needs, strengths, and isssues in a community, makes it much more difficult for healthy civil discourse to continue.
Our local community channel (Rogers) is one very important factor in strenthening what is a vibrant, growing, multicultural community in Waterloo (and coterminous) Region. Subjects and issues that --if it were only a matter of profitability to be broadcast, simply never would be -- are highlighted, and explored on Rogers. From the arts to athletics and current events, this channel provides the oil to the gears of local democracy and citizenship. It is invaluable and and irreplaceable. I would hope as as taxpayer and a proud Canadian that the CRTC would honour its terms and purpose and do what it can to not only protect this medium but promote and further it as well.
Rogers Community television, furthermore, provides dozens of volunteer opportunities citizetions of all ages. It helps harness and give voice to the gifts of our most precious resource -- our people, particularly our youth. This channel partners with non-profits giving them a medium they would not have otherwise. Rogers works with local educational institutions to give students the opportunity to explore careers and reflect the changing demographic of Waterloo Region.
This citizen is thankful for Rogers Community television and wants it celebrated, promoted, and protected.

Some people are mistaking CHEK-Television in Victoria as community programming; it is a for-profit organization that is owned by shareholders and its purpose is to make money. While it does offer a voice for local not-for-profit organizations/societies through Public Service Announcements and good-will stories (and is locally owned and operated), it is a business. It relies on advertising and grant monies from the taxpayers of Canada to operate, but seeks to turn a profit for itself as a BC Ltd. Company.

What could be done to improve your community channel?
Fully support CACTUS' ultimate aim of having a community, multimedia information centres, managed democratically by the community access producers, and continue to be funded by the BDU owners, as currently is.
I understand CACTUS' approach of using an existing regulation which allows to file a Non-compliance submission, even though some of the claims of non-compliance here in Vancouver and Victoria are not clear to me, I can accept that some of those non-compliance claims might be more provable in other parts of the country.
From what Shaw TV claims that is doing here in Vancouver and Victoria, and from their list of their programs versus community access productions, they claim that they are in compliance with CRTC's requirement of 50/50, and I don't know whether Shaw TV, or Deepak Sahasrabudhe is correct in this assessment of non-compliance.
During Shaw broadcasts, they often invite volunteers to participate on community access, they have a website with the listings of the weekly programs, and they constantly offer workshops to train volunteers. Therefore, I don't feel comfortable signing CACTUS non-compliance application to CRTC
Having said that, I don't mean to say that every thing is alright.
Even if Shaw TV can prove their compliance of 50/50 program requirement, their half a dozen productions, in Vancouver this week, broadcast 79.5 hours. To fill up their allowed broadcast time, they repeat their "GO" program as much as 65 times during this week, their "Dream Homes" program 29 times, their "OUR Canada" 20 times, their "Voice of BC" 8 Hours, or 16 half hours, their "Fiona Forbes Show" 10 times, and their production of "Constituency Report" 9 times. Infernos to community access producers that are limited to 4 hours, or 8 half-hours.
Therefore I suggest that Shaw TV discrimination on community access productions is a legislated one. CRTC Broadcast regulations for community television have a discriminatory flaw. It automatically gives BDUs the first and exclusionary choice of having the management of "Community TV Channel". The community of access producers may be consider only if the BDU turns down the offer to operate a community channel.
What CACTUS and all community TV producers around the country need to do is to request CRTC Commissioners to amend the Broadcast Act regulations for community TV, to reverse the order of preference. Priority should be given to nonprofit Community TV Association, and only if there is no non-profit societies willing and able to take the opportunity, then, and only then BDUs may apply for broadcasting licence.
I hope CACTUS and Deepak's research are recognized as valid.
Ion Delsol

I never watch my local community channel because I do not subscribe to Rogers cable -- in fact, even though I live in suburban Kitchener, their service has never been available on my street, ironically located within walking distance from Rogers' Kitchener studio. Occasionally, I have "borrowed" a friend's Rogers anyplace tv login to watch things like municipal election debates that Rogers TV posted on their website as "only available to Rogers customers".
I was a volunteer for over four years at Rogers Community 20 Grand River during the period when all Rogers community channels conveniently dropped the word "community" from their name. While I was lucky to have the opportunity to gain experience working with industry professionals and hands-on use of modern broadcast equipment, I ended my tenure because I became increasingly frustrated with corporate interference and openly-encouraged attempts to "compete" with CTV Kitchener. The original intent of the community channel has been stretched too far; now, its existence is a thinly-veiled promotional tool for other Rogers services like internet access, wireless, even banking. Sorry to all the cheerleaders on this discussion forum: do a critical analysis of what's happened over the past two decades, and you'll see that Rogers TV isn't the altruistic entity it once was. During my term as a volunteer, its primary purpose was clear: to train co-operative education students from local high schools and colleges. I often felt ostracized being one of few the volunteers who weren't co-op students. What's worse, I overheard candid conversations about remunerating select regular on-air talent because those taken from general volunteer pool "weren't good enough" to achieve a desired broadcast professional image. This suggested a troubling departure from the overall mandate, leaving ordinary volunteers feeling taken advantage of, unfairly.
Speaking to the concept of pitching shows relevant to the local community -- this is extremely difficult, despite the feel-good information made available @ www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=11&rid=22 -- too often, local programming formats are harmonized across the Rogers TV system, giving an illusion of truly local production, when in reality, centralized production templating and broad decision-making is taking place. Upper-management even had the great wisdom to move the mobile truck garage to from Kitchener to Mississauga, under the twisted guise of efficiency, and then in 2010, one of their trucks caught fire and was destroyed while in transit on Highway 401.
The recent tendency towards assigning a "supervising producer" instead of having dedicated local station managers is disturbing; dumping managerial duties on top of an employee's existing responsibilities is taking a step backwards from a well-established structure. And the number of advertised sponsorships have grown very fast; eventually everything on Rogers TV is going to be "brought to you by..." some company. I thought Rogers, as a BDU, was required to subsidize their community channel, not solicit sponsors? Reality check: this is not low-budget U.S. public access TV, rather, it's well-funded, highly-polished community TV.
Pardon my lack of research, but why is Bell permitted to operate its equivalent 'TV1' community channels only in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City? What about the dozens of other cities where Fibe TV is available? Broadening this kind of competition, per se, to the community channel ecosystem, might improve awareness and appreciation for what's offered. Furthermore, some regulatory guidelines on how much focus is put on "second screen" might help defragment local priorities. If a BDU channel is operating as a local community service, it ought not put significant effort into online streaming (as Rogers is doing) because it's mainly a cable channel, not an online subscription service.
Community channels should not attempt to delve into local news delivery. Even if they made their channel available for free, having novice community members assemble and present local news, without journalism credentials, is careless. Do-it-yourselfers can stick to fickle online streaming services.

CHAT-TV is my regularly watched TV staion in Medicine Hat. I find their coverage of news from the community, the province, the nation, and internationally to be succinct but comprehensive -- it keeps aware of the key issues of the day.

CHAT-TV has a repuation, as I have noted over my 41 years in the community to be very supportive of programs and events that need coverage and support whether it be PSA's or through sponsorships. They are involved as partners in many ventures and thereby draw many addiitonal viewers not otherse interrsted. They are a great organization and I am proud to be part of their adventures

Local programming is a vital part of the community fabric in Grey and Bruce Counties. Community organizations like Grey Bruce Health Services, which operates 6 hospitals and a regional withdrawal management and addictions services centre for this region relies heavily on local programming through Rogers TV to get engage with the people and communities we serve. Rogers TV provides a number of programming opportunities for community service providers to get their messages out to the people and communities they serve. Our community engagement efforts would be diminished significantly without access to local programming.

I just started watching a lot more local programming. Donald D'Haene comes into my place of work. I heard that he had a new show; Dish with Donald. I watched it and loved it. I now watch all the shows on our local channel in London ON. I have really enjoyed getting to know the wonderful things going on in our community. It's been a refreshing eye-opener. I now realize the importance of this local coverage to volunteerism,charities,business opportunities at the local level and community spirit and well-being are greatly served. I feel abashed that I took such a hiatus from community TV. I am very grateful for it and see what a difference it makes when I discuss this with the many people I encounter on a daily basis. Please continue to keep local television alive and as varied and wonderful as it is in London. Thanks, Mary-Lynn Walker

I am a teacher in Toronto and cannot praise the local community channel enough. Operated by Rogers, the station has provided free, hands-on, real world training universities and colleges charge thousands for. I am one teacher in one school, and I've witnessed many of my students over the years who have participated in locally produced TV. One common attribute is the experience they gain at a community station level. With the opportunity to learn and make mistakes, they build not only their technical and creative knowledge, but I see their confidence soar as well, which sets them apart when they are preparing for their own careers.
Rogers' community channel (Rogers TV) is a unique place for volunteers of all ages as well. I know too that there have been older citizens who were learning about television production since they found themselves in career-changing positions. Often older folks have always dreamed of working in media but pursued more practical careers when they were younger, only to have an opportunity later to get involved with what they've always wanted to do.
From a content perspective, I have watched a local series on architecture and history called Structures. It is exceptionally well produced. I have watched my local AHL hockey team on Rogers and I've watched certain documentaries over the years. Some people might, ironically criticize Rogers for looking "too professional", but I disagree. The medium must evolve and the overall quality is a testament to the investment in production equipment and training. Arts in this country is already threatened, so let's not lose a valuable creative outlet for thousands of Canadians, young and old.

Local community television is a link for the residents to understand and appreciate what is happening in their town. I have been a volunteer on Rogers Guelph for seven years hosting a program called Talk Local, and see first-hand the commitment and hard work that is done by staff and volunteers to bring information, great stories and an understanding of our town to people who would not necessarily find out about it. It gives local businesses, community organizations, and other committed individuals an opportunity to get their stories told; to draw people into how they can make a difference in our town. Without the funding, all of this would be impossible. As it is, it is a challenge to maintain a volunteer system that is able to provide service to us. Not only are there information-based programs likje Talk Local, Inside Guelph, Guelph Life and other citizen-generated programs, there are also shows that provide enjoyment to people, like bingo, cooking and hockey. Viewers of community television stay connected by being able to view our city council in action and find out about significant events like the Santa Claus Parade, Remembrance Day commemoration activities and the actions taken by people in our city to welcome Syrian refugees, or help feed those in need.
There are so many services provided by a community-based television facility. Not only are the above provided, but a large number od people are trained in media; students who hope to move in that direction, others who just want to help make a difference by ensuring people find out about our town, and those who just enjoy being engaged with life around us. What especially impresses me is the commitment of the employees in this organization; to try to make every minute of programming count; to make every volunteer appreciate and learn the power of communicaiton.
Are there improvements that could be made? Of course. Those cannot be done without the assistance of the CRTC. The challenge will always be to provide a platform that reaches the maximum number of potential recipients. That requires financial support to allow the organization to investigate options. Technology has a habit of constantly evolving,and changing. While this is a challenge, it also is an opportunity for the community station to reach out to even more people. Hopefully the CRTC will provide that.
Thank you for the opportunity to make a few comments about something that is crucial to our community.

Community Television is a vital element of a community, regardless of size, makeup or locale. It is a two sided scenario which, in many cases, is the only fair and unencumbered manner by which the public can not only enjoy programming as a whole but also becoming aware of what is going on in and around their communities.
Further, Community Television is the only 'voice' for the not for profit sector. Arts organizations; amateur music, theatre, dance and sports have their events showcased and promoted via community television programming. In addition charitable organizations are invited to showcase their many and varied fundraising efforts and projects. In addition simple lifestyle of a locale is reflected in in community television programming encompassing all manner of innovative and intriguing pursuits reflecting the people and the style and character of a specific place.
To lose such programming would not only sever these very important communication life lines, but we as a community would lose an aspect of media diversity that we should treasure and protect.

Stephen Pidgeon
Local community television, Rogers TV is a link for the residents to understand and appreciate what is happening in their City and Province. I have been a volunteer at Rogers TV in St. John's, NL for ten years and see first-hand the commitment and hard work that is done by staff and volunteers to bring information, great stories and an understanding of our city and province to people who would not necessarily find out about it. It gives local businesses, community organizations, and other committed individuals an opportunity to get their stories told; to draw people into how they can make a difference in our City and Province. Not only are there information-based programs like Out of the Fog, there are also shows that provide enjoyment to people, like bingo, cooking and hockey. Viewers of community television stay connected by being able to view our city council in action and find out about significant events like the Santa Claus Parade and other community events happing around us, We also teach our young adult the importance of Work Place Safety with TV shows dedicated to young adults and it is young adults who partake in this show and by doing so teach their friends and family the importance of occupational health and safety at the work place.
There are so many services provided by a community-based television facility. Not only are the above provided, but a large number of people are trained in media; students who hope to move in that direction, others, like me who are retired, who just want to help make a difference by ensuring people find out about our city and province, and enjoy being engaged with life around us. What especially impresses me is the commitment of the employees in this organization; to try to make every minute of programming count; to make every volunteer appreciate and learn the power of communication.
In closing I hope the people of the CRTC will understand how important community television is to the people in our City and Province and without funds from whatever source, community television could not exit.

Community TV is a very important part of our city of Owen Sound.
I regularly watch community broadcasts of minor sports games and our Owen Sound Attack games on community TV.
Both our minor hockey groups (girls and boys) have the benefit of having their games televised on the community channel. For the kids and families of the players involved it is exciting to play in these games and for extended family member to be able to watch from home. Owen Sound Minor Hockey runs two hockey tournaments each year, and Rogers TV has always played an important role. Owen Sound Girls Hockey also has a showcase day where all of their teams play during a day at the rink. One of the major features of the event is that the games are televised through our partnership with Rogers TV.
Rogers Community TV also provides volunteers the opportunity to learn new skills and gain some experience in the broadcasting field through it's volunteer base.
It would be a huge loss not having "Hockey Day in Owen Sound" through Rogers TV

Owen Sound needs community television, We need local coverage - sports, culture, history, services, events, people. Rogerst TV staff and volunteers do an amazing job to cover important events in our community. We can watch local sports and town council meetings. As a staff person @greyrootsmuseum we need all of the help we can get spreading our message for our local community. Please allow 'Rogers TV to keep up the good work.
petal.furness@greyroots.com
www.greyroots.com

There was a time when local newspapers were the link to community activity. Today that link is community television. I personally have had the pleasure of enjoying community tv from a volunteer, community programme coverage (council meetings) and receiver from cable tv. As a volunteer I had the pleasure of hosting a show (Politically Speaking) and saw first hand the dedication and spirit of volunteers. Community tv is a strong advocate of the volunteer spirit. This volunteerism in my commuity has seen and continues to see programming that relates to the daily lives of citizens of Collingwood. Where else can one see such a variety of programs that are information based and not promoting the indescretions of network tv. I served as mayor of Collingwood and can attest to the fact that the democratic process in the town was strictly enhanced by the thousands of citizens who tune into Collingwood council every Monday night. An informed citinizery is an active one. Lots of discussion takes place on Tuesday over coffee or water coolers regarding the previous night's council meeting. Measure a community's knowledge of local government in a town with such tv coverage compared to one that does not have it. Community programming quite simply provides a chance for a town to promote the buisness, education and support groups in a positive manner. Community tv is also a great trainig ground for future communication graduates. We in Collingwood have been blessed to have the station we have. The added bonus to ensure everything I just mentioned occurs is Doug Measures. We celebrate and thank him for his many years of dedicated community involvement. Rogers did not show the the Remembrance Day ceremony this year from our centotaph. It was missed. Saying that emphasizes only one thing about community tv--IT IS COMMUNITY!

Community TV is fine as long as NO tax payer dollars support this! We do NOT need CRONY capitalism where governments choose winners and losers. Those in favor of community television can support their local TV stations with THEIR OWN money. IMO Broadcast TV is dying. That is because consummers want to chose what they view in the limited time they have. So ALL TV channels should be UNBUNDLED and we should pay ONLY for those TV stations we are willing to pay for. However, if the TV station has commercials then consummers should NOT have to pay anything to view these. Those that want to survive will have to LIVE STREAM their shows and let the consummer deicide if they wish to watch them. This makes their stations available to ANYONE in the world. That could increase viewership.
The CRTC should NOT be forcing ANY stations on us! Any attempts by the CRTC to do this will result in END runs around that, ie. Netflix or just streaming by other stations over the Internet. The days of the CRTC telling us what to watch are FINALLY OVER! IMO most left wingers will hate this idea because they want to force their left wing propoganda and agenda on the rest of us and silence all opposition to their belief system.

I live outside of any large community and my only hope of finding out about local news, weather, and community issues is to tune into a local station like CHEK. Even then my community is rarely mentioned, but at least issues important to Vancouver Island are not burried under news applicable only to the Lower Mainland or the city of Toronto. In our times of Boil Water Advisories or other essential emergency information, local stations like CHEK are one of few opportunities to easily receive important information. Yes, I could turn to my phone if I owned one and could afford coverage, and if I could have access to a computer I might be able to sign on sometime and search for the news I need. But local TV is on at my place of work. It is easily accessable and affordable and still provides a very important trusted source of relevant information based on the communities closest to me - not 1000 miles away or on the other side of the mountains.
I am shocked to find that cable companies pay mega stations with my cable dollars but do not support my local stations. This is patently discriminatory especially since I do not watch or want most of the cable mandated channels that I buy from my local provider. I would demand that local and speciality regional channels be supported in the same way as the big box stations, or that we be allowed to allocate a proportion of our cable bill to local services. Local stations preserve community, support local small business, and provide coverage to smaller local events that engage citizens and encourage viewers to understand and value their local community. Please ensure that our local stations do not become extinct!!

Community Television is essential for the development of the community. At London, Ontario we have an excellent programming at ROGERS TV. It is clear how the community benefits with various programs. The shows bring fresh information about what’s happening in the City. Arts, Cooking, Literature, and the enrichment brought by the multicultural community with their customs, their initiatives being supported in shows like "The Muslim View" and "Especatcular.
Community Television is the experience of sharing many sounds in a one common feeling called COMMUNITY.
It is important, please continue to support Community TV

CHEK is the only local news that I watch, as it provides the best in-depth Vancouver Island coverage, since I've moved to the Island over 40 years ago. Even when the big companies threatened to shut down our station and they became an independent, they remain the best. The Cable companies, who pay for other stations to supply their cable, should also pay to support local stations, otherwise the Cable companies are doing a dis-service to the local comunity that they are supplying to. If the Cable company does not support the local community, then they are not interested in their consumers and I, for one, would reconsider being a customer. Cable is not just for entertainment, but for local interests/news.

I am a Community Producer in London, Ontario. For the past 10 years through various shows I have been able to bring a mix of music, commentary, interviews and interesting facts that had enlighten the audience about the different nationalities, customs and cultures of the multi-cultural population of London. Sharing experiences with people from the London and area communities has confirmed me the importance and the need for the existence of a Community TV.
The importance of the support and assistance given by London's ROGERS TV to local organizations, charities, local business and new initiatives is immense. A true voice for the urban and rural population, keeping the local community informed about our local government decisions and changes, coming events and festivals, local and Provincial sport games and tournaments.
More than that, Community Television is an expression of community value, acceptance and inclusiveness, is a place where every culture, colour or believe is welcome to showcase and share their culture, customs and expressions. ROGERS Community TV in London is the soul that provides to the community an opportunity to close the gap for better understanding; a place to learn that there are more similitude than differences between each other; a place to cherish and enjoy the beauty of each culture of the world beginning with Canada.
I am very grateful for the relationship with Rogers Television and look forward to continue for many more years!
Jorge Herrera

Recently, in Summer/Fall 2015, I started my volunteer opportunity as the Community Producer with Rogers Guelph channel 20. The team was very supportive of developing the program called 'Know Your Neighbours" focusing on the diversity of Guelph city community. My objective for this program was to provide information about different ethnic communities in an interactive and interesting way. The program provided the Guelph community with an opportunity to be educated while being entertained. As a new community producer, I am very appreciative of the opportunity and support provided by the Guelph Rogers production team. I already have plans for my next community program with Rogers TV, and I hope for support with that program as well.

Community TV is the best learning tool in our community of London, Ontario. With their programming We've had the opportunity to learn and follow the City Council meetings, understand and recognize almost every culture living in our own backyard. We are able to get ready for the upcoming events no matter the size or location; from theatre plays to music concerts or festivals. Help us help other through their constant support of local organizations, charities and fundraising. Rogers TV is a tool for an informed and involved community.
Keep the hard work ROGERS TV, it is working!

My name is Jared Lutes, a working musician from Moncton, NB. I have been hosting a volunteer, local community songwriter series with RogersTV, and the benefits of the resulting exposure have been immeasurable for both the dozens of regional artists who appear on the show, and for the struggling homegrown music scene in general. On virtually a daily basis I receive postive comments from friends and strangers alike who either tune in regularly to our program, or else stumble across it and linger for remarkably well-produced shows like ours and others. Viewers are typically surprised and delighted by the level of talent and diversity in their own backyard. It's a reminder that compelling content doesn't always require big (or even small) budgets, and that a passion for both craft and community can generate an interesting, quality product. And our local access channel is the stage that presents that product to an audience who also cares for and are interested in their community's arts and culture.
But more than being a platform for local musicians like myself, our local TV here spotlights the people and businesses that contribute to our economy and regional character as well. We have shows that present local craftsmen, growers, academics, entertainers, builders, and business leaders who can find exposure here even more readily and inexpensively than in other local media such as newspaper or radio.
As someone who has experienced the advantages that community programming provides, I know that this content is so much more than idle entertainment; in our case at least it serves the community as a go-to source of information concerning our culture-makers and entrepreneurs, and provides benefits to both economy and culture that are hard to quantify. Biased though I may be, I believe that losing such an outlet would diminish our regional character and pride, while inviting further (especially American) cultural homogenization.
Thank you for considering my thoughts!
-Jared Lutes

Chek News is an inegral part of Vancouver Island life. It is necessary to maintain and fund Canadian local news outlets. It is what keeps us different from our friends to the south. I believe you must ensure we are served by our own best interests, which would certainly include stories from right here in our home region.

Chek TV from Victoria, BC is a vital part of news and programming on Vancouver Island.
This station needs funding. Please give more funds to Canadian programming.
I can't imagine not having this station.

I'm not thrilled with what we get for local television. I'd be even less thrilled if it all went away.And news represented by local video (not just print or audio) is essential today. I'm not in favour though of requiring a subsidy for local community television. Any relief for community tv by, say a levy on cable tv will just get passed on to consumers. I refuse to pay for such dross as judge Judy or the Maury show.

We have fought hard to save our CHEK 6 news station so we can have local news. We would like to see you support these important stations, I am sure you can afford it. These people work very hard to bring important events to the people living on our island. I watch CHEK 6 everyday between our tv and my iPad app. The people of CHEK 6 need your assistance to keep the channel running, they can not do it alone.

We used to have a very strong Community access in Quesnel with Shaw, it seems we did to good because they stepped in and started putting all kinds of new rules in place like the shows had to be 5 min long instead of the regular "Cariboo time" and they kept changing everything to make us all end up leaving in disgust, the new rules after the first few bombed are 28 min. Shaw also did not tell us that we could get our own sponsors, and now they are more of an advertising company than Community access, in fact we call it the wheel of torture. The same show runs every half hour all day and night, our shows including "Quesnel Today, You're the Star!, Be a Cool Cat & Real Seeds were quite popular, you can watch a lot of the past shows online now at qcatv.ca for a bit of history. Somehow the red tape of getting funding for worthwhile projects seems to be unattainable for mere mortals. Something needs to change; I'm open to suggestions, Eddie deSouza, President/Producer/Author at Qcatv.ca

For four years now I have been involved with my local independant community television station CHCO TV in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick as a volunteer. As a recent journalism grad it has given me the opportunity to learn and get hands on experience in the world of broadcast television, while allowing me to contribute and stay in the small community that I love instead of moving to a bigger city. As a volunteer I have hosted a program, created and presented a weekly local news update and even taken the lead producing, shooting and editing a ten part series that airs on the channel about ocean sciences in our region. I would have never had the freedom or support in a large commercial television station to be creative and explore the way I have with CHCO TV.
CHCO TV has a following both in our community of viewers as well as across the country and we often have people who have lived in our community and moved away who call in to say they still watch the channel on Bell Alliant as a means of staying in touch with the towns they love. It provides something for our community and region that simply cannot be offered by larger TV stations or news outlets in this current time in our society and taking support away from local community channels would be a huge loss for every small town in Canada.
What can be done to improve our local community stations? If CHCO TV was able to access the funding it deserves, it would allow us to grow and create the programming we want to, but can't afford to as volunteers. As I mentioned above, I already produce a short local news update on our television station, but funding would allow the station to invest more time and money into making that news program bigger and better, something I feel our community deserves. Funding would allow us to hire someone to produce and edit more local diverse programming, providing a job in an area with high unemployment. Having a full time person to reach out into the community for volunteers would also help make our station more accessible to everyone wishing to contribute. Funding would make CHCO TV better for this region and be better to serve the diverse population of Charlotte County.
Community Television is an asset I couldn't live without in our region and would love to help make sure it stays there for many years to come. CRTC, you should make sure thats a priority for you as well.
Sincerely,
Lauren Naish

as a non profit agency on a very tight budget, I find local programming and community television essential in terms of ensuring that foks are made aware of the issues pertaining to their community. Often main stream media is driven by huge breaking news that is sensationalized. The needs of the community as they pertain to poverty, homelessness, or fund raising are often not publicized unless large sums of advertising dollars are spent. I have found that local programming and/or community television gives agencies like mine an opportunity to bring awareness to an issue that is relevant but, perhaps, doesn't sell subscriptions.

Rogers Television, my community television, is essential for the general development of my community. At St. John's, NL Rogers provides excellent programming. Particularly important are those programs highlighting the arts, cooking, local writers, local causes and the diversity that is our community. Community television has been an excellent medium by which my organization, and many others, can "get the message out" to a large audience.
Rogers Television in St. John's NL serves a critically important role in the life of our community. Please continue to support it.

I am a strong supporter of community television, and in London, Ontario this is Rogers Television. I have been involved with Rogers Television for many years in different ways. As co-chair of London's largest New Year's Eve celebration, Rockin' New Year's Eve, I was pleased that Rogers Television became one of our primary sponsors by carrying the event live. More than that, they participate fully in our committee meetings and are proactive in suggestions as to making the event stronger and better. They back this up with advance interviews with our committee members and are integral to the success of this event Rogers Television has been and continues to be a major sponsor for this family, fun and free event and I applaud their commitment, passion and energy to it.
Separately, I have been active in federal politics for several years.Through three election cycles (for me), Rogers Television has hosted the major debate for each riding in our City. It is exceptionally well-organized, fair and well received in our city. Throughout my political involvement, I was regularly involved as a guest on different television shows. The interviewers were smart and well-prepared. At the same time, the key was to probe thoughtfully and provide key information to viewers. This has been a great community service.
In addition, Rogers Television participates in dozens of community events - I know this directly as as an attendee to many of them. Rogers Televison is consistently there, covering the important community-based things that matter to people. We also have a major television network channel in our city, and I believe they complement each other in the best interests of the citizens of London.
Hon. Ed Holder

I don't care about local content and I am sick of part of my cable bill going to subsidize this drivel. Let the market deside, I pay for netflix and watch it through an American VPN endpoint and steal HBO content because bell won't allow HBO NOW in Canada, so local content is something I have to activaly avoid.

I think community TV is an amazing way for a community to build on their success and stregth. I have had a great experience when working with Rogers TV in Barrie, Ontario. From promoting local events, discussing current issues and most important being about to co-produce a youth documentry! As my job continuously requires me to be in the media, Rogers TV is the best outlet to get my events and actvities broadcast to the the local community. Having the accessabilty to a local TV channel and being able to participate in the output of media is something that helps build on the wholeness of a community. It makes you feel important and special to be able to see the way a program gets put together and be a part of the steps. Having a local community channel brings people together to be able to see success, value and productivity of the people around them. There is no better way to acknowledge what the community does to make it safe, healthy and viable. I really enjoy watching the variety of shows that Rogers TV puts on, from sports games, healthy eating shows, to talk shows that discuss current trends in our community. Rogers TV is doing a phenominal job at making the local community channel enjoyable to watch for any age. They cover current events, local actvities and always make sure to share the voice of those who don't always get heard. I look forward to working with Rogers for a long time.

Hi.......local community television is really important to keep us in touch with one another. The Rogers cable channel 10 is the only one we turn to and we applaud their efforts . There is no real CBC presence in our province and Rogers has done, and continues to exp[and, a variety of programs. From hockey games in Bathurst to music shows and local stories and "Home in 60 seconds" , we have a reflection of our culture.
Last evening I watched 2 programs originatting from Miramichi and Fredericton. Nowhere else can we turn to see this type of progamming . Am I a fan of Rogers and it's Community Channel ?...you bet I am and I truly hope they are allowed and encouraged to continue with their Community / local program efforts. . Best to you, Gary Morris

I cohost a local community events/news talk show called What's Up Stratford in Stratford, Ontario with my husband. We believe strongly in supporting the non-profit community by promoting their work and upcoming events. But also the show is a wonderful venue to showcase the stories and people that otherwise may not get media attention through traditional channels. We are able to connect the community in a very personal way with what is going on behind the scenes in education, the arts, local and regional government. I have had my eyes openedf to the effect this programming has had on people as we receive comment after comment about how people look forward to viewing our show. We tape once per month and the shows taped are looped over a two week period. People always want to know if we can tape more and air more frequently. We have been very privileged to work with the volunteers behind community tv, and have gained presentation and production skills as a result. I have witnessed the development of many young people who were able to be involved with community tv. I believe that community tv is providing a very positive service. Please do not cut funding for community tv.
Sincerely,
B Maranger

I am submitting comments to support the local Rogers TV Community Channel.
As a small urban centre some distance from the main metro areas, this community has suffered from the current convergence in the broadcast television media. We have seen the ‘for profit’ players walk away from the smaller local markets. As a result, the community channel stands alone as the only means still available, through television, that provides access to the local issues.
We are fortunate to have the opportunities offered by the local community channel and the community responds by making good advantage of this. The programing on our local channel is varied and reflects the interests of the community. The local political scene, sports, health, fitness, music and arts are all well represented. There is no other comparable means that offers this same broad range of information and entertainment to this community.
Our Public Health staff are regular participants on the newsmagazine and health information shows offered by the community channel. Our staff always report this as being a positive experience. While there are no ‘ratings’ to give us audience numbers we know by the response we get anecdotally that our messaging is being heard in the community.
It is important to maintain this valuable community resource, especially in smaller markets where there is no other comparable means to offer this service. The existing infrastructure is in place and is being well used. I suggest the regulatory agencies continue to enable the funding that supports, or even enhances, this very worthwhile undertaking.
Respectfully.
Drew Ferguson, Grey Bruce Health Unit

I represent a local children's charitable organization who has had the opportunity many times to be on Rogers local "daytime" show to spread our message. Without free advertising opportunities like local television we would be hard pressed to find an affordable advertising method for our agency. Our organization relies solely on the support from local businesses and community minded individuals in order to keep our doors open and proved service free of charge to families in need. Taking away our advertising opportunities to share our message with local community will be extremely detrimental to the success of our organization.

Rogers Television in our NL community is a wonderful way for us to inform, educate, inspire and motivate people to support Chidlren's Wish Foudantion activities including referring children to us and helping to grant wishes-whether in St. John's or Corner Brook the Team at Rogers Television recognizes the importance of our work and supports it through staff, volunteer and wish families interviews, covering our events and by hositng an annual Telethon now if it's 21st year.
As Past Presisdent of Association of Professional Fundraisers (AFP), RogersTelevison in St. John's has covered our Philantropy Day Awards Ceremonies highlighting our professional fundraisers in the community and our outstanding philanthropists while also educationg the public on ethical fundraising matters and the good work so many charities in our community do!
Rogers Televsion stays current with community activities and is always on topic-to help celebrate Foster Families Week one year and to help raise awareness of the need for more Foster Homes; Rogers Televison in St. John's interviewed my husband & I taking a closer look at the trials, tribulations, joy and postive difference fostering can bring from a very private and personal perspective.
Rogers Cable is an important partner in my community ensuring community groups have a voice, community matters are fairly represented, and the arts communty is profiled and promoted.
Many thanks for your wonderful coeverage and support!

As a supporter of Community Television it is my sincere hope that the future of this broadcasting forum remains intact for years to come. At a time when more and more companies are being swallowed up by large corporations and newspapers are controlled by large media enterprises, Community Television is one place that a can be the voice of the viewers. As a secondary teacher I have had many students in co-op placements at our local Rogers station. The learning opportunities they have had and the partnerships that have been made have been truly life changing. The staff have always welcomed our students and provide them with the chance to be involved and not just spectators. From live studio shows to outdoor community events our students have learned that sharing information and stories within one's community creates a stronger sense of who we are. Rural Ontario as a whole and Grey-Bruce counties in particular have a unique perspective to share with participants, stakeholders and viewers. Without Community Television we would have the opportunity to do this.

Having lived in two smaller markets in my career (Barrie and Woodstock, ON), I regularly watch the local community channel for information on events, issues and potential partners, in addition to the deliberations by both city and county councils. Community channel programming provides a unique and vital service. It helps to share information but it also promotes and celebrates what is unique and of interest to the local region. It also is an important resource for mentoring, training and development of future creators in the broadcasting arena. Without community programming the flavour, spirit and diverse voices of what makes up a smaller market will not be heard.
The type of programming available on Oxford County Rogers TV that I am most interested in are the following: City and County Council; Oxford County Living; Pop Oxford; Daytime Oxford and Innovation. All of these programs showcase the wide range of talent, expertise and knowledge that are embedded into the fabric of Oxford County. I care about the community I live in and these programs help me learn, see and hear what makes this region different and very special.
As the Director/Curator of the Woodstock Art Gallery I am regularly called upon to be a guest on a number of the shows listed above. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to highlight to viewers the various exhibition and education programs that the Gallery has on at the current time. In addition I have received quite a significant amount of positive feedback from my appearances on these programs from people visiting the Gallery and even when I am just out and about in my community. Without a doubt my experiences have been very positive. I am always impressed by the level of professionalism in addition to the various important learning experiences that are provided consistently to volunteers and students. I regularly witness these exchanges first hand and can attest that the ongoing mentoring is a meaningful characteristic that defines community broadcasting.
More funding should be provided to our community channels to provide new opportunities for programming and to expand on the learning and mentoring that takes place already. A regular local news program would be most welcomed and very valued.
As the nature of broadcasting continues to change and viewers watching habits evolve, community channels are still the only venue for professionally produced, high quality programs that are truly reflective of the regions they serve. It is absolutely vital that these important resources be maintained and properly supported to ensure the richness and diversity of Canadian culture continues to develop and grow. Regional stories need to be recorded and shared not only for today but to sustain the uniqueness of being Canadian.
Mary Reid, Director/Curator, Woodstock Art Gallery

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I watch, and more importantly I hear from members of the public that they watch to stay abreast of the local happenings of our community. To learn about topics of interest, business changes, public events, political matters and sports and entertainment. It is especially important for the portion of the public that are not able to get out very much as well as those who cannot afford other forms of cable, satellite service.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Politics at the municipal, provincial and federal levels is very important and especially to be able to view the elected officials, and in some cases where the program permits the ability to have a call-in segment so that I may interact with my constituents. I also hear from constituents that they value these programs and the opportunity to interact. Culture, sport, food and travel are also programs that I hear from people that they enjoy.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes. I find the local Rogers team to be very accommodating and in touch with the community. They try to engage a wide variety of people in their programs and as such, I believe that is why they retain a large following, and why the community channel is so necessary in our community. Many people have commented to me how much they appreciate the experience they have had in creating projects and how flexible the producer and team have been to make their ideas become reality. Overall, I have heard great things from the community.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
I believe most of the people appreciate the local flavour. They can get national media in other forms from the large networks. What they want is to know what is happening in their community, and equally important, the opportunity to be engaged and contribute to their local community. The community channel allows this.
The community channel also provides a great training opportunity for journalism and broadcast students to learn their craft, and also opportunity for volunteers to gain experience. A “professional” news broadcast does not provide such opportunity. As stated above, people have a variety of opportunity to access “professional” news services; what they don’t have enough of is the opportunity to access local content, and that is why it is imperative that the existing Community Channels are maintained. Even better would be to add local programming hours.

The oppotunity to discuss and showcase upcoming events and exhibits at Grey Roots Museum & Archives on local community television is greatly appreciated.

I find it surprising that we would have to review the value of local community television.
Cable operations like Rogers are required to provide funding for this purpose and the outcome from this kind of local programming can only be described as positive. If others in the market were offering up this kind of "mirror to the community" one might be able to argue for a further erosion of the commitment to local programming by the Commission and other major broadcasters, but such is not the case. In fact, we see the commercial broadcast market doing the exact opposite and reducing their commitment to local programming on all fronts.
We have never needed community television more then we do now. In our community Rogers is provding a valuable service.
Local programs are viwed by a wide audience. This type of programming allows for talent development within the broadcast sector. It develops unique programming not offered anywhere else. It is cost effective and appreciated by the community.
Now is the time to reallocate a little bit from the national Film and Television Development Fund and provide for more community television.

As manager of a veterinary clinic that works only with low income families/non-profits, I absolutely see the positive impact of having community access television. Our clients do not have the means to access multi-channel luxuries, and often do not have internet in the home. They rely on local public television for valuable community resources, educational/fun activities for their families, and to stay updated with interesting news and topics in general. It would be a tremendous loss to the segemnts of our society who do not always ahve a voice in large debates/decisions so I sincerely hope this issue is accounted for in these considerations.

Rogers TV here in Kincardine, Ontario has certainly been beneficial to our community. In terms of real world impact, the programming our local station offers has stepped up the ease of access to information regarding community events for all our citizens. As a community volunteer, I also get to host a couple of shows that air locally, and have been approached on the street by complete strangers who have recoqnized me from the programs who stop me to offer suggestions for future shows or comment on the ones they have seen. In addition to that the dedication of Rogers to bringing a spotlight onto our local sports and recreation programs has also been beneficial in that members of the community who may not be able to get out and see the events live are provided with the opportunity to view them at a later date, which has also been nice. Grandparents watching their kids play soccer, or even our local junior c hockey team getting to watch the games has certainly enhanced the local view not only of the sports and increased participation, but also shows that Rogers is taking a vested interest in what happens in the community that they serve.

More Local Television is Required!

No matter what station you turn on, its all the same whether you are tuning into a station from Alberta or Ontario etc.

The ONLY station we have that provides local programming, community news and events is our beloved Rogers Television Kitchener.

If it were not for Rogers Television, I would have very little knowledge of so much of what is going on in our community other than big crime stories reported by the 'bigger stations'. Since CKCO is gone and apparently CTV has little to no interest in local news, Rogers is my 'Go To' station. I love seeing it on the TVs in local establishments and enjoy the lighter flavour that it brings, especially Rogers Daytime.

• Do you regularly watch your local community channel?

Yes

• Why?

Because its community based and we should be focused on our communities events, news, people etc.

• What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?

Rogers Daytime is of most interest because it is a well balanced blend of what is happening in our community. I enjoy most of the programs produced and I think many would be lost without the Hockey coverage!

• Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel?

Somewhat yes.

• Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel?
  I have participated many times. I would like to explore a project that came up a couple years ago with Keven Shea. Not sure who I speak to now.

• What has been your experience?
  My experience has always been positive. Working with Susan and Carla is always enjoyable and easy.

• What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
  Yes. Absolutely but in my opinion, there would have to be an extensive marketing push to gain viewers in order for it to be successful.

I am the host of a popular show called, "Raising Energy" which airs on Rogers Georgina. We are in our second season and it has been amazing

Our show tapes 2 shows once a month and fills the Rogers Studio in Keswick Ontario to its capacity of 30-35 people each show, and has been known to have waiting lists weeks before.

Our show reaches many viewers and is meaningful. I have many people stop me to tell me not only how much they love watching the show, but how it has affected their lives on very deep levels.

Recently I met a woman while in a chapters who told me that she consistantly uses one piece of information I shared on the show that resonated with her. She told me that it changed her life and the lives of her family and that she was very grateful.
I am not telling this story to take credit, but use it as an example of how important this kind of programming is to any community. It allows us to reach so many people in, again, such meaningful ways.

It is also an opportunity for me and those who work on every show a chance to learn and gain experience and do what they love to do. It is exposure for some of us that will help us further our lives and a stepping stone for so many young people who wish to learn from amazing professionals like Jim Anderson.

I hope this post makes an impact and is heard by those who will understand that this kind of programming is necessary, welcome and wanted by so many in our community.
Angel Morgan - Host
Raising Energy

Rogers cable in NB has been extremely supportive of the Crime Stoppers Program and has attended many events free of charge and has put these events of TV. Rogers TV also has partnered with NB Crime Stoppers to create crimes of the week videos that are seen on Rogers TV, Rogers website and are uploaded to Youtube. This has helped to create awareness around the program and helps to keep our communities Safer.

As the Stakeholder Relations Manager of Simcoe Community Services (People with Intellectual Disabilities), we know firsthand the presence of community television is absolutely crucial as a voice for not only our not-for-profit agency, but the countless other community organizations here in Central Ontario. Rogers Television in Simcoe County is an integral part of the fabric of the community we live in. Having access to Rogers television and it's diverse programming, whatever the issue, makes for a more tightly knit and compassionate community. Over the years, Simcoe Community Services has benifited immensely from participating with Rogers Television in the creation of programming; from promotion of our annual Fashion Show to the production and broadcast of a special 60th anniversary documentary on inclusion in the community, we are indebted to community television for giving people with intellectual disabilities a voice. Thank you Rogers Television for being such a great friend to our community.

I strongly suggest to the CRTC that the organization looks at funding the creation of community owned media co-operatives. Co-operatives are sustainable organizations that are in the long run not reliant on external sources of funding, but from the members of the community consuming the news. These co-operatives are organized like regular community media (TV, Newspaper, Radio), but the funding model is comprised of members (consumers of the media) paying an annual fee to maintain their membership/access to the media. Often the media is distributed to non-members, and profits are reinvested in the organization as well as distributed to members with discounts or in other forms.
The advantage to this model is sustainability. The co-operative media organization follows the requirement of one-member one-vote. Regardless of share investment or inequality in wealth, each member of the cooperative (ideally each member of the community) only receives one vote in referendums on organizational direction and board of director membership. This means that in a situation where some individuals are looking for short term profit to sell, it is significantly more challenging for a media organization to be acquired by a for-profit company that may in the future deem the community media outlet unprofitable and close or merge it. While a co-operative does not make this impossible, it creates the barrier of having to convince all the members of the community that the sale/merger of a community media outlet is in the best interests of the community. The other advantage to the cooperative model are the 7 cooperative principles that all cooperatives are encouraged to follow. One of these principles is “Concern for Community”, making it an ideal fit for community media. More information on the principles can be found here: http://ica.coop/en/whats-co-op/co-operative-identity-values-principles
Cooperatively owned media is becoming popular in the UK, with a few community outlets converting to cooperatives, and new cooperative media outlets being formed. A great example of this for community TV is Sheffield Live (http://web.sheffieldlive.org/ - see also: http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/nov/14/a-new-breed-... ) which is a cooperatively owned, sustainable news organization in the UK. There are also organizations like the Bristol Cable (https://thebristolcable.org/) that try to promote local media. In 2014 The Guardian newspaper did a piece on cooperative media as an option to save and sustain local media. http://www.theguardian.com/social-enterprise-network/2013/sep/25/co-op-l...
I would encourage this model for 2 reasons: 1) Community independence and self-policing, and 2) decreased cost to the Canadian government.
1) as listed above, co-operatively owned media provides strong arguments that once established, co-operatives are more sustainable than traditional non-profits or for-profit institutions (http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/comment-analysis/WCMS_3..., http://www.corporateknights.com/magazines/2014-global-green-mba-issue/sp..., http://www.theguardian.com/social-enterprise-network/2014/mar/11/co-op-b...)
2) The current sociopolitical climate in Canada is for less reliance on Federal government funds for maintenance of local enterprise, or any initiative besides infrastructure and military for example (much to the misfortune of product regulation, social welfare, and sciences in my opinion). In order for cooperatives to be successful they require a positive regulatory environment. Cooperative ownership structures don't fall into how traditional organizations are regulated, but because policy makers in Ottawa make policy based on what is available to them (see MJ Trebilcock et al., “The Choice of Governing Instrument”, Economic Council of Canada’s Regulatory Reference), they are often regulated as such, and this leads to their failure. Cooperatives that are initially funded by the CRTC in order to become established, as well as given a positive regulatory environment in which to function, will lead to a fraction of the cost of continued support, in HR and sustenance payments, that any CRTC funding model would propose.
Because of this I would argue to look at creating a program to fund and educated communities on the creation of consumer owned (or multi-stakeholder) media cooperatives in Canada's rural and urban communities, as opposed to any other continued-funding model.

I live in Baden, Ontario, and I'm on the organizing committee for a fairly new community event: the Baden Corn Festival. This festival first took place in August of 2013; in that very first year, Rogers TV was enthusiastically supportive and welcomed us to appear on a local program, Daytime, in order to promote the event. Without this invaluable exposure to a wider audience -- at no cost to our fledgling group -- we would have seen far, far lower numbers at our event. While promoting such an event within our small town and Township can be achieved with posters and word-of-mouth, I am convinced that we were only able to draw crowds from Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and beyond through our appearance on Daytime.
Since then, Corn Fest has grown both in the scope of the event and in the numbers of people who show up -- and in the distance from which attendees come. Thanks to Rogers local programming, we continue to make our event known to people throughout the Region and beyond. Corn Fest is not only a fundraiser for our community projects but also a celebration and educational forum for farming: to lose our ability to let people from the cities know about our event would not only have an extremely negative impact on our numbers, but would be a shame for Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge families to lose the opportunity to learn about farms.

Having grown up in the small town that I continue to live in today, I firmly believe that our community programming is an important and essential service for our city. As a resident and an employee of the local municipality I recognize the key role it plays in infoming the community of events in the Woodstock and Oxford County area, history, local issues and community goals. It also creates an important connection between consituents and council through the broadcasting of city, county, and town council meetings.

As the execuitve director of the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council, we have promoted many events including World Suicide Prevention Day, on our local cable network in addition to promoting new resources, educational workshops and also collaborated with our local cable company to create and air a six part series on mental health. All of these have been promoted with much sucess and much viewership. Community television is essential to keeping community linked and to bring a sense of belonging - in addition to the exchange of important information. Community programming is essential to every community across Canada and is well watched and respected as a source of reputable information and shoudl not be cut.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I watch my community channel on a regular basis in order to get insight into the many issues, activities and cultural opportunities within my community. Without this channel, I believe there would be a real void which is not being filled by any other provider.

• What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
I have an interest in getting insight into what my community leaders have to say on a variety of matters in a format which goes beyond a traditional 30 second interview. I also enjoy viewing the many traditional musical/visual artists who appear on my local channel. I feel it plays a significant role in promoting our local traditions and culture which is an invaluable service.

• Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I have never participated in the creation of a program but have appeared on the community channel on a number of occasions through various community leadership roles.

• What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
I don't believe my local community channel needs to evolve into a professional news channel, not to say that the persons currently involved are not professional, they certainly are. I beleive that we need to keep things on a local, grass roots level and promote all of the positive things happening in our community as opposed to the negativity which we regularly see/hear in the other media outlets. Keep it local; keep it positive; keep it real.

Community Television is a key part of our culture as a community. It is one of the few places where you can go to get a real feel of of what matters to the residents of a given area across all demographics. I have been involved with several shows on our local Rogers station and always get very positive feedback from people who apprecaite the availability of information in a way they can access. In our current digital world, I think people often forget that there are many people who do not have, or do not want, access to websites and social media. Community television is still a pivotal way to reach these members of the region.

Please fund local TV and radio stations now, especially save the CBC. Canadians have a democratic right to stories they need to make informed choices in elections, and on a daily basis concerning their municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments about everything from the economy and the environment to many other issues affecting them directly. It's disgusting our cable bills — in my case Shaw cable — is chanelled to TV networks without little of my cable charge going to local stations such as CHEK. I want far more news, not less, especially as press monopolies - including newspapers — run by accontants and profit motives, deprive us of more and more news. The public must demand coverage or become increasingly ignorant of their community, and how our precious tax dollars are spent.

As a former host of "First Local" on Rogers TV Grey County, I can attest to the value of local community television. It is disappointing that Rogers made a very short sighted decision to discontinue this program shortly after my departure (from what I was told, it was one of the most watched programs on the local station). That being said, there are several other local programs that continue to be of value to local viewers, including coverage of our local OHL hockey team and various interview programs with local politicians and organizations. The volunteer and co-op opportunities for local students and others interested in the working of community television also cannot be understated.

• Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes. I enjoy watching local programming as a way to keep up on what is happening in my community and learning about the local issues from a local perspective.
• What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
I enjoy watching programs that speak to to local events. What they are, why they are happening, who and how they benefit the community. I am interested in the features on local organizations and the work/ services they provide. there is so much good work happening, our local community channel is a valuable resources to learn about and access these vital services.
I also enjoy the local sports coverage. This is also an important way to stay in touch with the community, especially for those who are unable to attend in person.
• Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes. Our organization partnered with our local community channel to produce a 6 hour live broadcast. Our experince was very good. Everyone was organized, professional, and made the entire broadcast seamless. The impact on the community and the value it brought to our organization was priceless.
• What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
I think increased operating budgets and manpower is one way of expanding local coverage. An opportunity to expand viewing area to encompass more smaller comunities outside of the main centre could have a significant impact viewership, which would inturn benefit more people. The more informed and engaged people are within a community, the greater the impact. Local community channels are a vital way of doing this.

Our local Rogers TV station here in Stratford Ontario is an important part of our community - let's keep it that way!

I live in London, ON and regularly watch Rogers TV to find out what's happening in my community. The local news station (CTV) provides only very minimal coverage of local events. Rogers does a wonderful job of keeping Londoners well-informed about our city politics, opportunities for engagement, local history, businesses and non-profits, and humanitarian stories often neglected by the evening news. Social and print media do not come close to providing the type of comprehensive coverage offered by Rogers TV.
I recently launched a local grassroots non-profit initiative, with the goal of supporting some of London's most vulnerable families. Rogers TV (Daytime London in particular) played a crucial role in helping me get the word out to my community, resulting in a successful event. With no advertising budget, this exposure was incredibly valuable and appreciated.
Every day on Rogers, I see Londoners like myself reaching out with their community in a way that no other media can provide. As a major provider of cable (and internet), I believe Rogers Communications has a continued responsibility to provide community programming. While media formats may evolve, the need for this content remains. I sincerely hope the CRTC will continue to see the value of community programming and how it connects us - as communities, and as Canadians.

I have had the opportunity to work with the local Rogers station in London Ontario for the past 8 years. The local management and station staff provide an outstanding service to the community at a very professional level for local community television. Throughout my experience, the London Rogers team continue to look at the best way to provide local news, information, sports and public interest programming to London. With the ongoing cost pressures impacting the level of local content in the mainstream media, Rogers offers a very valuable service to London. Their broadcast of the City of London council meetings is well done and connects the community in a forum that is not available anywhere else.
The local sports programming they provide is very good and given the resources they work with, the broadcast teams provide a very strong product. In my past experience supporting business in London and currently with Western University, Rogers London has been a crucial part of the communication process to the community. They are able to provide focus and detailed coverage that is not available from other sources. In the ongoing review of the mandate of community televison , Rogers London would be a great example of what I think local citizens expect of their community televison. Providing ongoing support and mandate to allow Rogers London to continue with their excellent work and product is strongly recommended from my perspective and from many of my peers.

Our community is small but progressive: our local community channel shares meaningful news and stories that are rarely covered by larger, neighbouring media outlets. Oxford County’s local Rogers team lets people who live here know what’s going on, why it’s important, and how they can get involved. In giving voice to what is unique about Oxford County, it promotes citizen participation and helps define local culture.

As both an employee of a local municipal government and as a resident, I appreciate the local content on our Rogers community channel. This includes local council meetings as well as “Daytime” updates on projects and initiatives that impact quality of life here. With a small and older population spread across a large geography, community programming that is available online and through cable is an information channel that can meet the preferences of diverse demographics.

There are many options for accessing regional, national and global news. Options for local community news covering local government should be supported by our regulator.

CHEK TV is very important to us on Vancouver Island on many levels and undoubtedly many points have been cover by others already. I will be specific "Safety of Communities" There is nothing that can replace people that have local knowledge and expertise in Communications. I have been a licensed Ham Radio operator since 1978 and before that a Radio operator for the Dept of Transport,and before that a Radio operator in the Canadian Navy. I check into the BCPS net (BC Public Service Net) and the Aurora Net covering Western Canada every day for one reason...if there is a disaster,earthquake,flood,fire, we as Radio operators are there already to help. I belong to the Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society CVARS and have taken several courses on emergency preparedness including earthquakes. CHECK TV is a vital link for us here on Vancouver Island to reach large amounts of people in all the community in an emergency. Like I said there is no substitute for local knowledge input and expertise and our local television station does just that.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Yes! Why? To find our what is going on in my community! Shaw TV's magazine show go! Is professionally produced and is an excellent, well written, shot, edited show that is entertaining and informative.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why? Local stories that highlight the people. places and events on Vancouver Island where I live - go! Island is the show that does this best.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Yes, and I am - presently I am volunteering to create a documenaty on the power of local storytelling as part of my thesis as a Master's student in Communications at Royal Roads University.
Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience? I am currently working on a documenatry, and the community chanel is allowing me to use the equipment at no cost.
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities? I think it's important that the community channel has payed professionals as well as volunteers to create a diverse 24 hour channel that is local and combines professional journalists, videoographers, and editors with volunteers. The flagship show should be run by profssioanls who work with the community to tell their storie, and the other shows should be driven by volunteers who work with professionals or on their own depending on their needs. This way we ensure the whole community has a voice. Not eveyrone wants to make televison but they want to be on communtiy televison so this balance engages the whole communtiy.

Community TV is a very positive service to our local communities. We see our neighbours in action - be it music, arts and culture, sport, local government etc. We learn about our comminity and what its citizens have to offer. Rogers TV offers us an opportunity to showcase our local talent, to give new talent a broad public stage and to preserve our musical hertiage by presenting the well known and popular artists of NB. Each time Rogers TV airs one of our Hall of Fame performances the public responds with enthusiasm. Since Rogers has been airing our shows ticket sales to our events has risen, many more residents throughout NB are now aware of our NBCMHF. Our own expectations for our production of the shows has risen sharply since Rogers TV began taping our shows. Our Hall of Fame members are proud to be a part of the Rogers TV tapings. We commend the Rogers TV team for their fine work and professionalism.
We do not even want to think about not being able to call Rogers TV to invite them to one of our music events. They have been a huge influence in our growth!! THANK YOU ROGERS TV. Ivan & Vivian Hicks NB Country Music Hall of Fame

Community programing is important if it is generated and controlled by the community, unfortunately a recent incident at a local cable tv station that purports to support local content has shown that they cable company (one of the national cable companies) controls the content despite a disclaimer before and after the show stating they consent is independent of their station and does not necessarily represent the views of the cable company or its employees,
The cable company required statement that are provable by science supported by the BC Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation be edited out despite their importance as a public safety warning.
Funding for local community access must be provided to a community driven local body that is given the resources to establish a local studio under the control and all local TV. Cable companies be required to broadcast the programs in several timeslots (2 in the morning is not a reasonable time to expect many members of the public to watch a local community access program.)

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why? I watch our local programs on our community channel in London Ontario to learn more about local events, activities and community resources.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why? **I regularly watch City Council meetings because it's an affordable way for me to feel informed about and engaged with municipal affairs. I also enjoy the daytime "talk show" format to learn more about news, current events and services available to me. Our local multicultural programs provide great insights about other ethnic groups and cultural celebrations. I believe I have a better overall understanding of my community.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience? ** Over the years, I have proposed projects and they have been accepted. Our local staff and volunteers at Rogers TV London Ontario are amazing to work with. I've learned a lot about media and production. They have taught us how to improve our shows. In effect, has been an important experiential learning opportunity for those of us who get involved. As an older adult, I love working with the younger volunteers. This really improves my quality of life with intergenerational volunteer opportunities. Currently, my particular interest is producing programs of interest to socially isolated members of our community especially those on fixed incomes and without the financial resources or mobility to actively participate in arts and cultural events. Many older adults are regular TV viewers and we make special attempts to engage them and provide potentially life changing and life enriching information. I believe Rogers community television serves as a bridge to inform and/or entertain those who may have barriers or limitations. As an older adult I appreciate knowing what our students and youth are doing in the community. I find it all very fascinating.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities? At times, the sound production suffers, but it's usually the location. However, when I've ever made suggestions for improvement to the staff, they listened and responded. Community television is an important part of my daily life.

It comes down to $'s. LPIF Funding is gone. Broadcasters are struggling to make their businesses viable. Advertisers need measurement of audience to ensure that their ROI is working. If bigger national advertisiers don't have an accurate measurement service for medium to smaller markets they won't spend the $ necessary to support these stations. Local retail advertisiers can't support stations on their own.

We are a local sports club that has developed a very positive relationship with Rogers TV in London. Over the years they have been available to help promote sledge hockey and have taken to airing games at our annual tournament.
This level of commitment can only come from a community-based station. The other local and national stations cater to issues and events outside of community. This is a valued and necessary service. However it is tremendously important for a community to have an avenue available through which we can report on, promote and celebrate local events. This has been done back in time where people stood in a town square and gave out news and opinion. A different form but the same concept.
Rogers is a tool to promote the city in general and local events and groups more specifically: arts initiatives, sporting competitions, theatre, craft shows, concerts... The list is long. We need this to celebrate the things that are uniquely London and local TV is one of the only mediums left to do it. The local paper does not have nearly as much local information as it used to. Not everyone has the desire/patience/interest to use social media and that leaves us with the important work that Rogers does.
We are fortunate that we have a local station to perform the essential task of spreading the local news and events. Our sincere wish is that they are allowed to continue this great work.

I regularly watch local community channel to give me a healthy sense of community; to understand what issues are affecting my city and to find ways to support local efforts or enjoy local talent.
I watch council meetings to find out where my taxes are being spent and to monitor council's decisions. I watch and participate on Daytime talk shows as a form of communication with citizens of my region.
As a curator of a recognized Canadian and Ontario heritage site, I participate as a guest on local TV programs, as a way to educate people on our shared heritage.
I believe Community Channels keep our society connected and healthy. It gives our citizens a voice and allows us to be participants in our own surroundings. I believe without the forum of Community Programming we run the risk that citizens would feel small and isolated and be blind to issues that could be remedied quickly. Without quality local programming, community challenges would go unaddressed until something happens that makes international news.
To the question, what could be done to improve your community channel? , I would hope funding is secured to ensure quality, accessibility, and specific programming according to the community it serves.

Last year we lost one of our two community newspapers here in Qualicum Beach after a newspaper buyout and restructure. We also have been reduced to only 2 issues per week of the remaining paper. This has made it even more important to watch CHEK in Victoria to get Vancouver Island news. They make a point of covering news on the rest of the island too. The other 'network' stations just don't cover our local news so well. And CHEK has an arrangement with Vancouver CBC to give us national news too, so we aren't isolated at all. We need our local independent TV.

We would like to comment on the importance of CHEK TV in Victoria to our daily viewing habits. Each day of the week when we're able to view we tune into the 5 o'clock news to catch up on what is happening on Vancouver Island. Not only are they an excellent source of information on the daily events

Community media is the glue that bonds our small and midsized towns together.We see the country and the world through our national media services but the thing that keeps us Canadian are the local newspapers and of course television,they are the beating heart of our streets and houses.With many of the local papers closing down how else are we to keep up with the things that effect our daily lives.Without our local news and social coverage our communities will become zombie,non caring,beggar thy neighbour societies.If you care about the quality of life for Canada as a whole you MUST create an environment that allows our local media services to thrive !! We are watching !

-Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes, particularly CHEK news on Vancouver Island. We need local news sourced and reported locally to keep our communities healthy. Vancouver Island is very distinct culturally as well as geographically. This doesn't mean I don't get additional news from other sources - mainly the internet - but that does not preclude the local. And local stations like CHEK are very involved in supporting community events and charitable activities. I can't see a national station caring enough to report on the needs or successes of our neighbours.

-What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
Chiefly news.

-Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Haven't been involved.

-What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
Not sure what you're referring to here. CHEK is my experience of local news, and they certainly approach the local news in a professional manner. And they certainly seem to reflect the diversity of the cultures on the islands. I am definitely in favour of whatever support they need, being provided, one way or another. CHEK showed a lot of courage in changing to employee owned and operated, and they deserve to survive and prosper. Without them, a major pillar of community would be destroyed and our social cohesion would be severely damaged.

I strongly support Community Television in our community. I have been involved in many Vplunteer Organizations and it has been my experience that Rogers TV is a great asset to many Volunteer Organizations that would not be able to spread their information and the availability of their Community programs without them. Our local TV station CTV does a great job of bringing Provincial and National News to our homes but does not provide a good coverage of Local Community News. Rogers TV in London provides all local news and many informative programs that all focus on our community.

This allows the viewers a good picture of all the daily activities that are available in our community and many of these are Fundraising Events that would not be successful if not for Local Television. I have been able to go on their Daytime Television Segments as a Community Producer and intoduce our viewers to new and exciting activities going on in their community that without Local Television would not be commom knowledge. Our local Rogers TV did a 60 minute Documentary on the Hockey League that I run for Children with Intellectual disabilities, within Days I had many new contacts reaching out to us , I had other local radio and the major Television contact and all do small segments about our league that would not have taken place without our local Rogers TV.

If you ask me if Local Television is important then I would ask you if Local Communities are important because local Television helps to build Communities and without good strong vibrant Communities with active citizens.

We must always remember that we must know what is going on in our communities to be part of our community!!

Wake up Canada and CRTC ,
The 1 % of canada do not have any idea how the rest of us Live . I have money but it will only last so long . So what I try to do is make it last as long as I can . I find the Government and the CRTC don't care about me and how far my money goes. The reason I mention this is because Local TV is the only TV I have access to. Reducing my costs allows me a better quality of life for longer . So by saving Local TV , I am informed on Weather , and News , imforming me on Dangers around where I live and not just whats going on in the States.
Thanks for Listening .

Without my local station I would be dependent on news from Vancouver whose stations pay scant attention to Vancouver Island. Moreover, there are other programs I may watch on occasion with great appreciation of what is going on in Victoria and throughout the Island.
Since we are essentially at the mercy of the "Big Three" for reception of programs by both cable and satellite, it should be a given that those very few providers support local stations at least as much, proportionately, as they pay to all those "mega" program companies, most of whom I have no interest in at all.

Local TV like Chek News is an important part of hearing, learning and knowing what is going on in the local area. It needs to be supported so that the smaller local channels can continue to keep locals connected to local issue's and news.

To me local television news reporting and locally produced shows are important because they reflects the reality of our society. This is not something that will ever happen with the big American networks and even CBC is 'bigger' in scale. Please consider this when evaluating the prospect of funding locally owned TV.

Community television is extremely important to keep Canadians in touch with the events and news happening in their own communities. Whether it is entertainment, news coverage, or indepth analysis of local issues, the National and Provincial media coverage pales in comparison to the depth to which community television can delve into important local issues. Rarely are these issues interesting enough to garner attention from the wider media beyond the community, But they are extremely important to those closest to them. Local coverage of these 'grassroot' issues and events can not only entertain, but often effect change due to the attention drawn to them that otherwise wouldn't be.

I have lived on Vancouver Island for 6 years,mew watch our local television channel every day. We feel they are a trusted source of news and information, especially local news. If there happens to be an emergency, we would turn on the channel to see what is happening. They also keep us posted with local events. They support local businesses, and I really think this is an important role. I would be very upset if we lost our local programming. Please help us to keep them.

Having a local station doing local news and coverage is a wonderful thing. The direct connection with the community helps boost commuity spirit and makes the community stronger and better to live in. Having to pay for services that are never used when my most watched news service lacks funds is difficult to understand.
Being close to a very large market (Vancouver and Seattle) in this case makes it reasonable to large networks to try to service this area from there (Vancouver) but it just does not work well.
Please have cable fees help support local channels even if there is a small additinal cost to the residents in the area.

I realize that Rogers has no interest in community nor in community programming unless it is profitable. I believe that the CRTC has a different mandate. Given that local communication is a lifeblood of communities, it is sad to see that so many communication vehicles that service localities are having difficulties, especially financial. On the Island, with the Nanaimo Daily News going under, and now CHEK to follow, are we to be left with only what the weeklies and the major television and newspaper dailies can squeeze in to provide us with local information? Is there no way for small populations to support themselves to inform themselves? Yes, the trend has been ongoing for many years, but world news and access to it is only part of the fabric of life: the devil is in the details. We need a formula that balances the Big and Small Pictures in the media.

CHEK TV is an important part of Victoria. We need to know what is happening locally. My family has been watching CHEK TV daily, ever since it started. Please keep CHEK TV!

As the executive at a non-profit we were granted a local channel through Rogers and operated it for more than 20 years. The Channel was the only local channel in the community; we aired TV Bingo, Municipal Council, and Local Programming also engaging with the local school recording and airing their sports, which was great for seniors that could no longer get out. In the late nineties there was an influx of satellite TV options and Rogers analogue 30 channel cable subscribers began to dwindle. As a rural community, Roger allowed the infrastructure continue to disintegrate, not upgrading anything stating that it was too cost inhibited. As the complaints came in regarding station quality, they always came to the non-profit, and not to Rogers. Our TV bingo that used to keep us going needed to be cancelled, leaving several seniors sad and frustrated. Our airing of council was receiving so many complaints we needed to ultimately stop broadcast. Parts of our municipality would have poor sound, the other, poor picture quality. We were left to fend for our self. We asked Rogers if we could broadcast on one of the other channels since there were open and non-used, but that idea was “Not doable” either. In short, we had to give up operating the local station, cancelling Bingo, cancelling council coverage, withdrawing working with students and the school and ending all grassroots local programming. WE NEVER EVER received any remuneration from Rogers, in any of the years operating the station. At a time Rogers would have had a monopoly on subscribers, as they were the only option.

Community television is the backbone of the small community. With the large consolidation of major newspaper chains closing newsrooms and consolidating nine news rooms into one, small newspapers closing, the voice of the small community is no longer heard. Who will speak for the small communities. Local television does just that. It speaks for the non-profits, the charities, the local mayors, the local members of parliament. It talks about local issues to local viewers on issues that matter. As the community host and community broadcaster of a local broadcast called What's Up Stratford?, this is exactly what we do. We represent the community. We speak to those issues that are important to local community members. Without this voice, it's just another closure of another media. We need to speak up, we need the CRTC to allow small broadcasting to continue in local communities. Local television is broadly watched. It's important to viewers to get feedback on a constant basis on what matters to people. People like hearing from their local mayor, like hearing from non-profits. It gives a different venue than what newspapers can give. It allows feedback and dialogue. Will we lose yet another voice? CRTC, please vote in favor of continuing local broadcasting.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes, I do watch our local community channel as I find it provides more in-depth focus on news, events and on-goings within our community. Local broadcasting allows for more than a 2 minute sound bite about a topic. Rogers TV St. John's will bring in panelists to talk about the national issues but then will focus on how those national items impact our local community.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
The type of programming I enjoy are the items that bring the issues in our community to the forefront, or the programs that allow me to see how a child who suffered a stroke while playing hockey is doing and to bring awareness to that cause, or the programs that allow someone who wouldn't get a voice on a national program the ability to discuss what is important to them. Local community programming is about the community and the programs that are important to the community.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes, I was actually able to participate in the community programming with Rogers TV St. John's on a couple of occasions. You are able to submit suggestions for local programming via the community channel website and I did so for a local choir that I am a member of and we were able to perform on a local show during the Christmas season. It was a great experience for us to be able to perform and then get together that night to watch the show as a group.
As well, I was a community producer for a program with Rogers TV St. John's. It was a very rewarding experience being able to provide an idea for a program that you feel will be of interest to the community and then meet with the team and work on ideas for the show; guests, interviews, locations, etc.
The ability to provide your thoughts, feedback and suggestions regarding programming and seeing the fruition of those comments is something you will only see with local community programming. Your thoughts and comments are valued and considered versus getting lost in the corporate wheel of national programming.

Community television and the access to original community programming is invaluable. Mediums such as the Out of the Fog program in St. John's NL enables not for profit and charitable organizations like the one I work for- The Candlelighters Association- to spread awareness, educate the general public and promote neccassary programs and services at no cost.

> Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
As the Fire Chief in Kitchener and a resident of Waterloo Region for 25 years, I regularly watch my community channel to keep up with local issues and the pulse of the community. Without this channel, there would be a large void in this region.
> What type of programming available on the community channel is of itnerest to you and why?
The daytime show is of particular interest to me because I enjoy learning and hearing about our community events and listening to our community leaders in the region.
> Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively particpate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
We often participate in the community channel. Just recently, the KFD team was showcased on the local channel to show citizens of Kitchener how we as an organization serve the community. This channel fosters a culture of learning and this is priceless.
> What could be done to improve your community channel?
I believe it's working well just as it is. Staff are professional and they are there to help the community learn and keep citizens informed of what is going on in their community. Things need to be kept on a local level and promote all the positive things happening in your neighbourhood...and in YOUR community!

The availability of local programming to our area has become part of the fabric of our community. It is watched daily to provide me with information on all aspects of what’s important to the local population. The use of social media to describe something in 140 characters or less does not give me the details about what is important locally. I am a member of a service organization and we have made use of the local programming to get the message out about all of our local community events. I have taken advantage of the availability to talk about local issues myself and I don’t know how else that message would get out to the community. Local programming and community access to it plays a vital role in our area.

My husband and I regularly watch our local Rogers programming because it's the best way to stay up to date on what's happening in our community and our region. Other stations carry news based on what's happening in the province or in a region that goes from Vaughan to Muskoka, it's very seldom that we see anything really local.
As the Executive Director of our local hospital foundation, I find that our local Rogers station is one of the most effective means to spread our local messaging. We have the opportunity to work with local producers who understand our organization and are committed to creating effective messaging. We also find that our message is replayed multiple times at different times of the day and week, reaching a far broader audience.
As a representative of a local charity and a local resident, I would be lost without our Rogers channel programming.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
I highly value local content as a school board Trustee, small business owner and community-minded individual. It allows us to tell local stories about people, things, and events that matter to all of us in this community. This is content that you cannot get anywhere else. That hyper-local focus allows us to learn about and value one another and explore our identity as a city and a region.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
City Council, chat shows, interviews with personalities and local leaders because these are stories that would have no other outlet to be heard.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I have been a guests on several shows as well as a correspondent with #Brantlife. It has been a wonderufl opporunity to volunteer to shine a light on interesting issues and stories and promote community engagement. As a lcola voice, I have felt that my contibutions have been valued by the producers as well asthe broader public.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
I think continuing to be open to new ideas and allowing longer segments on shows like Advocate TV as well as highlighting more local issues with a show dealing with political issues would promote further engagement in local issues.

Community Television is vital part of the fabric of our community and is intregral in the development of community idenity, perhaps even more so now then ever; as the WWW and social media eroded the sustainability of daily/weekly newspapers.
Community TV speaks to the local cultural, lore and ongoings which otherwise may not be readily available.
Our local community channel brings profile and awarness to the wants, needs, ebbs and flows of our community. Season Centre enjoyed the privilidge of a documentary with respect to what we do, how we serve the community and that documentary delivered an level of awareness to the community that we alone could not begin to touch on our own. there are many such documentarys on a regular basis.
Community televion delievers the world (you know the local one that no one eles wants to cover) to our community in an impactful, informative and entertaining. Without community televison and its content the ability to address, understand, debate and become aware of our community will become severly impaired.
Profit is not always measured in dollars, the wealth that community televison delivers is "priceless".

I am a regular viewer of CHEK TV in Victoria. I beleive that it is important to retain a station that provides local news coverage. I think CHEK does a good job of covering new issues on all of Vancouver Island.
I think it would be appropriate for stations such as CHEK to share in cable and satellite TV charges.

Community Television (Rogers TV in London) is an integral part of our community as a whole. From art to music, from theatre to local businesses, from not for profits to wellness experts, Rogers TV provides not just a voice for those with something to say, it also provides a communication lifeline for Londoners to immerse themselves in what’s going on in the city – on a daily basis. I have been a frequent guest and facilitated the appearance of other guests on Rogers Daytime, and have served as Community Producer for the Rogers TV show Inside the Venue. Each experience has been extremely positive and rewarding. From the volunteers, to the professional hosts, producers and managers, each guest is made to feel welcomed, appreciated and respected. Creating and producing a television show was a new and frightening experience for me but the talented Rogers production staff guided me every step of the way. Community programming is essential to the owner of the small local business or the musician trying to providing great local music. It is a powerful tool for those committed to preserving London’s history and heritage or involved in local service organizations. For the viewer wondering where to get fresh, local food, or London-centric advice on health, and well being – Rogers TV is there. Community programming is an important local connection which truly celebrates our vibrant, unique and diverse community.

I'm writing as a volunteer on behalf of a Top 100 Festivals/Events in Ontario. Rogers TV has supported Kitchener's Christkindl Market for 20 years. We're invited to make a guest appearance on your popular Daytime Show, and we're supported with TV ads and listings. Without this support we would not have been able to attract over 40,000 people, over 4 days, into downtown Kitchener each year where total visitor spending is estimated to be over $3 million.
Rogers community channel offers local information that is engaging and gets up close and personal, compared to local print media that seems to be impacting our lives less and less. Today people want the stories behind the story. Local TV is relevant, it's now and it's effective. Local people look to local TV to hear the local stories.
Our festival has an ethnic theme ~ "a festival of German Christmas." During our guest appearances, we talk about why our festival is a great way to get a taste of Germany during Christmas. In fact we've had a visitor write "thank you, your festival saves me an annual trip to Germany."
Cutting funding would certainly be detrimental to our community, and to all the festivals and events that help grow KW. We want our surrounding area visitors to keep coming back. Visit www.christkindl.ca

In Nanaimo we have just lost our local daily news paper. Is now more than ever imperative that we keep our local news. We are staunch supporters of Chek Six News.

I represent a Chamber of Commerce office that represents over 500 businesses (and their employees) in St. Thomas, ON. Being a smaller community that tends to live in the shadow of the much larger community of London, to our north. Local community television services provided by Rogers fill and meet a special need here and, I'm sure, a need that is similar to dozens, if not hundreds, of communities across this country. It gives us a voice that we would otherwise not have. It gives us presence. It gives thousands of local residents a chance to be seen and heard by means that would otherwise be impossible. It gives community groups, local government and events exposure and builds community awareness. Summed up: Community television provides a high-value service. We want it. we need it.

Wanted to add... Strong, informed and connected communities are better for everyone in the long run. It is important to have a effective way to get the word out about free festivals, events and services in our community. Rogers TV makes our community stronger because they let us know about "what's going on," in particular services provided by organizations that do not havelittle or no budgets for advertising but still need to reach their audiences.

I am writing this on behalf of the City of Owen Sound:
Rogers TV consistently provides the City of Owen Sound with the opportunity to educate and inform our community of important issues.
Rogers TV – Grey County is our only source of local news on TV, and offers many local programs such as Owen Sound City Council, Grey County Living, Politically Speaking and also coverage of OHL games. These shows/games allow our area residents to be kept up-to-date and involved on what is going on.
Our local station gives us a chance to speak directly to our residents on issues that matter to them. Local programs are a great form of communication, and the support that the City of Owen Sound receives from Rogers TV is essential to us getting the information out in a timely and cost effective manner.
Local TV matters to us. Local TV matters to this community!

Local programming and community television are very important to me and my family. We live in a fairly isolated island and we value local news and programming. We support CHEK TV.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce I would like to express our appreciation for our on-going partnership with Rogers TV – Grey County.

Rogers TV provides Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce with an invaluable medium to help promote our program resulting in increased tips and more crimes solved in our community.

Over the past few years we’ve been afforded the opportunity to appear on Rogers TV on a fairly regular basis to promote upcoming fundraising events, new initiatives and specific crime-solving initiatives.

In addition to these appearances we also partner with Rogers TV in the production of our unsolved “Crimes of The Week” episodes that highlight local crimes in an attempt to solicit calls from the public to solve them.

Crime Stoppers is, in fact, a cooperative partnership between the media, law enforcement and the public working together to help make our communities safer places to live.

Historically it was the medium of "television" that helped launch the concept of Crime Stoppers when a television "re-enactment" was aired in 1976 in Albuquerque New Mexico. Local television assist us in dealing with "local" crime problems.

Rogers TV and Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce share a common vision – “A Better Community”.
We look to the past with great appreciation and look forward to the future with great anticipation of our valued partnership with Rogers TV.

Sincerely,

Betty Bender
Chair - Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce Inc.

London Ontario, like other smaller communities throughout Canada, is unique in its culture, people and business. Why should we as Londoners be subjected to the views and beliefs of those who live in Toronto or Montreal. The stories central to London Ontario belong to Londoners and are of interest to Londoners. The stories central to Toronto or Montreal or other major cities in Canada belong to those cities. Toronto is not going to care that London has a food crisis at the Food Bank or that a well-known Day Care in London is going to be closing. This is all local news and news that is important to Londoners.
Rogers Cable TV broadcasting has always been there to share the views and stories of Londoners. Rogers would be there for the sports finals of the LMFA divisions - Tyke, Atom and Peewee. The London community would be there to help cheer on their team to victory. This is just an example of people being involved with people in the community. I would like to believe that other sports associations in the London area utilize the Rogers Cable forum. Theatre, live music, amateur theatre, dance, art, etc. are all part of the Rogers Cable forum to promote and encourage the community to greater heights. People in London have voices and there is never a shortage of getting them heard.
Cutbacks to the already thread-bare Rogers Cable for London Ontario would diminish the voices of the people. Newspapers are already being undermined with cut-backs and budget constraints and pretty soon there will not even be a "newspaper" in hardcover print anyway. Stories involving real people touch the lives of so many. Stories brought to the forefront of the people by those interested in the story and not by big revenues allows awareness to those who need to know. London voices needs to be heard.
The CRTC needs to listen to the people and the people want what matters most to them. London is NOT part of Toronto or Hamilton or Kitchener or vice versa. We are all unique and our voices are unique to our communities.
Removing community voices silences the lambs.
Do the right thing.

Rogers TV London is the most important visual carrier of news, stories, issues that affect London and our surrounding area. Station manager Bob Smith has welcomed input from this community and I haven't hesitated to communicate. This openness to community input - the fact we can even find someone who will listen to his viewers - is pricesless.
I don't even watch the other local station. Rogers TV London is where it's at to find unique representations of our community. local shows like Saidat show, dish with donald, FANatics all originals that have the Rogers TV London's touch on them yet there are all unique.
Rogers TV London has been serving our community for decades. It's better than ever.

Memorial University of Newfoundland has had the pleasure of working with Rogers TV for several years now. Rogers broadcasts publc forums organized by the Harris Centre, whose mandate is to explore important issues of public policy that are important to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Over the years, Rogers has broadcast dozens of our public forums, that have dealt with any number of issues: K-12 education, homelessness, economic development, fisheries, energy policy, an urban vision, Aboriginal issues, and the list goes on. The programs are produced by the university's video production unit and are webcast live, but they gain a new life when they are broadcast -- to a much larger audience -- by Rogers TV. Each program is usually aired 3-4 times, at different times of the day and week, and thereby reaches a wide audience.
In addition to broadcasting our public forums, Rogers TV also provides an opportunity for scholars, researchers and opinion-leaders at Memorial University (and in the broader society) to reach a wide audience in this province, via the interview program "Out of the Fog". In our media market, Rogers TV complements the current affairs programming of CBC-TV and NTV, the two local TV broadcasters. Both focus on news and short interviews, and both have experienced budgetary cut-backs in the recent past that have eroded their ability to cover local issues as well as before. Rogers TV's "Out of the Fog" allows issues to be discussed in more detail in the space of a longer interview.
It is an absolute pleasure to work with the staff of Rogers TV in St. John's. They are professional, attentive to the needs of the local community, and quality-focused. As the Associate Director for Public Policy at Memorial University, I particularly appreciate the extremely valuable service they provide to the community in allowing important issues to be aired and discussed. Our society is faced with complex issues, and it is only by working collaboratively that we will be able to solve these problems. Rogers TV provides an essential platform that allows these issues to be brought to the public's attention.
I encourage the CRTC to take the importance of local programming as delivered by the cable companies into account as it formulates its future policies.
Mike Clair, Associate Director (Public Policy), Leslie Harris Centre for Regional Policy and Development, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL

Living on Central Vancouver Island we are bombarded with Vancouver News from many stations. Over the past year or so, these stations seem to often rely on boring, silly snippets of news from the US. This also occurs with the two national news stations, CBC and CTV. These snippets or lengthy news programs, focus on the American style of reporting which is exaggerated out of all proportion to grab a ninny's attention; often unreserched and poorly reported , often excluding, where the story took place, who was in the story, when it took place and how it was resolved. There is seldom anything reported which occurs on Vancouver Island, unless it seems sensational to the news media, murder, rape etc. We have stopped watching the two national channels during the day because of all the lengthy reporting from the US. The best National News is on at 11:00 p.m. which we watch on CTV.
We need Chek TV for the island news. Our island is large, the largest island on the west coast of N. America. It is diverse and some areas are quite remote. Even though the station is in Victoria, there are Chek vehicles in our area often, reporting on things that are of particular interest to us. Their programming is of the island and I especially enjoy the young people who are selelcted to be interviewed because of their special talents. They keep us up to date on things that are happening all around the island, special events, festivals, sporting events, as well as things in Victoria. It seems to be the only one that we receive that isn't almost totally dominated by the US. We watch their evening news every night at 5:00. If this station is eliminated from our choice of channels in March, you will be doing all of us on Vancouver Island a great disservice. This station should be funded, so that it can remain as the only viable option we have for local , pertinent news.

Excuse me for a moment, but what the heck is with you peoples' love affair with Rogers TV? Are you all getting secretly paid to give them outstanding reviews? Sure, their staff may seem friendly, helpful, outgoing -- it's their job. They're employed by Rogers to do what they do, primarily because the CRTC forced Rogers to do this decades ago. Cable subscriptions pay their salary. They're not angels of community inclusiveness.
Stop writing letters of reference for an evil corporation and consider some criticism of Rogers TV: Weekdays from 10AM to 1PM, Rogers TV in Kitchener simulcasts The Eric Drozd Show from 570 News, a local AM radio station also owned by Rogers. Nothing against Mr. Drozd, but you're commercial radio, not community radio. If you want the latter, tune to CKWR-FM "Canada's first" community radio station in Kitchener. Incidentally, nobody else is doing that because that station is currently holding an "emergency fundraiser".
Seriously, how is it an effective use of a community TV station to simulcast a commercial radio talkshow? Surely it wasn't pitched by anyone other than an employee of Rogers, and this is contrary to governing CRTC policy. It's primarily a stationary surveillance camera watching a radio announcer wearing headphones and talking into a mic for three hours straight. Truly awe-inspiring, ultra-cheap programming that helps Rogers prop up listener interest towards its otherwise dwindling AM radio station! Ironically, it'd do more good for the community if 570 News simulcast the audio from Rogers TV programming, not the reverse, because at least listening to 570 News doesn't require a subscription to Rogers cable. In CRTC Broadcasting Decision 2011-163, the Commission determined that Rogers competitor Bell TV was required to distribute non-branded community-based television services; but without regulatory intervention, you'll never see Rogers TV available on any other BDU. Nor will you see Bell Fibe TV1 on any cablesystem. Satellite (Bell & Shaw) distribute all kinds of "independent" community stations, but this does nothing to address the fact that in Canada's most densely populated areas, regional community channels are only available to subscribers of a certain TV package. Other forms of media have alternatives -- libraries, for instance, have ample newspapers for anyone's enjoyment, but there's no mechanism for someone who cannot afford cable TV to see Rogers TV programming.
Thank goodness the City of Kitchener and Region of Waterloo councils started streaming/archiving their council and committee meetings on their respective municipal websites. No more reliance on exclusivity with Rogers!
One of the reasons so many people on this forum seem to be Rogers TV evangelists is probably because of the rapid decline in local news coverage from conventional TV stations, so by contrast, Rogers TV seems great. Please realize that only Rogers customers can watch Rogers TV. If you have a satellite dish, or Bell Fibe TV, or an antenna, or streaming service, you cannot watch Rogers TV. This is not fair, and will become a huge problem to all of you who think Rogers TV is so wonderful. Rogers does not provide enough transparency, either: how many of the on-air talent are on the Rogers payroll, in violation of CRTC regulations for community stations?

Rogers TV is an important and valuable and resource in London, Ontario. It gives creative minds the opportunity to learn the industry both in front of, and behind the camera. It allows members of our diverse community to showcase London’s stories from unique and interesting angles. Rogers TV is an important employer, and trains and retains student talent in London. Further more, Rogers TV is becoming increasingly one of the few sources of local programming.
For many years, Daytime London has been an important marketing tool for Downtown London and our businesses to communicate and promote the incredible experiences we offer. We have new businesses interviewed on the show, feature upcoming summer festivals, and highlight Christmas shopping ideas at the holidays. We have never pitched our own show, but often work with Daytime and Rogers TV’s other shows to feature our businesses and events.
Our London Knights draw upwards of 9,000 people each night downtown at Budweiser Gardens, and many more watch the games on Rogers TV from their home or in the many restaurants and bars downtown that tune in. Advertising during these games has been a great opportunity for Downtown London to promote shopping and dining experiences before or after the game.
Moving forward, we hope to continue to work with Rogers TV London. We feel local television is incredibly valuable to communicate local events, news, and stories. It showcases our neighbours, small business owners, and community, and gets Londoners involved in television who might not have the opportunity otherwise.

Janette MacDonald
CEO & General Manager
Downtown London

The RogersTV in my community has only been around for a few years, but in that short time it has done so much. I have been a volunteer with RogersTV Georgina since our studio opened in March of 2013. I went to school for television & media, and found that my local station was a great place to do my internship. As a television student finding an internship can be a hard thing to do, in fact it can be just as difficult as getting a job. Many places have interviewing processes, and end up only taking one or two interns, only to have them clean, get coffee, or just watch other people work. I know this because I had internships in the past like this. My first day at RogersTV was different. I was immediately put in the graphics operator position for a live to tape show. Actually, I have continued with this as my main position to this day. In fact, I have been training others on this position for quite some time. Of course this is not the only thing I have done at the station. I have filled every position that we have, and even help contribute to the producing of shows. It has really given me the opportunity to let my skills grow, and let me practice things that I had learned previously. Although it was an advantage for me to have previous knowledge equipment, it is not at all necessary. We are always accepting volunteers and high school co-ops who have absolutely no knowledge of the equipment, and teaching them how things work. Which leads me to another thing that makes RogersTV important in my community. There are several high schools in our community, and surrounding areas, which all have a co-op program. These programs allow students to get 2 or 4 or their high school credits by doing real life work. RogersTV gives these students an opportunity to do their co-op somewhere fun, yet rewarding. It also gives them the opportunity to test out their interest in the television field. It really helps students who wonder if this field is where they'd like the continue their studies. I have seen some of our co-ops decide to go to school for television or film after getting to experience the real thing. I have also seen some of our co-ops decide that this is not the path they want to go into, after seeing how hard you have to work. Those students were lucky enough to experience working in television before making the decision to go to television school, and finding out that they don't like it there. If this RogersTV was available to me when I was in high school, I would have absolutely loved it.

The other side of RogersTV is the viewers. We have had many viewers tell us they enjoy watching our programming, and seeing what's going on in our town. We have so many different types of shows, which reach many different types of audiences. Our biggest show, Georgina Life showcases the many businesses, charities, and people in our community. This show is great advertisement for our local businesses, and events. There are many businesses we show that people in our community may not know about, as they might just be in an area of town they don't go to, or it's run out of someone's home. These small businesses need us to help spread the word about them. We also have shows that help people get healthy with yoga, or learn some cooking tips, or even some local musical talents. We also show our town's council meetings. This is important to many of our viewers, who maybe can't make it out to meetings. This also gives more insight to what's happening in town that things like the local newspaper can give. We also cover all elections as well. This is to crucial to our community. In the past the only ways to know about the different candidates is to go to debates, or read about them in the paper. Not everyone can make these meeting, or can really get a good understanding of the candidate from the paper. The coverage that we have of them gives a broader audience a look at each candidate, and see what they're really like. We also offer the ability to see debates more than once, just in case they missed anything the first time. Another wonderful thing we're able to broadcast every year is a live tv auction. This auction has been around since before RogersTV, and was not done live on air, as it is now. Being live on TV actually let the auction raise more money than ever. The important thing about this auction is where the money goes. It goes to a local charity called "Georgina Cares" which helps unfortunate families be able to let their kids join different sports an activities, that all kids should get the chance to be a part of. Because of RogersTV we are able to help more children than we could have without it.

In conclusion, RogersTV has done a lot for me, other volunteers and students, local businesses and charities, as well as the community in general. It would be a sad thing for our community to lose such a positive thing in our lives.

I moved to this area in Canada from England 30 years ago. Rogers TV London helped me get acquainted with a very unfamiliar world quickly.
Each season is a time capsul of what's happening, who's it happening to and why in London and area.
I'd recognize people and places from the shows on Rogers TV London and discover through the programing ones I wanted to discover.
I left so I could find myself and I was able to come out and discover a gay community here in London. When you aren't young and connected this can be very difficult.
But over the years Rogers TV London has presented positive stories about the LGBT community. Non judgemental programming is very much appreciated.
This past season the local station has added dish with Donald a show where gays and straights are presented and represented in only positive ways. Only on Rogers you say...well that's what my community is saying here.
Thank you Rogers and particularly Rogers TV London for representing those of us who are in miniories that appreciate poitive programs representing our portion of the community as a whole.
Cherio!

I work for the Town of Wasga Beach and Rogers Community Programming is an important part of keeping our residents and businesses informed about was is going on at Town Hall and about new intiatives that are being undertaken. Our Council meetings are recorded and broadcast at different times of the day. We have a large senior populuation and over the years many have commented to me about how they heard about something on Rogers Community Television and were calling Town Hall to get further details. It is important for local government to communicate with local residents and businesses and Rogers fulfills part of that function.
They also provide local community programming such a program called "Polically Speaking". On this program local elected officials and senior staff are interviewed by a local personality about the issues of the day. There is also a call-in component where people can engage with the guests. This is another vehicle where people can become informed about their local community.
Finally, as an individual that is involved in high school sports, it is nice to see Rogers Community programming broadcasting games between local highschools. it is a much appreciated service that is not delivered by other broadcasters.
In closing, I support local community TV as an important part of informing the public about what is happening in their local community.

Community TV (CHEK in Victoria) is essential to our family. We watch almost all of our news on our community channel, CHEK, and we rely on it whenever there is an incident such as a bad storm, or traffic disruption, etc. I think some of the ridiculous fees we pay for our cable service should definitely be used to support our local TV station.

My two local TV stations are the only ones I watch daily, particularly for local news. One is affiliated with CTV, the other is independent (employee-owned in fact).
I prefer the independent station (CHEK-TV) as it has reporters throughout Vancouver Island and also covers news in the Gulf Islands. For national and international news it is affiliated with CBC, and therefore provides the kind of information I am looking for every evening.
Cable and satellite services should be paying for this "free" content just as they have to pay for the specialty channels, sports channels, and US programming. Few stations offer analog signals for anyone to catch anymore; all now are available only via cable or satellite, or streamed on the internet for those who want to watch via their computers.
It's essential that the CRTC support local television, and not allow the national broadcasters to dominate every community across Canada.

I work at our only television newsroom (CKPG) for over twenty years. At least once a week I get approached by members of the public wanting to tell me their story ( good or bad) and asking to share it with others. Larger market stations are not interested in airing Little Johnny's Home Run or Air Quality Concerns in Prince George.

We rely on our local news (CHEK TV) to keep us up to date and informed of local news and community content. We have a very proffessional team at CHEK, committed to keeping the local news a valuable contribution to those who live on Vancouver Island. Our community would be greatly impacted by their loss if they were lost in the corporate greed of todays world.

We spend a large amount of money paying our cable company. I do not understand why they do not pay CHEK for news. This is a life line to all the people linging here on Vancouver Island. Vancouver news stations do not cover the Island where CHEK is always there and giving us a;; we meed tp here abound the island.

It is highly important in a country the size of Canada to have and maintain local television and radio. This is important to ensure that we are not caught up and lost in the national to international news without any knowledge or understanding of the "local scene". I am a resident of Vancouver Island and I am a regular watcher of CHEK Television Victoria. They provide an excellent mix of network television plus a very good balance of what you might call the "local scene". Their weather forcasting is excellent because of the varied climatic region here on the island. I have always maintained and believed that the closer you are to the source of the news, especailly weather conditions the more accurate the news.
It is for the above reasons that I believe local, privately owned (not tied to a single network) television stations should receive funding from the cable providers that pick up their signals for distribution. It is no different than a merchant carrying a product that they did not pay for.
"I support local television"
John C Hobbs

I don't watch a lot of television, but I do enjoy seeing stories about my community. Channel 13 in London provides this to me in a friendly and open way and informs me about what is going on and what is available in London. It is interesting and genuine because it is about the people in the communty and involves those people in the telling of the events that are shaping our lives in our community. Refreshing perspectives and easy to consume conepts and stories - because they are about Londoners and have an impact on how we see ourselves. Thank you for providing this.

Community News (Chek-TV Victoria) is important to me because I want to know about the Community issues. This includes information on local politicians, local First Nation issues, coastal issues (pollution, new born Orcas, seismic information), development of LNG in BC, the University news, court issues, Parliamentary goings-on, and fund raisers, to mention just a few. All this contributes to the feeling of Victoria being a community. National news channels skim over Victoria news even though Victoria is the capital of BC. Victoria has an intelligent and highly literate population that wants to be involved in local issues. Chek-TV is my favourite news channel and the BBC News is second. I hope you have the wisdom to help fund Chek-TV in the future.

<p>Local&nbsp;TV matters to me even though I&#39;m a 3 hour drive away. Businesses from the Comox Valley are sponsoring programs thru CHEK. Up to date local happenings are broadcast as they happen. Its a very important independent voice on Vancouver Island. Please support the value of our local station.</p>

TV and media providers must evolve, and in evolution funding programs that improve community, health, and empowering people to grow with the changing world is important. Social engineering has been know for many many years, so should we really allow companies to be the 100% directors of content? At least some engaging input will help form the society for years to come. You are smart enough to know~

<p>We watch our provincial and news nightly.&nbsp; It keeps us connected to what is happening in our province and nation.&nbsp; We certainly value this coverage.&nbsp; But, it is&nbsp;community programming such as Victoria&#39;s CHEK News&nbsp;that we MOST VALUE.&nbsp;&nbsp; We cannot get this news coverage of events on Vancouver Island any other way.&nbsp; We believe local TV should and MUST be funded for the benefit of the citizens.&nbsp;&nbsp;MOST Canadian communities do not have their own TV stations and newspapers are being lost nearly everywhere.&nbsp; We need to know what is happening close to home, just as someone in a big city does.&nbsp;&nbsp; LOCAL TV IS THE WAY IT HAPPENS FOR US.&nbsp; PLEASE FUND IT AND PROTECT IT!</p>

I believe that local community television should be continued indefinately because there is something comforting that happens when local business advertise and brinour g these newscasts and the selection of programs that draw locals together and keep peoples interests alive in their own community. Perhaps at times the progams and commercials are a little bit hokey but what's wrong with that? I watch CHEX tv from Vancouver island and I live in North Vancouver, but the feeling of down home community is special, this you can never find on big network television. It also brings the community together regarding the complexity of multi cultural life in the places where we lve, work, send children to school and buy the consumer products we want. I hope even more communities will adapt to this kind of television n the future, and I feel it is very important for us to have local community parades, during festivals and contests there for us to witness if these are taken away, it surely will be a cultural mistake and a great loss.

Community Programming does exactly what it is says....It helps to engage communities and encourage involvement in family and community activities. I live in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, and our Shaw Cable covers all major events. They are completely accessible to the public when promotion is required as long as there is a public interest element that will capture the audience. Our local programming is something that I use to plan events that I wish to attend on the weekends. I truly value our local programming and feel it is very important to maintain if we want to as a society foster family and community values. I also appreciate watching the Chek6 news in Victoria because things that happen in Victoria truly do affect the island as a whole.

Community TV is a vital part of Victoria’s cultural fabric. Community stations create the space (more explicitly, accessibility) for locals to share views or expressions, fostering community cohesion. The hyper-local content Shaw TV – Victoria produces offers representation for all, making it a pillar in the community.
From small businesses, non-profits and educational groups to the primary school bottle drive, Shaw TV – Victoria is there – offering all active participants a voice. With no local community station there is no catalyst for positive interactions or social engagement.
Without Shaw TV – Victoria the community would loose a part of our identity by suppressing the voices of those who are not heard by mainstream or broadcast media.

As a minor sport association, local community television is extremely important for us. Our local Rogers station provides coverage for our tournaments, registration dates, important news and special events. Together, a team of the week award was created and winners announced on the Simcoe County Sports program. Our players love seeing their team photo and accomplishments aired weekly on this program.
Community television creates a sense of pride and spirit at the accomplishments of others within neighbourhoods. Many 'feel good stories' are aired that leave you with a feel good sensation.
Rogers Barrie has always worked with our association to spread news, engage the community in minor hockey accomplishments and promote new programming ideas such as the 'Team of the Week'. It would be extremely disappointing to lose such a valuable community resource.

I regularly watch the community station and to me it is very important for this feature to be available to the community because we have alot interesting things in the community that take place and community television keeps you up to date with it all.
Yes I know the type of programming available in my community and I have taken advantage of the community programming.
I volunteer with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and I am Chapter Chair. We are a non profit organization. We are so appreciated that the community program Out of The Fog is available for us to be able to bring awarness to our MS Events. I have been on Out of the Fog many times they have helped me to promote May month which is Multiple Sclerosis Awarness month. When we brought the MS Bike Tour to NL our numbers where down when we went on Out of the Fog our numbers went way up. Thanks to community programming.
I was approached by Bell Aliant to try Fiber op but when I asked do it have community programming and they said no then I refused to go with them and I choose to say with Rogers Cable because of Community programs like Out of the Fog.
With out Out of the Fog people volunteers with Multiple Sclerosis would not be able to do the great job as we can. It because of Out of the Fog that we can bring so much needed awarness about MS to our community. It is a big help when you are a non profit organization. Community programming is so supporative of the community and does great work.
As a Rogers customer I would be totally disappointed if we lost communtiy program like Out of the Fog.
Please consider all of this when evaluating funding for community television.

I am a community producer of Western Revealed with Rogers TV London. It is now the longest running commuity produced show on Rogers TV London (three seasons). It allows Western University a forum in which we can share stories about the various ways we connect with the local community: http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=12&rid=9&sid=5501. The show recently won a Virtuoso Award from the London chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) in the category of community relations. Without Rogers, we simply wouldn't have the resources or the forum to have this voice in our local community.
Rogers TV London's Podium program also regularly showcases lectures and events at Western, enabling us to reach those in the community who may otherwise not be able to have that connection to us.
Rogers has such a strong, positive presence in our community - I truly couldn't imagine a London, Ontario with Rogers TV.

Port Alberni ShawTV has been a great media source for local stories in our city. It's a wonderful way for people to learn about exciting and current events happening in and around town.
Personally, I have worked with a variety of hosts from Shaw, including Nancy Wilmot, Darren Evans and Jenny Fortin to name a few of the local personalities.
Over the past six years, with ShawTV's help, many important projects and initiatives have been broadcasted to the local citizens which helps to raise awareness.
Projects such as local beach clean-ups, 'Walk with Your Doc' health event, sailing school for kids, Stand Up Paddle board events, wind and watersports happening daily in the summer thermal winds of Alberni inlet and programs for lifestyle improvements for health, such as heart disease and preventing chronic medical conditions with diet and exercise are some examples of interesting stories that engage the public.
I work in the healthcare sector as a public servant and enjoy hearing clients and patients ask how certain projects are coming. They mention that they saw it on local ShawTV.
With the recent transformation of the media world, where a lot of the local news is coming from bigger cities and urban centres that do not necessarily affect the local people, our community television in Port Alberni is a very critical way to get messages out to the public. With our high rate of illiteracy in Port Alberni, TV is an important medium for a wide range of audience who may not read newspapers or online forums.
I strongly support the continuation of this critical service on Vancouver Island in Port Alberni, British Columbia.

I thoroughly enjoy watching Rogers community television. The content is always relevant and current. I watch it daily because I am confident that I will see people and places I know as well as local issues that often are not covered by mainstream media. I personally have been a guest on the show and am amazed at the local talent from a group of volunteers. The staff/volunteers have always been welcoming and supportive to local businesses. I have witnessed many on air personalities as well as behind the scenes volunteers go on to careers in mainstream media which I think is a fantastic opportunity for local people to get experience in television that they may very well not have an opportunity to get otherwise. Promoting local business is so important for non profit groups especially as they simply could not afford the cost associated with the exposure. Rogers routinely partners with community businesses to make our communities a better place to live. Mainstream media only cares about the almighty buck which of course is important but not the only thing that should be considered. My experience with everyone at Rogers Television with everyone from the station manager to the program directors to the volunteer camera operators has been nothing but friendly and professional. Well done Rogers! I sure hope we will always have this valuable option for many years to come. Community programming and volunteer opportunities are crtical to a healthy community.

SUBMITTED FROM OXFORD COUNTY WARDEN DAVID MAYBERRY

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE WARDEN
David Mayberry
County of Oxford
21 Reeve Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 7Y3
519.539.9800, ext. 3001 | 1.800.755.0394
www.oxfordcounty.ca
January 26, 2016
Canadian Radio-television and
Telecommunications Commission
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N2

CRTC Review of Policies for Local and Community TV Programming
On behalf of the Oxford County Council and our citizens, I am writing in support of the continuation of funding and policy improvements for Local and Community TV programming. Currently, Oxford County is well served by a local provider (Rogers) and we want to see this local influence remain in our County.
The Broadcasting Act requires or encourages local and regional programming that includes both educational and community based programs. In Oxford, Rogers provides coverage of council meetings as well as excellent programs such as Innovation Oxford and Oxford County Living. These types of programs, I believe, support the direction of the Broadcasting Act by encouraging opportunities for our public to be exposed to a variety of differing viewpoints and ideas. One common comment heard from our people is that they appreciate the ability to receive the local news from a local source.
Oxford County is well aware that the nature of the media industry is changing and that this continuing consolidation could further erode the potential for local production and input. We also recognize that the trend towards more targeted markets will make the financial viability of local television program more difficult. While the technology is readily available for “independent” production, the capacity or quality of these productions is often limited. Local TV production provides excellent training/learning opportunities for the next generation of journalists and broadcasters to develop their skills and advance in their profession.
Local and Community programming does more than provide the local input, or create local employment, it also encourages the sense of community. When we see our neighbours engaged in the community on the news or in other programs, it does more than simply raise awareness, it encourages all of us to become involved as well. When local viewers see what is happening in their community, they are more likely to volunteer or become engaged. Watching the local council meetings often creates conversations in the coffee shops regarding the successes and challenges facing our communities. These local political conversations are helpful in fostering the engagement of our citizens, and thus strengthen our democratic process. Access to the local information is crucial to the understanding and knowledge of our communities.

As the CRTC reviews the policies that govern local and community television programming, we would encourage that they seek ways to continue to support local production so as to ensure that our local voice is not lost. While we appreciate the excellent coverage of national and international events provided by the national broadcasters such as the CBC, CTV, etc., a large number of people are more interested in the local stories, and these simply are not going to be available through the larger entities.
On behalf of Oxford County, I encourage you to consider the value that local and community TV programming brings to our communities. I wish you the best in your review.

Sincerely,
David Mayberry
Warden, Oxford County

We need local programming. We need better connection from people to the community.

I am a firm believer in local media. In Port Alberni we have recently lost our daily newspaper which I see as another erorsion of community connectedness and hence strength. Communities and their citizens are the backbone of our country. Communities need to be connected and self aware in order to have pride and spirit. Community identity and spirit enhance involvement, innovation and investment. These are critical to the overall health of the community. In Port Alberni our local Shaw TV station is a critical link in this process. Port Alberni is isolated enough and has it fair share of socio-economic challenges. The strength of this community is its social capital, its people. These citizens need to have avenues for local information, networking and promotion to make the contributions we need to stay healthy and vibrant. Shaw is one source of this connectedness. In my close to 40 years here I have watched and used Shaw on a regular basis to stay current and to educate the community on projects I and others believe in. We must ensure there is NO further decline in local media in our community or other communities across the nation. The more disconnected people become the more social issues emerge and the more the local economy and hence the national economy is affected. We need to do everything we can in our country to keep the grassroutes in Canada strong. Without this base of strength we are on a slippery slope of national decline.

Local TV programming is essential for the community I am part of. It diversifies the content that the public is presented with on TV and in most cases topics, programs and events that are community specific would never get the coverage they do if it were not for Rogers TV London. We must preserve and honour Rogers TV programming and respect its place in our cultural heritage.

As a non-profit charity, we rely on partnerships from media companies such as Rogers to be able to reach people with not only our PSAs and community happenings, but also as a source of on-the-ground community programming.
We were fortunate to have been able to partner with Rogers on a video production not so long ago that saw the development of a piece giving individuals with an Intellectual Disability to tell their own stories and share their world. It was incredibly powerful and has reached thousands of people. Were it not for this partnership, there would have been families who would not have known about us, and as a result, might not have received the services they needed. Local programming is far more than filler entertainment.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
- Yes, I regularly watch because it is a great way to learn about local people and events.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
- As a lover of television, I am interested in any and all programs. Rogers TV St. John's in particular has numerous programs such as Out of the Fog, Ice Caps Live, and In-Council that are well-produced and packed with intriguing content.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
- I have been an active volunteer at Rogers TV St. John's for over a year now. I have performed various duties on multiple shows including floor directing, graphics, switching, camera, and guest relations. I have had a great experience and I have definitely gained a lot of skill and knowledge about the television industry.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
- Rogers TV St. John's already does a fantastic job of bringing local issues to the public's attention. The producers at the station are professional and talented, and always encourage their volunteer staff to challenge themselves and try something new. It is an incredible feeling to watch a program that you helped create.

The following commentary was submitted to NACTV by Wayne Kines, Director, World Media Initiatives, #848 - 20 Westcreek Cres., Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0:
January 25, 2016
TO: Ivan Traill, Board Chairman, NACTV, Neepawa, Manitoba
Re: CRTC Recognition and Support for Community Programming
An appeal is underway to the newly-elected Government of Canada calling for review and restoration of CRTC policies that initially required all cable television licensees in Canada to fulfill their original 'Promise of Performance' providing production facilities, funding, training and significant scheduling for community programming.
The CRTC seems to have been fostering a dwindling presence of Canadian community cable channels to carry authentic local programming and news of local events. The Commission's original mandate was to nurture such community-based television, not just to license corporate exploitation of the subscription base.
NACTV's daily level of vividly authentic display and reporting of local meetings and events dynamically reflects this thriving Neepawa area community. You and your citizen colleagues have achieved this seemingly without CRTC's practical support. The tendency of the Commission to award or grant funding to major cable licensees for top-down, big-city programming - when they are already benefitting from increased subscription revenues - is a contradiction of the current global trend. Many other nations now have established practices to encourage local programming that reflects and reports community news events with relevant participation of local citizens in the policy, production and planning of nationally-licensed but community -based channels.
Canada's commercial corporate cable lobbyists are continuing to influence the CRTC - seemingly to destroy any licensing obligation requiring meaningful community participation in local program production or policy guidance - on behalf of the private and privileged Canadian cable licensees.
The dynamic role being played by NACTV - in reflecting the 'people, places and sounds of this Manitoba town' - is an exemplary contribution to the dynamism of this community. The CRTC's steady decline of practical and policy support for local cable programming is a serious failure and a mere shadow of that envisioned by the CRTC under the guidance of its 1970s Chairman HARRY BOYLE - a former 'CBC Farm Broadcaster' - who was able to recognize that all citizens of Canada need the opportunity to see and hear, reflect, report, debate and share the cultural and economic strengths and progress of their local communities.
NACTV is exemplary in th is regard! Why is this not being recognized and your success replicated and encouraged by the CRTC - to demonstrate support and practical reward for such exemplary voluntary conduct? CRTC's continuance of support only for the top-down, centralist commercial cable networks is contrary to the global trend and creating a distinctly-negative image for Canada as a citizen-based democracy. The Commission is seriously mishandling the positive potential of community news and even programming that strengthens citizen participation, so essential for the development of a free society.
I therefore take leave to congratulate you, your volunteers and your community-elected Board of Directors for your continuing creative commitment that so vibrantly enhances the political, economic and cultural life of our Neepawa Area Community.
Sincerely
Wayne Kines, Director
World Media Initiatives

I feel community television is a valuable assest to any community. I regularily watch the local community channel. I live in a small town that has lost its local newspaper so I rely on this channel to keep me informed about community events past and present. I am a volunteer with Special Olympics and love that I can call our local Shaw station to inform them of various sporting events that take place in our town. The friendly staff always accomodates our organization by attending practices to promote our event and often attending the event to film and interview our athletes and coaches. Our participants feel very comfortable with the Shaw staff and enjoy having them promote Special Olympics locally. We must hold many fundraisers during the years which Shaw advertises for us. Without community television these events would never be aired. Our athletes love to watch themselves or their friends and coaches on our local channel. Many of these segments are shared on personal facebook pages or on our Special Olympics facebook page. Many elderfly people enjoy the community channel as it continues to keep them connected to the community. Our local parades as streamed live which is awesome for those who have limited mobility and can't leave their homes. Community television should coninue and grow!

I am a regular viewer of the local Rogers Community Channel here in beautiful Corner Brook NL. Each week channel 9 provides wonderful exciting and very useful stories that affect and impact our community. They broadcast the local City of Corner Brook council meetings. They interview the mayor and other city councillors on matters of local interest. They cover local events from theather, music, local festivals, events of the local campus of Memorial University. The list is endless.
They provide TV viewing that is not full of crime and disaster. In a few words, our local Rogers TV community channel is a mirror for our community. It is my wish that this never stops as it is vital in building our community. Keep up the good work

As director/instructor at the Powell River Digital Film School I can say that
Shaw has been a strong force and great example for our school in providing an extra platform for us to air our student productions on cable to our community, this has been a valuable asset in and around our town. Also people want to know what is going on around them and in a local manner. Shaw provides this and should be supported to do this. It is a great part of any community.
Tony Papa
Director/Instructor
Powel River Digital Film School
tony.papa@sd47.bc.ca
www.prdfs.ca

I would like to mention how important community programming is for our city as a whole, and in particular our farmers' market.. At the start of each market season I've been given the wonderful opportunity to 'showcase' our farmers' market and all the wonderful things that go on here. The experience is always positive, and for weeks and months later people will mention that they've seen me or our market on Rogers. What I really enjoy when I go to the studio, is all the other guests that I meet - Londoners that are super engaged in their community. Without this hub of information that community TV offers, many voices would go unheard, community leaders would be challenged as to how to get their messages out to the city as a whole. It gives absolutely all of us a chance to be heard, and the opportunity to meet, listen, and learn from others that are part of our city. Cutting funding to community programming would be such a blow to community awareness and engagement. It would leave a huge void.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
-Yes we do. We like to keep updated with with is occurring in our local community.
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
-We enjoy programs that show the diversity and Multicultural nature of Canada.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
-I participated in an interview that showcased the London Muslim community. We discussed the active role that the London Muslim Mosque has in our local community and in providing programs and services to Londoners. It was a wonderful, rewarding and enriching experience. The staff were great and talented!

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
-keep up the good work!

As Chair for Waterloo Regional Crime Stoppers a non-profit 100% depended on Donations and community sponsors the support we receive from our community, the resouce of community television in the Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge area . RogersTV Cable 20 offer great local programming and with the cut backs we are seeing in our community they are a vital resource for political info, community charites and events. We love our Kitchener Rangers, ChefDTV, Daytime20, Panthers baseball, Lions, Preds and other minor sports all the shows that local people put on and produce. We need to continue these community television stations to thrive and survive. They are a valuable source of education, entertainment and information. We get to know the personalities who care about our community.
CrimeStoppers has been fortunate to have our Crime of the Month produced through Rogers TV Cable 20. I have participated with the TriCity Outlaws football team, Kitchener Panthers, OHL Rangers hockey, Grand River Living ChefDTV and have enjoyed the productions very much. I would like to see more news broadcasts and new talk shows we have the local talent to do these shows. I would like to see more sports that are local like senior football, Canadian College football which has no immediate television production except during playoffs. I worry about the loss of th ecommunity information due to online content. Sometimes you never know how old that online content/message is and that is impactful.
Thanks for opening this up for comments and I support local community television 100%
We need the local content that we are losing from decisions made elsewhere.

I live in Port Alberni, British Columbia. I watch Shaw TV, local, becauase community news is important to me and to the rest of the community, and Shaw TV focuses primarily on community-based news items through a positive and uplifting lens. I also read external news - and see how the rest of the province can view PA, through a statistical and results-measured perspective, which is not often flattering. I respect Shaw TV for offering a different view of our small community - a positive and optimistic one - showcasing and illustrating community members and organizations that offer hope, humour, and intelligent human solutions to current socio-economic barriers that challenge the community. The beauty of our local Shaw TV station, led by superwoman Nancy Wilmont and her team, is that they portray our community's culture, creative and entrepreneurial spirit, enthusiasiam, resilience, optimism, and uniqueness, often reminding even us, Port Albernians, who and what we are. Local TV is portal into the intricately woven fabric of a community, and shows people how the picture is and stays together. I cannot imagine our small community without the perspective and voice that is lent via Shaw TV. Stories are told that would otherwise go unnoticed; victories, however small, are sung loudly and proudly. It is my hope that given the choice, community TV will remain to give arena to and elevate the human experiences that make us all part of the same journey.

I am delighted to support Shaw TV - Victoria as they are proud partners within the fabric of the entire community. Over the years, Shaw TV – Victoria has added value to local programming by being accessible to all members of the community as well as extensive outreach. Its access programming provides invaluable support to smaller organizations and groups offering an conduit for them to share their opinions and stories and disseminate up to date value programming. Navigating the ever-changing media landscape, it is quite rare to see an organization dedicate extensive resources to helping train and educate community members interested in television production and delivering a fine product.
Shaw TV – Victoria is a treasured part of my community I proudly call home. Please share my sentiment and celebrate great!

Preserve what enriches all of us. Continue to support Shaw TV - Victoria.

I am a Producer/Host of a community TV show. We specialise in cooking locally grown, harvested, culled ingredients. These ingredients have to fit a very clear mandate of organic, sourced, good husbandry and fair practises. We partnered with Shaw Vancouver and worked hand in hand with the team to create an outstanding cooking show. They came to the table with a profesional willing to help attitude. They expected a profesional organisation that gave a voice to a loacl aspect of life. Our show has exposed our viewers to foods that are localaly produced with pride. The Shaw team have given us the ability to speak to our local community with a profesional, creative clear voice. Producing community television is vital to the philosophy of our show, we rely on the voice shared on our community channels. A modern aproach to speaking to the various age groups in our community is acomplished with Shaw. I know personaly from hearing from viewers and supporters. This is a vital voice for our community, it allows us the local residents to speak with our local residents about vital aspects of a better, fuller, more rewarding life and fellowship of life.

I have produced two shows deemed access programming over the last six years, and have been the play-by-play announcer on Shaw TV Canada West football games over the last nine. years.
Touchdown BC is a show dedicated to amateur football in British Columbia and connects the 11,000 participants in the game together on a weekly basis. It highlights games and events which are part of the fabric of the communities they are in, which would normally be ignored by commercial TV. It also provides resources and a platform for a Provincial sports organziation to affordably develop video segments on instruction supporting the game. These are repurposed for use by amateur football in BC to inform participants and grow the game.
Krown Countdown U is a weekly show in its' sixth season promoting CIS (Canadian University Sport) on a regional and national basis. The connects all of the competing CIS schools as Shaw, Access, Wesman, COGECO, Rogers and Eastlink have shared contributions to the program and aired it across eight provinces.
University sport goes largely ignored by Canada's terrestrial and sports networks. This show is the ONLY weekly program which supports university sport on a a weekly basis in the country. Without community television, our broadcast specturm would be failing this major level of amateur sport nationwide. TSN provides NO university sports programming, while Sportsnet dropped 30 hours of programming in 2014, and has consolidated university coverage to five calendar days or around 26-30 hours per year. This show was offered at no cost to Sportsnet and was rejected.
The only place where Canadians can regularly follow university sport on a regular basis in English Canada on TV is through community coverage. Altering the committment companies like Shaw provide to amateur sport would send the sport into virtual darkness.
The success we had with Canada West University football on Shaw led us to produce two playoff contests nationwide on Global TV in 2015. This kind of exposure for Canadian athletes would not have occurred with the support and funding of Shaw TV's weekly game, and the sponsor it attracted.
The survival and support of community TV is critical for the continued exposure of university sport in Canada. We hope that the commission gives serious consideration to this fact, considering the failure of major sports networks to live up to previous promises to support it.

I am one of the producers at Shaw TV Vancouver. Community programming is vital for us to share events and provide stories that are not mainstream. I have a show on running which many viewers enjoy. ShawTV has provided me with many resources such as instudio space, edit bays and provided great feedback to improve my monthly show.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Yes. I live in Vancouver and there are specific shows I like to watch that are only available on the community channel: Talent Time, Fiona Forbes, Rockinitis, and Indie Mixtape. I watch another show called After Hours occasionally.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
I'm interested in shows that cover local events and personalities (notice how most of those shows are music related in some way). For the record I'm also specifically interested in shows that are actually interesting to watch; I'll explain more below.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
Yes, and I produce a show for the channel called Arcademia (recently renamed GameFrame).

I started as a volunteer working on as many shows as I could and my experience was wonderful. Without getting too weird, it provided an awesome professional opportunity at a point in my life where I really needed it. I got to work on a lot of shows but my time spent working on The Rush was the most valuable, followed by my experience working on some college football games. In both cases it was the mentorship and professionalism of the Shaw staff and personnel that made the experience worthwhile particularly from an educational perspective. We were specifically trying to make shows people would enjoy watching.
After having volunteered for a long time I proposed my own show, Arcademia, to cover the Vancouver videogame industry. I really can't overstate how helpful the Shaw staff have been; providing workshops, equipment, and experience to help make my show as successful as it is. They've been very gracious and I think I'll probably look back at this period of time as one of the best in my life.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
Here's the most important thing to keep in mind when discussing the community channel: YouTube exists. Virtually everyone who complains about the Shaw/Rogers channels seem to have forgotten that there is an easily accessible and massively popular place where you can distribute whatever videos you want, including tons and tons of extremely successful shows that have been made in people's livingrooms. Not to mention the number of blogs, subreddits, facebook groups, and podcasts that are produced in virtually every community on any number of topics. There is simply no way that community television can outperform these services when it comes to accessibility, ease-of-use, or freedom from censorship.

These people would have the community channels continue to serve them and their friends alone, becoming increasingly obsolete to younger generations that have absolutely nothing to gain from participating in awful shows made by amateurs for communities that have no need for them. All of that is compounded by any suggestion that these would-be creators should also pay some ridiculous co-op fee for this "privilage."

No, the community channel is already fulfilling its mandate perfectly while simultaneously transforming into something that is relevant to young people: a place to learn about television, and to try and make compelling television shows in a safe environment.

In Vancouver some of the most popular shows are Local Connection, Gen Why, Club F.U.C.I., Burnaby Connect, and BCIT Magazine, which are all produced partially or entirely by young people including college and high school students. Shows like Talent Time, Rockinitis, Fiona Forbes, B-Movie Factory, Indie MIxtape and Arcademia cover subjects that are of interest to younger generations. Not to mention virtually everyone I talk to is a fan of Dream Homes.

It's worth mentioning that in there has never been regular coverage of the immense Vancouver videogame community and industry until Arcademia. WIthout the community channel virtually none of the people or companies we've profiled would have received any press attention at all. I'm sure the same is true for other shows in other categories.
At the moment Shaw is doing more than enough to encourage the local community through the channel. Free workshops, opportunities to work on professional shows, and an easily-accessable path to creating your own show are all well and accounted for.

As a small sport in Canada it has been extremely beneficial to Slalom Canoe and Kayak to have Shaw TV Calgary covering our provincial level events through community television. These provincial events would otherwise never make it to the big sports channels and give an opportunity to the community to appreciate the hard work our dedicated young athlete are putting in, on the road to international success and the Olympics.
By being a part of community programming, we can showcase our sport and hopefully interest more youth to be active though all sorts of on- and off-water outdoor pursuits.
The process of working with Shaw Calgary has been extremely rewarding for the athletes, coaches and volunteers alike. We've been able to increase our organizational knowledge and capacity by hosting events that cause us to host to a higher standard, because of the involvement of Shaw. Athletes and coaches have had an opportunity to practice their media training before they reach the international events, making it the norm, so they can be more focused at the big events. Volunteers work hard to ensure on-time events and increased vigilance with regards to timing and process.
The only improvement would be to offer the Shaw community channel to non-Shaw subscribers through streaming services so more people can enjoy the excellent programming. Otherwise, the post-airing videos on YouTube have been well enjoyed by non-subscribers.
Sincerely,
Mike Holroyd
Sport Development Director - Alberta Slalom Canoe Kayak

I am entering my third year as a community access producer for Shaw TV Edmonton. The program I produce explores local activism in a way that is overlooked by other media outlets. Community access television is an important way to put news and ideas in the public arena and to give voices to what may be unheard. I have always watched the community access station here in Edmonton because of the diverse programs it presents, and the very local nature of the programming. It is an important community resource.

I regularly watch my local Shaw TV community channel in Victoria, BC - it covers news, stories and events that cable TV chains don't.
I'm interested to see and hear about the people, events and activities in my community which Shaw carries.
I am part of the organising committee for the annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race which has run in Victoria since 1930 and attracts a local and international audience: http://www.swiftsure.org/.
Each and every year, Shaw helps Swiftsure reach the public so they can get involved or be a spectator for this large sailing race. Shaw TV has interviewed well-known local racers which puts an intimate face on a long-standing community event. Shaw and Swiftsure work together on this each year - Shaw is VERY active in the local community. They are amazing to work with and care deeply about giving local voices expression through visual media.
Victoria, BC is a mid-sized to large community and Shaw TV covers it well, along with the rest of Vancouver Island. They have an appropriate local 'voice & view' which would be difficult for a cable TV chain to express. Shaw TV covers the diverse range of the local communities.
Charlotte Gann, Swiftsure International Yacht Race Sponsorship Relations

I've volunteered for Shaw for just about a year now, and I have to say that for a high school student who just wanted to learn more about how shows are made, it was an incredible experience. I was able to handle a camera and learn all about their editing software, I learned how to do interviews, what a real job would be like in broadcasting, it was awesome. My experience with Shaw is something that I can pride myself in; not everyone had the opportunity I did. Of course, with the volunteering came a lot of things I had to get used to. Lugging around equipment, the hours of comitment to editing a story. But even those small things were just blocks I had to get over. All in all, I had an enjoyable experience volunteering with Shaw, and would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

As the City of Lacombe’s Communications Coordinator, I support continued funding and policy improvements for local and community television programming in Canada.
Local television provider ShawTV Red Deer serves the central Alberta region, including Lacombe, very well. The City of Lacombe is proud to partner with ShawTV Red Deer to inform local and area residents on municipal programs and services, special events, and other issues of community concern.
I believe that community-oriented television programming provides us with a platform – and a voice – in an increasingly crowded media landscape. It helps us tell our stories to each other, and helps to affirm and enhance our local, regional and national identities – by showing us who we are, and reflecting our hopes and concerns. Local television helps to situate our community in the greater mediascape.
The City of Lacombe fully supports local and community television programming and the value ShawTV Red Deer brings to our community, and would like to see it continue and grow.
I wish you the best with this review.
Sincerely,
Deven Kumar

Community Television is key to strengthening community bonds and identity. Through it we share values, we share news that is highly relevant and of interest to local viewers, we enable discussion and support of community groups. Community Television encourages participation and involvement in the things that matter to that community. We are stronger as a community because of it. I couldn't care less about 'Sad Desperate Housewives somewhere the other side of the continent' - I want content that has relevance to me, and engages me on a personal level. Whether fact or fiction, news or nonsense, it should be content that is meaningful to the viewer, where they live.
Having said that, we do not want content that is cheaply and poorly made; Community Television is important and should be funded so that high quality is maintained. Stations like Shaw should be investing in local programmes and programme makers not relying on getting it all for free because there is no funding for community television. They do a good job and should be praised for what they do - now please give them the budget to support the important community programming we want and need.

I have recently become involved with community programming through the Shaw Access program. I had no idea as to the dedication and sincere wish to help local people gain access to TV that is held by all the Shaw Victoria employees I meet. It continous to surprise me the amount of people that approach me and comment on the show. As in total strangers.... The local Shaw chanel is most assuredly watched!
In short I see the Access program as an invaluable tool for aspiring videographers, editors, cameramen/women etc etc to gain industry experience and get a "foot in the door" of a somewhat closed industry. Kudos to Shaw Victoria for embracing this program.

I regularly watch my local channel to hear the local news. To hear what is happening on Vancouver Island. Not just the bad news but all the good things that are happening. If I hear about the Island on National News reports it will probably be about something that has gone wrong. I also like the local news because local people are interviewed and much of the news will not be heard on any other station.
The local station is also a place where the people that live here can have their stories heard. Because it is news so close to home you also feel a closeness to the broadcasters.
It is also a place to hear of upcoming local events that I might be interested in attending and I find out what the weather will be like where I live.
I believe the CRTC should do more to support these local TV Stations.
When I lived in Prince George I was interviewed several times by the local TV station about the work of a small group of citizens there, trying to improve the city enviromentally. It was amazing how people responded and I believe that our local TV station's coverage helped create that response.

I would like to offer some comments on the value of community television and the other information platforms that go with it.
In my almost three decades in mainstream media, I gained a sincere appreciation for the vital role served by community oriented outlets. The community stations offer a voice to those who might not otherwise be able to an access information channel. When they can share their stories, it helps to better inform viewers about all the news in the community. It is also an effective way to reflect the beautiful diversity in our country.
While the traditional networks understandably focus on stories with broad appeal, community stations will often look to acknowledge those reports but also tell stories that are unique to certain smaller segments of society - and that helps to paint a colourful and complete picture for the viewer.
In more recent years, I have worked even closer with community television and I have found the results to be fabulous. The reporters ability to go into greater depth enables them to tell wonderful, comprehensive stories from all aspects of life is awesome.
In the ever changing world of media, I argue the value of community television has never been higher. As traditional outlets consolidate resources and, in the process, limit the number of voices heard, community stations are a precious platform where those voices can be heard.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would wish me to further elaborate on these comments.
Sincerely
Steve Hogle

I live in Nanaimo, BC, and support local, independant television.
It was announced today that our local newspaper is shutting down, which leaves me with local radio and CHEK News in Victoria as my only way to access local Island based news.
Among the many reasons that I support local programming, is that it is the only source of local news, and news that affects me directly, as well as providing emergency information as needed. It gives me information on what is going on in my community and around my area. Additionally in an area with limited employment opportunities, it provides a fair wage for a large number of people, as well as supporting employment in local businesses by providing advertising and promotion for those businesses.
I now wish to protest the fact that my very very large cable bill doesn't support my local station, but does send my hard earned dollars to support American crap like Kardashians, Real Housewives and sitcoms written for the lowest common denominator. I believe that if I am paying for cable services, a portion of that money can go to fund local television stations that serve a far more important community function than watching people spend a year's wages on a wedding dress.
Please keep public independant television alive and funded by directing a portion of the money paid to cable, to support local media stations.

Thank you

I have been a volunteer host on a Shaw TV Community Access Program for the past 5 years. This Program has produced over 100 episodes with stories on local activities, events and issues of particular interest to residents of mid Vancouver Island. These shows are produced by local volunteers who gain valuable technical and interpersonal skills. Local television such as Shaw Community access should be eligible to receive part of the funding revenue collected for Cable TV. We the volunteers in the community help to produce the stories of interest to community residents. Our community is richer in so many ways because of Community Access TV!

I am a resident of Victoria BC and am writing in strong support of Shaw TV’s community channel.

• I watch our local channel 4 regularly because it provides information which is directly relevant to our community and because of the quality of the programs.

• I find all of the programs interesting and useful in keeping me abreast of local affairs and information about Southern Vancouver Island. Some of my favorites include G0!, Culture Vulture, VI Sports, Farkle Garage, Voice of BC, WHL on Shaw TV, CRD In Context, Access Point, The Show, and The Ruban Show. Our Canada is of great interest as it brings stories produced by other Shaw TV stations in Canada; it provides useful and interesting information and stories which reinforces how wonderful our country is. Finally,Pasifik.ca is another of my favourites as it is produced by volunteers and is the antithesis of violence. All of Shaw TV is non violent programming which is an incredible treat, and this more accurately reflects the nature of Victoria and indeed of all of Canada.

• Shaw TV is very welcoming of us participating in the creation of programming for our local community channel. And as the Chair of the Swiftsure International Yacht Race, which is the largest sailboat race in the Pacific Northwest, I can attest to the fact that Shaw TV welcomes and does involve our Swiftsure Committee in doing features and providing information about this weekl long great community event. The program and technical folks at Shaw TV are marvelous in assisting in the production of special features and community information spots about the event.

• I believe we have the perfect scope for the Shaw TV market. I would not want it to be for a smaller geographic area or a specialized target group as it would lose its impact in contributing to a cohesive community at the scale of southern Vancouver Island.
• I cannot think of any way to improve our community channel other than if at the federal government level there could be some financial incentives, such as grants of moneys, to produce local programs that would have national interest. However, I would not want this approach to mitigate the wonderful focus Shaw TV has on its current market. The level of staffing at Shaw TV means that they have to struggle to maintain high quality programming, which they do. On the positive side resource constrictions does cause them to be highly innovative in improving their programs.

As a radio news anchor and reporter in London, Ontario I know firsthand how important community programming is and the impact it has on our city.
The local Rogers TV station provides a medium for a variety of programming that may not find a home elsewhere, programming that Londoners deserve ready access to. In the span of a day, the shows on Rogers can take viewers from a City Council meeting to an OHL game or put them through their paces with a cooking show or workout demonstration. During the holiday season, little ones can even tune in and chat with Santa Claus.
I've had the pleasure of working with Rogers TV on a number of projects including election night broadcasts, all-candidates debates and coverage of the fraud trial of former London mayor Joe Fontana. In each of these instances, Rogers TV delivered vital information to the public with extensive localized coverage not necessarily available from other sources.
Not only does Rogers TV impart information to its viewers, it also welcomes feedback - in some cases live on air. The program LdnOnt lets Londoners express themselves with tweets, while some other shows take live calls allowing for direct viewer engagement.
Besides the obvious role Rogers TV plays in keeping the public informed, the community station also facilitates incredible learning opportunities for people of all ages. Its volunteer program fosters personal and professional development at every turn and is responsible for jump starting many a broadcasting career, including my own. In fact, I'm still a volunteer with Rogers TV to this very day as co-host of a program called Giving Back which allows me to hone my broadcasting skills.
Community television stations from coast to coast deserve our support now more than ever.
After all, they support us every single day.
Sincerely,
Jess Brady

I've owned my business for 25 years and during this time, Rogers Community Television has played a major part. As a small business in sales and marketing, our role is to engage other local businesses in conversation about current and changing industry trends.
Not only have we had the opportunity to promote other local businesses but to include young people (models, talent) on set - both in front of the camera but also behind the scenes. These curious young minds deserve the opportunity to explore their passions outside of the traditional school environment. This hands-on experience serves both community television and our growing population of youth looking for future employment in the media.
Local programming is important to the longevity and growth of small business. I will continue to support local.

Rogers TV is more than just a television station. Its programming reminds me of moments in my childhood. Whether it was eagerly watching London Knights games or seeing the faces of friends and classmates flash across my screen as I watched High School sports, I was engaged in what was happening in my community. Now that I am older, the content of Rogers TV is still relevant to me. The airing of City Council meetings, community programs and call-in shows provides an important platform for shared concerns and upholds the principles of transparency and directness. As the Member of Parliament for London North Centre, Rogers TV presents an important platform to engage directly with my constituents as well as hear their concerns. I support this valuable service.

• Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?

I watch the local Rogers channel almost all the days, and for me it's so important because that way I can be in touch with whats happenning every day in my City.

• What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?

The programming that I prefer are the ones that anouncements everything about local events, and The one that have all my attention is the Local Roger DayTime, through these program I know all whats goin on time bay time, day by day.

• Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?

To be honest i had no idea that I can participate in the creation of programming, but let me tell you that now that i know these imformation I'll take advantage and I will stat to participate on it.

• What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?

I think that one thing that the Community Channel could do, is to take advantage of the importance that the social media have know on in our life. For examenple make segments available online and on youtube.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why?
Our local (Rogers) community channel is a default for me. It's a glimpse at the community that one rarely gets.

What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why?
I'm not interested in every show, of course, but do enjoy several of them. In teh case of St. John's, we have "Out of the Fog," which is a magazine-type show. I like the longer-format interviews it permits, and especially the chance to hear local musicians. I'm not a sports fan, but I know people appreciate hockey coverage. I do enjoy "The Art of Art" as well, and I know each of the locally-produced shows has a following.

Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? What has been your experience?
I have been "community producer" on a few public events that Rogers has recorded for broadcast and it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. The Rogers crew on site were not at all intrusive, respecting those people who wished not to be included in the broadcast, and guided us most helpfully through the whole process. We got very positive responses from people who viewed the finished product, particularly from those who had been unable to attend the actual event and were grateful for the opportunity to see the proceedings.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
I'm not sure what this question means. If it means that the community channels should be paying (professional) reporters and technicians, I am all for that but suspect it would not be within the budgetary means without an increase in fees. If it means that community channels should rebroadcast professional news from local stations, it seems a little counterproductive. All media, community-based or national networks, should be working at all times to reach out to the diverse groups of their communities to determine the best ways to include them.

I watch Local programming everyday. The news brings information from all over our region and provides our remote communities with information as to what is hapenning. It is more than just a tv station. It brings people together and it has not only been a source of information but has helped new talent develop and grow giving them more opportunities to thrive in their field.

Taking away CKPR, and Global Thunder Bay will not only leave Northwestern Ontario in the dark it will take away possibilities for future journalists and News Anchors, it will put a great team of people out of work. It will take away the one thing that bonds NW Ont as a community.
Despite how easy it is to find information on the internet, Thunder Bay and surrounding area has a lot of viewers who do not use computers, and still rely on Basic Television Antennae to receive our local broadcast and those are the only 2 channels they have!
Our commercials often feature our local business' and also people from our communities. Friends and families enjoy those moments the most being able to see people they know when they watch local television. The local business' also have opportunities to open doors to people who may not be aware of the services that are availible to them. We get to see what is happening in our city including charity fundraisers, Animals that need homes from our shelters, and events coming up for entertainment in our community. Without this source of information there could be a decline in the participation of so many events because of lack of knowledge.
Don't let our light die out. It means so much to so many people, and they would be devastaed without it.

Writing from Fort McMurray Alberta - Shaw TV Fort McMurray would be our local programming station.
I do regularly watch our local programming station as it is a great source of information about programs and services offered in our region. I also like that they air events that I am sometimes unable to make it to. i.e., council meetings. I work for a non-profit here in the region and I find this station very useful on local knowledge.
As mentiond, I find the most interesting programming to be recapping events I was unable to attend as well as coverage and marketing for upcoming events.
I did know about the participation program but I have not taken part to date. I have however done many interviews with Shaw TV over the past few years and as a non-profit organizer, find these oppurtunities extremely beneficial!
The only things I would add to Shaw TV Fort McMurray (and maybe they already do this, I am not sure) is a news like segment where they would cover news events in Fort McMurray. I am not sure if there is enough news to do one every day, but I would assume there are probably things they could talk about in a "live at 5" style a few days a week. Also, it would be nice to see people take advantage of the creating/particpation program and do their own show a few days a week. Again, this may already take place, but it would be neat to see.

Portland Community Media - this is what we need:

Portland already has an inspiring 30+ year old example of what we are merely discussion intelectually.
http://www.pcmtv.org/about

I have personally visited there. This place is state of the art modern. Thriving with local engagement.

Warm. Welcoming. Vibrant.

6 Channels:
They broadcast on 6 channels to 150 000-400 000 local and regional residents.

They (Portland Community Media - PCM) are a "nonprofit, public benefit organization dedicated to promoting local, non-commercial media developed and produced in the community, by the community and for the community."

Whom
"provide training, tools, and support that enable community members to conceive and create digital media, produce programs for public access distribution, and to examine media critically. The program serves community members, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government agencies and businesses, with access to cable channels at no cost."900 000, 69% - City Grants (2)

Budget: 1.3 million

as of a few years ago:

$150 000, 12% - Earned
(workshops, contracts, donations etc)
$100 000, 7.7%
(grants, Special projects etc)
$150 000, 11.3% other

Total Operations Budget $1 300 000

I am from coquitlam, canada, and am a founding board member of tri city community television society (int. #1383). I stumbled upon this portland media centre and was blown away at how they were actually embodying everything that "our" founding director was so valiantly/doggedly working so hard to achieve.

I believe that the CRTC should seriously consult with this example of a successful 21st century community media centre in their considerations to form canadian protypes.

thank you

Darcy McNeil
DM4444@hotmail.com

I’ve been in the broadcast business in both radio and television for over six decades and during that time the definition of “local” has never changed.

Local news is news gathered and delivered by local people focussed on serving a municipality or defined area. High power radio stations and regional television services in Canada are unable to provide coverage for the average listener who wants to know what is happening in his or her hometown or city .... has the local council voted to raise taxes, will the terrible condition of Main Street be fixed, when will the city hire more police ..... and, a staple of community radio and television, notices and coverage of local meetings, church suppers, anniversaries.

For AM radio it was the local 250-watt radio station that provided those services and they continue to be provided by low-power FM community radio stations. Now on-the-air community television is a vital part of the broadcasting mosaic in Canada. Canadian cable television, in my opinion, is an activity reluctantly undertaken by the major television stakeholders because of the regulations involved. Among the “local“ programs on the Rogers cable service in this area in the past were programs, for instance, from Ontario with little local interest. Purely local programs are low-budget minimum-production “talking head” programs.

On the other hand, programming on the only on-air English-language community television station, CHCO-TV in New Brunswick consists of mostly local people dealing with local people in the Charlotte County area of the province where it is based. It has become an integral part of the community for people who want to know “what’s going on.”

My concept of an ideal television situation in this country consists of the present major players in the industry, CTV and Global continuing their present commendable coverage of the national and international scene, CBC Television getting out of the local and regional broadcast business completely to focus on national news, and local community television providing a full local service including news for their defined area – for instance, in the case of CHCO-TV, Charlotte County, New Brunswick.

May I be so bold as to suggest the major television organizations, as part of developing an all-encompassing broadcast spectrum in Canada, find it in their heart to “adopt” and financially contribute to local community television stations that are, in essence, doing part of their job for them.

Ross Ingram

CJRI Radio

Fredericton NB

Here in Prince George and throughout Central British Columbia citizens are very well served by our local television station, CKPG TV. CKPG does an excellent job despite limited resources providing two hours of live local news each weekday and superb promotion of community events and activities on a daily basis. CKPG's website is constantly updated so that viewers can access local news and information about community events on a 24/7 basis. CKPG also provides local businesses with an opportunity and platform to tell the community who they are, what they do and to demonstrate a wide range of products and services. In every sense CKPG TV is a true community partner and supports many not-for-profit agencies and special events throughout the year. Like many Canadian communities Prince George recently experienced a shrinking media market when one of its two newspapers closed. More so now than ever, Prince George needs media outlets like CKPG TV to sustain and enhance the information choices for ctizens in this part of the country.

Hello, I would like to express my support to local community Television. I started as a volunteer at ShawTV Vancouver in 2012 back then all I had was Radio experience. And it has been a great experience to learn from a community TV on how to take a talk show from Radio to Television. Today in 2016 I now have my own TV show on ShawTV. It is called U&I Talk Show with Louise Uwacu. U&I's goal is Featuring and intervieweing local and international talents, authors and other great artists in Vancouver. I have learned so much from the ShawTV Studios simply by being dedicated and by always showing up for all that FREE trainings and workshops that they regulary have going on.
Community TV gives the people and the independent producers a place to be creative and trully serve the community without being concerned about the commercial aspect of the media. And in a media world also driven by profits, we need more not less community Television to keep it "REAL" for the communites across Canada.
Every country should have such initiatives, such medias and such programs. I hope that the Canadian community TV Experience will influence the rest of the world in this direction. Because it is a great treasure to have community TV and it is also a great democractic thing that we still have independent TV platforms, where all kinds of voices can be heard.
Lets keep it alive for EVER ! Thank you...

January 28, 2016

Canadian Radio-television and
Telecommunications Commission
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N2
CRTC Review of Policies for Local and Community TV Programming

I am writing in support of local television and Shaw TV in particular.

Founded in 1936, the Victoria Foundation is a key member of the local community and we vigorously support philanthropy. These days, philanthropy is more important than ever for the thousands of organizations that are in business to make a difference. The Victoria Foundation continues to connect people who care with causes that matter®, and relies on Shaw to assist with promoting that message.

It is because of our important mandate that we rely heavily upon the support of Shaw in our market. As a client, we have invested both time and money in Shaw in large part due to their constant professionalism and their widespread community coverage. They have given us a tremendous amount of support through telling our stories, attending our events, and providing us with on air promotion. They have a good understanding of the importance of building community.

There are very few events in the community that take place without the presence of Shaw. Without its support, many organizations that we support as a funder would not be as successful at reaching the audiences they so desperately need for support to build this community. For example, Shaw generously supports the charities listed on our Community Knowledge Centre website by producing 2-3 minutes videos that can be used for the organization’s profile and on their own website. This is something that we simply could not afford to do without Shaw’s support.

The feedback we have received from members of the community around the support that Shaw provides is plentiful and positive. As a community foundation, we feel that having a strong relationship with Shaw is vital – it is our community channel.

If I can be of further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Sandra Richardson
CEO
Victoria Foundation

Public Library values Rogers TV London, (Cable 13)
London Public Library truly values the contribution that Rogers TV London makes to our community. The Library partners with Rogers TV London to bring live and pre-taped broadcasts of Library programming to Londoners who may not be able to attend these events in person. These range from performances, to community debates to lectures by local experts.
In addition the Library has worked with many Rogers TV London producers to highlight resources from the Library (such as our local history collection) on various special interest series. These collaborations not only highlight the resources available to the London community but give many Londoners storytelling and broadcast experience they could not receive otherwise. It if very rewarding to see these ideas come to life and be shared so readily within our community.
London Public Library also values the ability to share Library news on a weekly basis through Rogers TV Daytime interviews, through which we highlight our work with many community partners. We often hear from Londoners that they discovered a new program or community resources through watching Daytime and our many community partners are thrilled to have this support and exposure.
As with many organizations with limited funds for communication and marketing, our partnership with Rogers TV London ensures that our message has greater reach in our local community. Rogers TV London makes a significant contribution o our community in general and to the London Public Library specifically.

My connection with community programming and my community channel (Shaw TV Saskatoon) has mainly been in the opportunities they have provided to discuss and bring attention to community-focused projects with which I am involved. I am a gallery owner and artist, and our Shaw station has on numerous occasions featured stories on exhibitions and projects involving local artists. We have seen direct benefits from this coverage, with people visiting our gallery to see the artist's work after watching the story. And we have also seen numerous indirect benefits, including the building of an artist's reputation. For artists, whether showing in commercial galleries or non-commercial public spaces, being able to show evidence of conversation around their work, such as news stories or other press, is one of the criteria that support them in receiving exhibitions and grants. Our gallery focuses on emerging artists, and as their work is often not at the level of receiving attention from larger media outlets, the support our local Shaw station has provided has been very valuable in helping them to make steps toward that next level. Our local Shaw station also does a good job of allowing us to share information cross-platform, uploading clips to YouTube so that we and our artists can share them through social media and also providing a more permanent record for artists to reference. We definitely see the value of our local Shaw TV Saskatoon station in building and supporting our community.
Michael Peterson
Owner, Void Gallery
Saskatoon, SK

I do watch the local community channel, helps me be tuned into what’s going on in the city.
Great opportunity to see some of the events that wouldn’t normally be visible to me, more than reading a story on the internet – local programming, that’s something I care about.

Everything has been quite positive with my experience as a volunteer – popularity of the segment I’ve done has been increasing. Feedback from community and the organization has been great – creating that programming, putting a different spin on it, my own spin, gives people a different insight into our local WHL team. It’s important for people to be able to see local sports team in different light. My experience has been enjoyable and also very valuable.

How to improve? Just continuing to have a finger on the pulse of what’s going on locally.
Even increasing staff to facilitate even more coverage! Keep the focus on local programming though and continue to grow the appeal of the broadcast you’re doing. Stories don’t have to be big breaking news to have impact.
Every story that is being done has an audience and every story the channel tells is important to someone. It’s a big deal for people to be on the community channel – the more people you can expose, will be better for everyone in the community.

Neruda Arts is a non-profit arts organization and the only dedicated world music presenter in the Waterloo Region. During the past 14 years, Rogers has help Neruda Arts promote its Café Cabarets, Show the World Concerts, and five consecutive summer festivals featuring local, national and international artists and attracting thousands of residents and visitors. Neruda Arts’ staff stay tuned to Rogers community programming to keep current on local arts, culture, food and fashion.

Neruda Arts’ artistic director has been an invited guest on Rogers Daytime numerous times over the past 10 years. As a non-profit arts organization serving the Waterloo Region we value the opportunity that Rogers offers to inform the public about our programming.

Suggestions: More in depth panel discussions on arts and culture would make a vital contribution to Rogers’ Waterloo Region programming. The caliber of world music programming at our summer festival would make for excellent live broadcasts by Rogers. Guelph’s 88.3 CFRU community radio valued the opportunity to broadcast live from our summer festival in 2015.

Community Television is so important to me as a young journalist. Rogers Cable gave me my start six years ago and continue to grow me as a broadcaster. Having a say in locally covered events while honing your craft is vital to the community. It provides opportunities to young highschool students to get a taste of the industry and it also provides hands-on experience.
The content that we cover in the Peel Region is specfic and approachable to the entire community. The local OHL hockey team provides role models for young children to watch regularly on Channel 10. The channel creates a professional feel while learning how to become a professional.
Even if you are not a journalist, if you are a member of the community, local television provides specific coverage that does not get diluted in the broad city news breaks.

Community television programming is crucial for registered charities ours. ShawTV in Kamloops produces some excellent programming (specifically go! Kamloops) that helps get the word about our community events. With the loss of our daily newspaper three years ago, it's been vital to have channels to showcase our community events, and having coverage that doesn't cost us is invaluable. The team at ShawTV Kamloops is top notch. We can't say enough about the great coverage and quality.
Kathy Sinclair
Executive Director, Kamloops Arts Council

I have been a volunteer with Shaw TV in BC for ten years now and have witnessed first hand the impact that it can have on local communities. Too often nowadays are local, community sources of information such as newspapers and television stations being closed down due to funding issues and the like.
I enjoy the idea of local community members using the channel to voice their opinion or provide entertainment and I think that is a very valuable resource.
More funding is needed to be able to continue to provide quality shows. I am a regular viewer and participant on the WHL on Shaw hockey games and have noticed the quality of content deteriorate yearly due to budget cuts. I also believe that more community presence is needed to push ideas and make sure that people are aware of the valuable service. Things like local newscasts or broadcasting local sport events would be fantastic and get the community involved.

I'm an independent producer of short documentaries and I have benefited hugely from the enthusiastic support from ShawTV. I just recently completed production of a documentary about the loss of wetlands on the Canadian prairies which had partial funding from the Lake Winnipeg Foundation, Ducks Unlimited Canada, International Institute for Sustainable Development, and Manitoba Conservation District Association. Because of it's length and treatment, the video did not lend itself to broadcast by conventional mainstream broadcasters, despite the importance of the issue. ShawTV in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Calgary, Edmonton and Southern Vancouver Island quickly stepped forward and most will be broadcasting the video next Tuesday (Feb. 2nd) which is World Wetlands Day.
Community television, such as provided by Shaw Communications, has never been more necessary and critically needed - for independent producers whose work does not readily fit within mainstream formats and for community groups wanting to deciminate information about local or regional issues.

Community programing is important on so many levels. As an aspiring journalist and a volunteer at ShawTV in Kamloops I see first-hand how this programming positively impacts community events, local small businesses and individuals trying to make a difference. It gives viewers an opportunity to see interesting things that they otherwise may not have known about.

For myself personally, it has given me a creative outlet and an opportunity to grow in my profession. I am a Journalism/PR student and I have learned about all aspects of TV production in my time volunteering at Shaw. I feel so fortunate to get hands on experience in the industry I hope to break into. Not only have I had the chance to learn, I have the chance to be heard - I have pitched story ideas and was given the tools and expertise to see them through to fruition.

I am so thankful that Kamloops has community programing as it does something different it shows the positive side of news.

Local Community television is an essential communication tool in the Municipality of Meaford. Rogers TV Grey Bruce provides the necessary function of airing council meetings to the residents of our community, allowing them to stay involved and up-to-date on Council proceedings and local politics. As Mayor of our Municipality, I have the opportunity through their "politically speaking" program to reach out to our residents, to provide updates on activities from the perspective of their elected officials, and to share good news stories and events with community listeners.

They also do much more.

The focus of Roger's TV Grey Bruce on issues and places of local interest is invaluable to our community. They provide coverage for community events, as well as programming highlighting local heritage, businesses, architecture, historical events and community affairs. Many local residents have lived in this community for decades, and there is great interest for programming that is relevant to the local community that would not be provided elsewhere. Rogers TV Grey Bruce has great potential to highlight growth and innovation in the Meaford area, in both urban businesses and agricultural advancements. I believe Rogers TV Grey Bruce could benefit from providing guides on the content and airtimes of their programming, and live local news would likely be well received.

Rogers TV Grey Bruce is a responsive, community involved media platform that interacts with their viewership and provides an outlet for content that would not be able to find a home elsewhere.

Roger TV Grey Bruce and Community television have earned our support.

As the Communications Officer with the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board I regard community television as an integral tool for us to get infromation from our school board to the communities were serve.
Our school board has a very strong working relationship with Shaw TV's local community production team in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Throughout the year we collaborate on a variety of stories highlighting what our school board can offer the community and have been doing so for a number of years. We hope that in the future we can expand our partnership with the community television providers which serve the same communities our school board serves.
Community television gives us a presence in the communities we serve that we may not get from private broadcasters or any other media. A key aspect of the exposure community television gives us is that it shows viewers the great activities our youth are involved in whether it be in the classroom or beyond.
Community television plays an important role in our school board connecting with the students, families and communities we serve.
Jim Fitzpatrick
Communications Officer
Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board

On behalf of the nearly 5000 members of the Alberta Alpine Ski Association, I would like you to know of the tremendous impact community television has on amateur athletics and healthy living in our province. Over the past two years, we have worked closely with ShawTV of Calgary on the production of three separate 1 hour shows profiling amateur ski racing in Alberta. We are lucky to have so many great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, mountains and Canadian winters and it has given us great pleasure and an incredible sense of pride to share these experiences with those who otherwise may not be able to witness or participate in sport at the same level.

We believe community television and the partnership we have developed with ShawTV has had a positive and significant influence not only for those participating in such productions as athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers but has also enriched the lives of so many other Albertans. The opportunity to showcase our sport and build a relationship with viewers has had a far reaching effect on new recruitment and retention of talent which we believe has lasting benefits for society as a whole.

It is our sincere hope that the review process of the policy framework which allows for quality community television will support our findings: That without such programming we will be less able to connect and excite viewers with stories that matter to Albertans.

Nigel Loring
President, Alberta Alpine

As an Events Manager for a charitable organization in Wood Buffalo, I understand the value in community programming. ShawTV enables our organization to hit various demographics within our region; thousands of community members. Whether it be sharing the impact of our organization, or promotion for our signature events, ShawTV has given us a huge amount of support we're truly grateful for. Local programming engages our community's residents in the way no other local media outlet can. Our local station gives me a sense of community. I would be extremely dissapointed to see that taken away.

Canadian Radio-television and
Telecommunications Commission
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N2
CRTC Review of Policies for Local and Community TV Programming
To: CRTC
From: Sarah King

My Name is Sarah, I am a firm believer in Public Broadcasting. I volunteer at Shaw TV in Edmonton doing everything from technical work to VJ and community access producing. I have a background in film and television but not in the sense of broadcasting.

Public Broadcasting is important to everyone both in urban and rural communities. Without this access, stories and works of visual art would be silenced and would dull the interests of local viewers. Shaw TV Edmonton has also provided myself, someone with a marked disability to also give back. The volunteer work I perform at Shaw TV has allowed me to becoming healthier and more active in my community. Without the great volunteer services and access to community based public broadcasting a lot of these stories, volunteer shows and more would be forgotten.
We live in a world where money and greed take over everything. Like Star Trek most major comanies are like ferengies, hungry for money and neglecting the humanity. The staff and company of Shaw TV Edmonton has allowed myself to pursue my own works to get aired as well as others. Local community broadcasting gives back so much more to the community and if Shaw TV is not permitted to continue, there would be problems with the lack of this incredible programming.

The arts and entertainment culture are a vital component in the stability of the community, the stability in programming to varaious cultures and more so the stability of work.
Larger media outlets distort the truth, they distort stories and relatity in such a way that they want ratings. Again neglecting the true nature of community TV and that is the stories that matter. Shaw TV Edmonton, and all community based television needs to have the ability to go where it matters. To showcase works whether it is minor hockey, or awards shows, community based cooking shows, to stories about health and mental well-being. Community TV helps showcase aspiring musicians, artists, filmmakers, it helps bring out the best on cultural programming and showcasing different ethnicities.
In fact we need more support for local community public broadcasting. We need the ability for more artists and filmmakers to come and showcase their works, we need more work to be done to allow for better programming from the current array of public broadcasters. Public broadcasting gives the ability for the community to bring life back into the true nature of good wholesome nature that is television.

Right now there is a lack for filmmakers such as myself to air or showcase our works and the costs of doing it like the big houses are just not financially feasible. This gives us the opportunity to share our works for fun and for the spirit of television.
Television these days on major networks, showcase and air TV shows that have too much gore, violence, obscenity, pornography and subjective content against other races, nationalities and backgrounds. This is not "true television", shows like that are meant only for profit and for ratings.
Public Broadcasting shows, provide the ability to continually support the community with shows that can hit close to home, bring truth and purity back into the essence that once was "good ole fashioned" television.

I know I personally would LOVE to see more abilities for cartoons of good content that are done with local places to showcase those works. I would love to see the ability for more community access mobile opportiunities.
The experiences I have learned from volunteering with Shaw TV and the support both emotionally, and psychologycally to allow me to get back into the community provides a big boost to my mental health. As a person with mental and social disabilities, Shaw TV provides me the ability to work and be involved in the industry I know and love. If this programming wasn't available, my mental health state would be dire and I would not be able to share my skills and talentsw with the community as well as the programming offered by SHAW TV is also so vital for the community it allows those to experience and see a whole new world.
The volunteer training that has been provided by Shaw TV in Edmonton and I am sure from other PBS locations, affiliates and more provides the education to the community on how televisions is made. Educational programming also is key for the support.
<strong>What we need more of: </strong>

<ul>
<li>more local community talk shows</li>
<li>health and wellness programming</li>
<li>additional cultural programming</li>
<li>christian community content</li>
<li>ability to air "FICTIONAL" works from local filmmakers</li>
<li>increase funding for local TV</li>
<li>increase funding for Shaw TV</li>
<li>local airing of shows for both analog and digital</li>
<li>access for more local supported programming</li>
</ul>

There should be allowance for community shows to have sponsors with proceeds going to charity or coving some operational air time costs only.

Anyways, oh dear CRTC, please continue with the fine broadcasting with Shaw TV and increase local support and funding, allow more of these types of stories help in your assessment and review of lcoal community broadcasting. Shaw TV is a vital component to this community, to all communities.
Public broadcasting is like public libraries — it serves a valuable community and educational function. It is precisely the kind of civic institution that conservatives often say they would like to see more of.
Those who call for eliminating federal subsidies for public broadcasting are on much stronger ground when they are also advocates for public broadcasting at the provincial and community level. Encouraging more private support for public broadcasting would advance the ideal of an increased role for private-based civil society. And it could more than make up for the loss in federal subsidies.
Public broadcasters – both TV and radio – aim to serve a broad cross section of the public in their local communities – including people of all ages, economic levels, interests, and ethnicities. To do so they select and air programs produced by Shaw TV and other community based public broadcasting and also by other nonprofit organizations.
Removal of any part of Shaw TV Edmonton's funding or any funding for community access television has the potential to cause serious and irreversable damage any – or all – of the programs whose production and distribution it supports. I fear that this, in combination with a decrease in funds, will have a chilling effect on the state of public broadcasting.
It is self-evident that we, locally, provincially and federally, need vibrant, sustainable public media that offer diverse content, will meet the unique needs of local communities and serve the public interest. And we need to ensure a steady stream of funding to protect public media from the whims corporatations and greedy mongrals who want to take the humanity out of television.

Please do not take it away!!!!!! PLEASE provide and allow the continued funding, support and regulations to remain in place to provide community access individuals and organizations the ability to access community based public broadcasting.
Sarah M.P. King
Volunteer Community Access Producer
Shaw TV | Edmonton, AB

Community television, even in the biggest city in Canada, Toronto, has a major impact. While I was with Rogers TV in the city, we started a show called Trending T.O. Sports, which at the time was the only show covering local university, college and high school athletes. The show no longer exists due to a lack of resources. Some of the best amateur athletes in all of Canada are now barely covered in the media. And yet at every Olympics we always cry out that we need more medals and we need to support our amateur athletes more. Community television is sometimes the only way that these athletes can be put in the spotlight they deserve.

I volunteer at Shaw TV Williams Lake. It's been going on for about a few months now, but I can already see determination to get local content, stories and whatnot to get what's going on in the community. Such as interviews with mayors, discovering events that may not be known to the public, and to get people who are unknown to the community get a oppertunety to get their story out so they can be more well known. Without it, we would be kinda in the dark on what's going on. Although there is one thing I think would benefit. Some kind of collaberation with local news sources such as radio and newspapers, and have their headlines on the ticker. And it wouldn't be nessecery to put in in community programming that is meant to have positive moods and such.

So to sum it all up, we need community tv stations, otherwise we would have no idea what's going on through video. And it gets more attention these days.

Canadian Radio-television and
Telecommunications Commission
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N2
CRTC Review of Policies for Local and Community TV Programming
To: CRTC
From: Sarah King

My Name is Sarah, I am a firm believer in Public Broadcasting. I volunteer at Shaw TV in Edmonton doing everything from technical work to VJ and community access producing. I have a background in film and television but not in the sense of broadcasting.

Public Broadcasting is important to everyone both in urban and rural communities. Without this access, stories and works of visual art would be silenced and would dull the interests of local viewers. Shaw TV Edmonton has also provided myself, someone with a marked disability to also give back. The volunteer work I perform at Shaw TV has allowed me to becoming healthier and more active in my community. Without the great volunteer services and access to community based public broadcasting a lot of these stories, volunteer shows and more would be forgotten.
We live in a world where money and greed take over everything. Like Star Trek most major comanies are like ferengies, hungry for money and neglecting the humanity. The staff and company of Shaw TV Edmonton has allowed myself to pursue my own works to get aired as well as others. Local community broadcasting gives back so much more to the community and if Shaw TV is not permitted to continue, there would be problems with the lack of this incredible programming.

The arts and entertainment culture are a vital component in the stability of the community, the stability in programming to varaious cultures and more so the stability of work.
Larger media outlets distort the truth, they distort stories and relatity in such a way that they want ratings. Again neglecting the true nature of community TV and that is the stories that matter. Shaw TV Edmonton, and all community based television needs to have the ability to go where it matters. To showcase works whether it is minor hockey, or awards shows, community based cooking shows, to stories about health and mental well-being. Community TV helps showcase aspiring musicians, artists, filmmakers, it helps bring out the best on cultural programming and showcasing different ethnicities.
In fact we need more support for local community public broadcasting. We need the ability for more artists and filmmakers to come and showcase their works, we need more work to be done to allow for better programming from the current array of public broadcasters. Public broadcasting gives the ability for the community to bring life back into the true nature of good wholesome nature that is television.

Right now there is a lack for filmmakers such as myself to air or showcase our works and the costs of doing it like the big houses are just not financially feasible. This gives us the opportunity to share our works for fun and for the spirit of television.
Television these days on major networks, showcase and air TV shows that have too much gore, violence, obscenity, pornography and subjective content against other races, nationalities and backgrounds. This is not "true television", shows like that are meant only for profit and for ratings.
Public Broadcasting shows, provide the ability to continually support the community with shows that can hit close to home, bring truth and purity back into the essence that once was "good ole fashioned" television.

I know I personally would LOVE to see more abilities for cartoons of good content that are done with local places to showcase those works. I would love to see the ability for more community access mobile opportiunities.
The experiences I have learned from volunteering with Shaw TV and the support both emotionally, and psychologycally to allow me to get back into the community provides a big boost to my mental health. As a person with mental and social disabilities, Shaw TV provides me the ability to work and be involved in the industry I know and love. If this programming wasn't available, my mental health state would be dire and I would not be able to share my skills and talentsw with the community as well as the programming offered by SHAW TV is also so vital for the community it allows those to experience and see a whole new world.
The volunteer training that has been provided by Shaw TV in Edmonton and I am sure from other PBS locations, affiliates and more provides the education to the community on how televisions is made. Educational programming also is key for the support.
What we need more of:

more local community talk shows
health and wellness programming
christian community content
ability to air "FICTIONAL" works from local filmmakers
increase funding for local TV
increase funding for Shaw TV
local airing of shows for both analog and digital
access for more local supported programming

There should be allowance for community shows to have sponsors with proceeds going to charity or coving some operational air time costs only.

Anyways, oh dear CRTC, please continue with the fine broadcasting with Shaw TV and increase local support and funding, allow more of these types of stories help in your assessment and review of lcoal community broadcasting. Shaw TV is a vital component to this community, to all communities.
Public broadcasting is like public libraries — it serves a valuable community and educational function. It is precisely the kind of civic institution that conservatives often say they would like to see more of.
Those who call for eliminating federal subsidies for public broadcasting are on much stronger ground when they are also advocates for public broadcasting at the provincial and community level. Encouraging more private support for public broadcasting would advance the ideal of an increased role for private-based civil society. And it could more than make up for the loss in federal subsidies.
Public broadcasters – both TV and radio – aim to serve a broad cross section of the public in their local communities – including people of all ages, economic levels, interests, and ethnicities. To do so they select and air programs produced by Shaw TV and other community based public broadcasting and also by other nonprofit organizations.
Removal of any part of Shaw TV Edmonton's funding or any funding for community access television has the potential to cause serious and irreversable damage any – or all – of the programs whose production and distribution it supports. I fear that this, in combination with a decrease in funds, will have a chilling effect on the state of public broadcasting.
It is self-evident that we, locally, provincially and federally, need vibrant, sustainable public media that offer diverse content, will meet the unique needs of local communities and serve the public interest. And we need to ensure a steady stream of funding to protect public media from the whims corporatations and greedy mongrals who want to take the humanity out of television.

Please do not take it away!!!!!! PLEASE provide and allow the continued funding, support and regulations to remain in place to provide community access individuals and organizations the ability to access community based public broadcasting.
Sarah M.P. King
Volunteer Community Access Producer
Shaw TV | Edmonton, AB

Community Television gives everyone a voice, most importantly, those people/groups that big news stations would never even know about. As a young journalist working with community channels, I have seen it first hand how much it means for communities to get recognition. Also, I would not be where I am (full-time employed in the industry) without community television dedicating time to train volunteers. Covering amateur sports, both with Shaw TV and Rogers TV has been so fulfilling as I see in the athletes overjoyed(yet nervous) faces how much it means to them to be noticed. I volunteered with Shaw TV in the Sea to Sky region, which helped me acquire a full time position for Shaw TV Merritt. While employed here, I have worked with 4 volunteers that have gained experience they otherwise would have no chance at . Also, while spending time out in the community I have learned that small towns like these already feel like they are often forgotten about by the mainstream media. Without Shaw TV to get their stories out, that'll only get worse.

I live in Chilliwack B.C. Our community program station is extremely important to me. Not only do I watch it I also am a regular volunteer. I am in the process of creating my own talk show. This is a wonderful experience. I began by getting as much training as possible with Jonathan Herst, who is a producer at our Shaw location. Part of the operation will be moving, but I hope that I can continue to do my show out of the present location. I am aware that others in my area watch this station as people have told me they saw me when I have done a spot for the "Go" session or for our "Hot Button". Now that I am a widow living alone, this community connection has taken on an even greater significance. I am trying to get the word out to as many people as possible how they too can become a volunteer. So far I have brought in two people who are currently volunteering their time and are happy to be doing so. Being part of anything that keeps us in contact with others in our area is something that we need to be proud of. That is what I am getting out of this wonderful experience. I hope that this can continue for many years to come.

I have been a volunteer with Shaw TV for over a year now, in the central region of Vancouver Island, and I have had the privilege to appreciate first hand the dedication and the passion the staff have for the community and also the respect and appreciation the public have expressed in return. Local TV plays a pivotal role to create a dynamic and healthy community. It connects people through many different tangible ways (featured artists, businesses, events, etc...) that facilitate a greater sense of belonging. It educates people like no other media can do, by revealing and fast-producing local and interesting news. It inspires people by creating programs that bring to the surface hidden and beautiful stories. It engages the people by giving them the opportunity to speak up and share with all of us what could benefit the greater good. In an age of mass production and standardization, community TV stands firm as a shinning light supporting what makes each community unique, and worth being part of. I beleive it benefits the well being of each of one of us locally, and therefore Canada as a whole. Thanks for reading.

I am Executive Director of the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo and an access show volunteer at Show TV Channel 10 Fort McMurray. I have been wotking with Shaw to develop the show since late 2013. Our show Meet the World in Wood Buffalo is very important to the community and has a great viewership. We constantly recieve calls saying how much people enjoy it. The world resides in our region without barriers or hurdles, engage and work across cultural and religious divides. The unity in diversity that is a beacon of strength for our region didn't come to be just like that. It has been the diligent efforts of the many cultural groups, volunteers, staff and board members to make our community welcoming and inclusive. Having moved from Mumbai, India many years ago to Fort McMurray Alberta due to my husband's job, we have come to realise the value of media and TV in small communties. The show engages volunteer panelists from a wide variety of cultural groups across the region, one of the biggest municipalities in Canada encompassing 5 aboriginal communites. Over the years I have brought in panelsts from all cultures residing in the region to share their culture, traditions and experiences livign in our region. This allows people to learn about otgher cultures and dispel misconceptions and hatred thus buildign a culturally vibrant and learnign community. Please help us keep our community alive with these shows and panelists to know you support the mosaic of all cultures with the Candian context.

As Mayor of Guelph, I see the impact our local Rogers TV community channel makes. They broadcast Guelph City Council meetings – allowing local residents to see the debates, discussions, and votes, and keep their municipal elected officials accountable. I have been a guest on interview-style shows like Inside Guelph and Talk Local, where we talk about issues and events that are important to Guelph. Our community channel is also an indispensable source of information during election campaigns, airing debates and profiling candidates. The nearest local network station (CTV) is based in Kitchener, and their reporting of Guelph news is limited; we also just lost our daily newspaper, the Guelph Mercury. Rogers TV is one of a very few remaining outlets for truly local information for this growing city of 120,000+ people. It's vitally important to our local democracy and our community. Mayor Cam Guthrie, Guelph

I have been volunteering with both Rogers TV and TV Cogeco (OHL Tonight on TV Cogeco, OJHL on TV Cogeco, Toronto Rock Pre-Season Lacrosse, Peterborough Lakers Lacrosse on TV Cogeco, ROPSAA Sports, Everything But Hockey, and #Treding In Sports) for a number of years now, and by doing so, it's given me the chance to do what I love in life. I have been lucky enough to cross paths with some truly amazing producers that have taught me so much and helped shape the on-air personality that I am today. Without local cable, I do not feel that I would have had the chance to develop and excel the way that I have, and wouldn't be where I am today.
I feel that, if anything, local stations should be provided with more of a budget to be able to produce professional quality shows that can be watched, and enjoyed, by the communities they are being broadcast to. These broadcasts need to be available online, and promoted properly in order to attract viewers. I am also an advocate of local cable because it allows the next generation of broadcasters (on-air and behind the scenes) to get the opportunity to develop.

I am the Executive Director of the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society and am writing to express my support for community television, in particular Shaw, Channel 10. The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (CWRS) is a small charity that rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildilfe in Calgary and the surrounding areas. We run on a very small budget that is funded by donors, corporate sponsors and granting boards. It is very important for our organization to be known in the community, not only for the members of the public who find injured and orphaned wildlife, but also to attract donors and sponsors.
For many years, we have had a wonderful relationship with the employees at Shaw who have come out regularly and shot Wildilfe Profiles, highlighting the work that we do and some of the patients that we are treating at the time. These profiles are then shared on our networks and have garned a very positive response. In addition, these profiles have helped us to raise funds for critcally injured patients by showing the immediate need and evoking a sense of empathy and connection in the viewers. Shaw also filmed a PSA around one of our public awareness campaigns called 'See a Hare, Leave it There'. This PSA was widely distributed and has contributed to increased public awareness surrounding normal hare behaviour, reducing the number of "kidnapped" hares that we receive every year.
Community television is exactly that, it is media that focuses on the community and its needs. It would be a travesty for this type of programming to dry up. For small charities like CWRS, community television is a lifeline to the community at large. Our budget is too small to include paid advertisments of our services or programs. Shaw has been such a great support to us and now it's time for us to show just how strong our small communities are, by supporting community television.
Andrea Hunt
Executive Director
Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
www.calgarywildlife.org

I am the Executive Director of 630 CHED Santas Anonymous in Edmonton. We are a registered charity that provides new gifts to children in Edmonton at Christmas. We also provide toys in disaster and times of crisis to other agencies to distribute to their clients.
We have a valuable relationship with Shaw Channel 10 in Edmonton. Being a Christmas charity we are competing annually with other organizations for the pool of volunteers and donors in the community - interviews done each fall/winter on Shaw provide us access to a broad number of potential and current supporters.
In 2015 SHAW provided a large number of man hours to a project that brought awareness of our partnership with the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton to the comunity and in celebration of our 60th anniversary. They guided us through the process to ensure the final product was high quality and would accurately and efficiently deliver our message. They were willing to travel to a number of locations to ensure visuals were powerful and interesting. And I would say that this was a long time wish of ours to create videos like this and be respectful of the dollars donated. It was a thrill to have this opportunity with Shaw to share such amazing content with past, current and potential supporters.
On a personal note I have watch the individual talent on SHAW grow and appreciate their commitment to the community.
Lana Nordlund
Executive Director
630 CHED Santas Anonymous

Hi Samantha.
Thanks again for allowing us to bring some of our students from J Percy Page High School to view your television broadcasting operations [Edmonton] on Friday and to speak with some of your staff. I was very impressed with the openness and willingness of all your staff to engage with our students.
I will be contacting you in the near future regarding possible collaboration between Shaw TV and us with your personnel coming to our school or our students coming to your facility for an extended period of time.
The students came away with many new ideas of how we might want to move forward with our own in-house broadcasting that we do daily and so I am keen to harness this momentum as we begin our second semester of classes.
Best regards,
Tony
Teacher, J Percy Page High School

Our annual festival brings together a variety of Celtic cultural groups to perform music and dance, and present elements of Celtic culture to locals and visitors alike. Our event has grown over the last couple years due in part to our partnership with Shaw TV, which has featured our activities in its community programming. We are very appreciative of the service that Shaw, Shaw TV and Global provide for us through promotions, stories and sharing cultural experiences with the viewing public. We hope to continue our relationship with Shaw TV and local community programming in the Okanagan area.
Sincerely,
Wayne McDougall,
President, Penticton Scottish Festival Society

I have partnered with Shaw Television in Edmonton over the past five years to broadcast the annual City of Edmonton Butterdome Remembrance Day Service across all of Alberta. This event is the defacto Provincial Remembrance Day Service with over 7,500 participants and attendees including the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta given that Shaw broadcasts it live and then recorded several more times. As the lead organizer for this Service I have found Shaw's willing support to this signature event a major contributor to its ongoing success. Each year from the initial planning stages through to the actual broadcast, they volunteer their expertise and resources at no cost to ensure our fallen are remembered , our Veterans are acknowledged and our youth are educated. They are exceptional team players and work seamlessly with the variety of other volunteer agencies involved. This is an excellent example of how local television can reach out to a regional audience who otherwise would have recieved nothing other than in this case the National Service from Ottawa.
John Slater
CEO Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division

To Whom It May Concern:
On January 16, 1981, the Edmonton Gleaners Association, more commonly known as Edmonton’s Food Bank, received its official charter of incorporation and became Canada’s first food bank. The mission of Edmonton’s Food Bank is to be stewards in the collection of surplus and donated food for the effective distribution, free of charge, to people in need in our community while seeking solutions to the causes of hunger. Each month, more than 18,000 people receive hampers from Edmonton’s Food Bank. Over 210 agencies, churches, or food depots affiliated with us also distributes food to almost 500,000 meals and snacks each month.
Each year, Shaw TV promotes major food drives and fundraisers for Edmonton’s Food Bank which include playing lead media rolls. Shaw TV’s support has included the following:
• Lead television broadcaster for the annual Girl Guides Hike for Plenty. With the help of Shaw TV, Edmontonians are informed of the date of the drive and how citizens can help. Additionally, Shaw TV will do interviews about the initiative as well as highlight other needs of the organization such as volunteers.
• Shaw TV has continuously supported the Plant A Row Grow A Row program with various interviews to encourage local gardeners to plant an extra row for the food bank.
• The annual Heritage Festival Food Drive is the single largest food drive of the year and Shaw TV has supported the endeavor by encouraging festival goers to remember to bring a non-perishable food item, monetary donation or to donate their unused food tickets to the food bank. This support also includes volunteer recruitment as needed.
• Edmonton’s Food Bank is involved in more than 2,000 events each year. Shaw TV helps promote a variety of them to the community by highlighting the event and ensuring the positive promotion of Edmonton’s Food Bank. Events such as Candy Cane Lane and even school food raisers are all supported.
• It is essential to note that Shaw TV staff have also volunteered their time at a variety of events to support the Food Bank as well.
In Edmonton, Shaw TV provides citizens with local information and entertainment. Shaw TV's vision of the role of a local television station, along with its operational experience in this medium clearly shows responsibility to community organizations and all citizens.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 780.425.2133.
Sincerely,
Marjorie Bencz, CM
Executive Director
Edmonton’s Food Bank

This past year I was fortunate enought to be chosen to represent, commentate, and enjoy the Canadian Finals Rodeo on ShawTV. It was one of the most rewarding experiences in my entertainment career that has spanned the last 20 years.
Community television of this nature is critical to the ongoing sucess of western events in Canada. The sport of rodeo in particular, is on the cusp of greatness in the sporting community, and the local broadcasts of our sports Canadian Finals, allows us to show to the world, our communities, and our families the value, and the pride we have in these type of events.
Further, community television is a window to the world for all kinds of amature sport, from the WHL to local football, to Rodeo, it allows folks who may not have to oportunity to attend an event, the chance to join us on these channels, and participate in a truly Canadian way of life.
I sincerly hope that these services continue, well into the future, and we have the oportunity to bring these great events to the living rooms of the nation.
TIm Edge Colour Commentator/Annalyst for the Canadian Finals Rodeo on ShawTV Edmonton

I've been volunteering with Shaw TV Calgary for eight months. Volunteering at Shaw TV has given me the opportunity to take the first steps of beginning a career in television. I’ve always loved telling stories, and volunteering for Shaw TV has given me, and many others, the opportunity to tell what I consider to be the most important stories – the stories of the people in the community. Without community television many community members wouldn’t have a platform or outlet to tell their stories. Their stories wouldn’t be heard. Community television brings communities together through its content. By sharing local stories and issues, community TV connects people who may have never met even though they live in the same city. It provides us with a commonality. Broadcasting local stories also helps community members understand each other better; it builds a sense of community.
Community TV not only gives community members a platform to share their stories, it also provides those who aspire to have careers in television with invaluable, hands-on experience. I have a communications degree; I didn’t go to school for broadcast journalism. That could make it more challenging for me to begin a career in television. However, volunteering at Shaw TV Calgary has allowed me to acquire many of the skills and experience that I need to start my television career. I’ve learned how to be a reporter and producer, how to write scripts, and what makes a good, engaging story. The hardworking employees of Shaw TV Calgary have offered so much of their valuable time to teach me everything I desired to know about Television. They’re enthusiastic about teaching and incredibly patient. What I appreciate most about volunteering at Shaw TV Calgary is that I didn’t just learn. I was given ample opportunity to apply what learned. I’ve gotten the opportunity to report and produce stories about our community. Through making stories about the community and watching Shaw TV Calgary employees create community stories, I’ve learned so much more about my community, and I’ve met many new people who I never would have met. I’ve become a much more active participant in my community because of community television. The education I’ve received from Shaw TV in invaluable. I would not have received this hands-on learning experience at any other TV station except at a community station like Shaw TV Calgary.

I am currentlyinvolved with Shaw's "Hot Button," program. I received excellent trainning in camera operations from Jonathan Horst, and Danny Conglaves. I feel that community programs are a healthy way in keeping in touch with the community. Learning how others are dealing with social issues knits people together, who may otherwise have never met.
Community personalities are of importance to me, as I feel re-connected to the community when I get to know these people through this media. We are all different, and yet when we see just how others in our community are dealing with their stengths and weaknesses we step back and say, "Yes, that's right, we are all in this together, and by following what these people are doing we can improve our situation as well." I think it strengthens us as people, and enables us to feel a connection, that we may have never felt before.
I feel we are strenghtened by listening to others, and getting to understand them, through community programs. It appears to tie us together. I would like to see more community personalities share their experiences. We learn from eachother, and there is always more to learn. It brings good feelings in the community, when we work together to make our lives a more positive experience, and that's what community TV does. It allows us to expand ourselves, and be better. It also shares this experience to others in a positive and creative way.
Keep up the good work Shaw TV, we're all in this together, let's keep moving forward, keeping our connections strong and healthy!
I have learned so much from the Shaw trainning, it has opened up a new world to me, and I would love to keep it going, and share it with others in our community,
.Thank-you so much!

my name is james spooner and I am a volunteer at the Quesnel shaw station, I personally think thats its important for shaw to take on new volunteers to bucause it give people a chance to try to get into the media industry at a low level, and may even give them a foot in the door further down the line.

Our local SHAW cable in Quesnel has been doing a great job of showcasing news in our community. We learn more about the businesses and individuals that live among us and it makes us proud to live here. This knowledge and information makes us aware of the accomplishments within our city and brings the people closer together with a sense of pride.
Our foundation, the Communities For Veterans Foundation - The Ride Across Canada, was one of the stories recently aired and we have been receiving great feedback from people that have watched it. It is promoting our endeavour, and I see that it is doing the same for many other businesses and organizations in our area. This is great for our economy and for attracting people into our area when they see the incredible things that are happening in smaller cities across Canada.
The links are also shared on You Tube and social media... The reach goes far! And so do the benefits...

<p>Just like to say that Shaw has helped this commnity become stronger and more united with it&#39;s programs. As I have been involved in several of Jonathan Horst&#39;s Camera Trainning programs, I have met many people who are very active in this community.</p>
<p>&nbsp;It has expanded my views of Chilliwack, and the people who live here. I find that there are more opportunities to reach out and get to know the people who live and work here. It&#39;s a great experience, as we are all so different, and our experiences are so different, yet we all find a common thread in those around us. It bonds us and makes us more aware of those differences and the commonalities that bring us back to one.</p>
<p>I feel that a community is as strong as the people who live in it, and we are all stronger from getting to appreciate each other for who we are. Hopefully we&#39;ll continue to experience this, through the generous help we have had through Shaw.&nbsp;</p>

I would like to make a comment regarding local television programming and community television in Nanaimo, BC and across Canada. Currently SHAW TV provides wonderful local and community programming that is done by both paid staff and also volunteers from the community of Nanaimo, BC and elsewhere where local programming appears in other communities across Canada.
I myself have watched very little television for over 10 years due to the poor quality programs that seem to be everywhere and insulting to my intelligence, except for music or science programs and occasional news. However I do in fact watch very rarely if I have time which is not often and I watch and love ONLY local community programming and SHAW TV programs that concern our community and our local volunteers who contribute from our island community. I find this television to be relevant to my viewing needs, since so much other television is of such poor quality.
I only watch weather reports for extreme weather conditions ( the main reason I have a tv) and for OUR local television community programming from SHAW TV that I find extremely relevant, fun and also very entertaining. I myself am a radio producer and host of the show Rhythm'a'ning at our local Nanaimo radio station CHLY 101.7 FM. I have been very impressed with SHAW TV's impressive professionalism and the community teamwork that gathers volunteers and individuals across from our local community from very diverse individual backgrounds and SHAW presents these fascinating individuals to a local television audience. This is powerful and interesting and relevant to my needs.
I am very concerned to hear that local television and community progamming is under review by the CRTC. I believe we need MORE local community programming not less. I would be willing to pay extra tax dollars to support local television since it is some of the only decent television airing at moment, it supports our local community and economy and is also highly educational when presenting new topics or stories from our community. I think a lot of the bad television should be eliminated and that those offending corporations (the bad mindless tv that is everywhere) should have to pay the cost of community tv as part of their expenses (not us) and that local content should be increased and supported by CRTC as this is what Canadians cleary want. From the responses on this website I can see how much Canadians value local television like myself. I hate to see this hearing destroy creative viewing television products, our local island economy and excellent community programming within Canada.
I will consider cancelling my television subcription completely if you get rid of local programming since it is the main reason I watch tv- even if I have only watched tv like 10 times this past year for like maybe 10-30 minutes. I would say in past 10 years I have only watched tv like maybe 30-50 times it is so bad the content EXCEPT for our local SHAW TV prgorams on the local channel. I love SHAW TV's community programming. It is the only reason I have a television.
I hope that you will INCREASE local and community programming as this is what most Canadians if surveyed would want. I value this community programming highly and will just throw out my tv if you eliminate it and will encourage all Canadians to do the same thing, since I can get online weather reports anytime. The programming is often so poor on basic tv I just can not justify paying for it unless there is local tv. I am sure other Canadians feel the same due to the overwhelming commercialism and disturbing corporate propaganda. It is disturbing when that is the norm and I feel it is an insult to me as a viewer to be forced to watch more of it. I value the staff and volunteers at SHAW TV very much and am grateful for what they do for our community. I encourage the CRTC to respect the hard work of local paid and volunteer community television staff and their dedication to bringing communties together. I stand in support of diverse amd inclusiveness of the community and so should the CRTC.

Best Regards,
Kerilie McDowall

I have been a volunteer with Rogers TV in Mississauga for several years. During that time I have experienced first-hand the benefits of community-based local programming and am proud of the contributions that I have made through Rogers TV to the cities of Mississauga, Brampton and Orangeville as well as the Region of Peel. These cities are not the suburbs of Toronto. Each city has its own culture and local needs and Rogers TV fills these unique local needs by giving residents the opportunity to view local programming off air or on-line.

Rogers TV fills two separate needs in the community – Local Programming and Production Opportunities.

LOCAL PROGRAMMING

Rogers TV provides access to the workings of local government through the live broadcasts of City Council and Regional Council meetings.

In preparation for municipal, provincial and federal elections, Rogers TV broadcasts candidates’ debates and candidates’ messages so local voters can determine which candidates best meet the needs of their local community.

Mississauga celebrates its diverse culture through an annual event called Carassauga. Brampton has a similar event called Carabram. By broadcasting preview shows for these events, Rogers TV provides a vehicle for the various cultures within these communities to share the pride they have in their heritage.

Community produced programs such as Night Time on Rogers TV and insauga.com podcast provide opportunities to showcase and promote local talent. Community Producers work in concert with Roger TV staff to produce quality programs showcasing local musician and artists.

Various Roger TV talk shows provide a vehicle for local charities to promote their up-coming fund raising events to the local communities.

Rogers TV covers local sports at every level from children’s activities (Little League Sports), to high school games (ROPSSAA Sports) to professional sports (OHL Hockey).

PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES

Through local high school Co-Op programs students are given opportunities to participate in the “real world” of in-studio and mobile television production.

Schools do a fine of job teaching the technology and theory. Rogers TV provides the opportunities to practice those skills while creating programs that air locally.

Working with Rogers TV production staff, students also learn the “soft skills” essential to quality TV production, including: team participation, responsibility, commitment, focus, respect and self-control.

These opportunities allow the students to determine if this is a career they would wish to pursue. Should that be the case, the production experience they have obtained gives them an advantage when applying to the universities or colleges of their choice.

University and college students are also able to take advantage of the in-studio and mobile production opportunities provided by Rogers TV either through an internship program or as a volunteer.

Their production experience gives them benefits including: proven work experience on a resume when applying for a position in the broadcast industry; and networking opportunities for future employment opportunities.

I have previous experience working in a corporate environment. As such, I understand the need to pay attention to the “bottom line”. However, in the case of local community television, the bottom line is that there is a need for relevant local programming that will not be met should community television disappear.

We are senior citizens living in Victoria, BC. We really value the local CHEK news as it gives us news and information about our community. Otherwise we would have to listen to news from Vancouver. While interesting, it isn't about our community.
Keep it coming CHEK!

Last year I had the chance of a lifetime through Shaw’s community television program. I presented my idea for a show that at the time was just stemming off an article I had written for a western magazine. At the time it was just an idea with no thought put in to how it could transfer to television. After working with some of the great people at Shaw I didn’t just have a generic show, I had a professional script, custom graphics, music produced just for my show, high quality interviews, a professional set and the knowledge of the Shaw team behind me during the entire show.
Currently in the sport of rodeo in Canada there is no budget in place for this kind of television coverage, and not a lot of communication. Rodeo tends to be in small communities that aren’t able to share their information readily with the outside world. So without programs like this the sport I love and the communities that work so hard to promote it may have never seen the light of day in the grand way that it did. I was so proud of not only the professional product that we were able to put out but also the response we received from the show. We didn’t just enlighten rodeo fans and athletes about what was going on in their own world, we inspired them to think outside the box and come up with new ideas for the sport.
I saw rodeo fans and athletes from these communities that are normally separated join together and become excited about their future.

When I had volunteered for Shaw Tv, everyone instantly made me feel like I was a part of the team. Getting to go out on shoots with the producer gave me experiences that I would have never had otherwise. Anything from Tv production to operating the camera for interviews or doing the behind the scenes editing. Giving me experience and interest in some fields that I would have never thought about before. I do not get much chance to watch community channels or tv in general because I am constantly doing something new, and volunteering at Shaw was one of those things. I always enjoyed doing things such as editing the community events for the next couple of weeks because I got to realize just how much actually goes on in my community that I may have been missing otherwise. In the end thanks to Shaw Tv I have experiences and friends that I will keep for life, along with a couple funny stories.

I have been volunteering for Shaw TV Edmonton on and off for about 5 years now and am thankful for the opportunities I have been given. I went to school for broadcasting about 5 years ago and it has been difficult to acquire a job in the field. If I was not given the opportunity to stay relevant within the industry by keeping my knowledge up to speed I know I would be worse off.
Shaw TV and its workers and been so inviting and have really invested time into me. This makes me appreciate them and what they do for our local stories. If they were not able to help people like me allowing them to write, edit, and shoot their own stories I would have nowhere to go. I truly believe because of them, when I get a reporting job they will be one of the big reasons why.

To: CRTC

If I want to know what's going on in my neighborhood Shaw TV is the one that's telling me what's available, what important community events are happening, how and why. I can't usually turn on the 6 o’clock news and find that, although it's nice to see that with the quality of local programming the stories and reporting are so informative and touching they often find the time to share it because they know it’s what people want to see.
My name is Mike Brown. I am a volunteer at Shaw TV in Powell River. Upon entering the Shaw studios for the first time I was unsure of what to expect. I found the staff welcoming and engaging from the start. The host, cameraman, and editor John Mackenzie was friendly and informative. Not only that, he had a volunteer signup and guide packet ready for me right away. I found all the staff to be just as welcoming and kind. It’s an incredibly positive environment, especially for someone interested in pursuing journalism: editing, camera work, hosting, and community involvement. I've gotten to practice all those skills and more with Shaw.
They do their best to teach the journalistic process and show great latitude and trust in their volunteers regarding training and experience with expensive, sensitive equipment which I found incredibly gratifying and supportive. They don't just dot the i’s and cross the t's, they do their best to assist you to learn the actual process and I found Mr. Mackenzie to be an incredibly patient teacher of it. I have absolute appreciation for all his help.
Through this experience I have gained a greater understanding and appreciation for my local community and its people by the amazing positive interactions I've been able to have with them. Helping to tell their local stories, I find a greater connection to my own and my place in Our story and that is an intangible -yet truly quantifiable benefit.
It's given me skills I've always wanted to pursue and new goals and ideas about what I can accomplish.
It gave me greater confidence to pursue more of the activities that I enjoyed in a professional environment and now I am using those skills in a position of community engagement for our city. I owe a great deal of thanks to Shaw and their staff, Mr. Mackenzie in particular for being so open and hospitable to me coming in and letting me into the action in front of and behind the camera. They make participating easy and enjoyable. Everyone from local staff to regional managers, hosts and other on-air talent has found time for me to answer questions, guide progress and connect on a personal level.
If anything I would like to request more funding and continued support for our local stations, hosts, and community programing that do what Shaw TV does for our City, connect the dots between public interest, big picture and topical subjects, and combine it in a way that brings great positive results to our local community. As I read the discussion I found myself wholeheartedly agreeing with many of the sentiments expressed and I'd like to partially quote Sarah King from Alberta in closing if I may -
" There should be allowance for community shows to have sponsors. (great idea)
Dear CRTC, please continue with the fine broadcasting of Shaw TV and increase local support and funding,..
Shaw TV is a vital component to this community, to all communities.
Public broadcasting is like public libraries — it serves a valuable community and educational function......(as well as often emotionally supporting those whose stories are told and who receive community support as a result )
Public broadcasters – both TV and radio – aim to serve a broad cross section of the public in their local communities – including people of all ages, economic levels, interests, and ethnicities. To do so they select and air programs produced by Shaw TV and other community based public broadcasting and also by other non-profit organizations.
Removal of any part of Shaw TVs funding or any funding for community access television has the potential to cause serious and irreversible damage any – or all – of the programs whose production and distribution it supports. ....
It is self-evident that we, locally, provincially and federally, need vibrant, sustainable public media that offer diverse content, will meet the unique needs of local communities and serve the public interest. And we need to ensure a steady stream of funding...
Please do not take it away!!!!!! PLEASE provide and allow the continued funding, support and regulations to remain in place to provide community access individuals and organizations the ability to access community based public broadcasting." (End of quoted comments)

Thank you
- Mike Brown

I have been volunteering with ShawTV Calgary for over five years. Unlike most of the people who have entered the program during that time, I came to Shaw with no broadcast experience whatsoever. I was looking for something new and interesting to try, and was told about the volunteer program by someone already involved. After attending several workshops, I was given the opportunity to work on a few real shows - at first as a switch, and then later as a camera op. Eventually I was given the chance to try directing, and loved it. I now direct on average two shows a week, and have accumulated over 1900 volunteer hours with ShawTV. Moving forward, I hope to use the experience I've gained through community programming in a career in film or television - and without having a background in broadcasting, that would not have been possible without our local volunteer program.
As far as our local coverage on Channel 10 is concerned, I see two main benefits:
The first is our coverage of minor league sporting events. In the time I've been with ShawTV, we've covered the local Lacross team, a southern Alberta Baseball league, Highschool Basketball championships and many WHL games, just to name a few. These broadcasts give the player's families and the team's fans the opportunity to watch the game if they cannot attend in person, and record the broadcast for posterity if they like. Most of these events aren't high enough profile for the regular sports channels, so without ShawTV's involvement they wouldn't be broadcast at all.
The second benefit is local programming that likely wouldn't have a large enough audience draw to justify being on a standard channel, but is still appreciated by the hundreds or thousand who do tune in.
For a few examples: I worked on a show called Canvas that was done by a local painter. She gave basic instruction on different techniques from episode to episode. As the show was airing I found out that several people I knew were watching Canvas, and had no idea I was involved in the production (I assume because they didn't read the credits - I know I was in there!).
I also direct an English/French production called Hello/Bonjour Alberta (formerly Hello/Bonjour Calgary - we expanded) that is one of the very few Alberta-produced programs that is at least half in French. Since we have a fairly large bilingual population, I see that as a valuable service to the community, both for informing people about the French heritage in our province, or to notify them about local orginisations or upcoming events. It is also personally helpful for forcing me to practice my increasingly rusty French.
Finally, I work on a show named CalgaryNow, where our host interviews local experts on issues facing Calgarians. We've covered such topics as a sour gas well being built next to a local neighbourhood, urban chicken raising, solutions to homelessness, the introduction of the Uber ride-sharing service, local restaurants for fine dining, the controversy surrounding the CalgaryNext sporting complex (we even got Ken King for that one! - which means something to Calgarians.) and many, many more. Some of these stories are covered by local news, but with our program we can dedicate a half hour to a single topic, and really discuss it in-depth. This also gives our guests the opportunity to really explain their position, without having to cram it into a couple-minute sound bite.
Overall I'm quite pleased with my experience with ShawTV Calgary, and expect to be involved in one way or another for some time.

I live and work on southern Vancouver Island. I find my time just as valuble as any big tv corporation and need to get my local content. For some reason someone has decided that all the big money we spend on cable should not go to suport our local programing. How that is even posible eludes me. I need to know what is relivent on my Island. Please do not distroy what makes Vancouver Island awesome...our communitys.

I would like to comment on supporting local Community Television. Shaw TV has been a staple part of television for the community of Winnipeg and surrounding areas of Manitoba.
We are very fortunate to have a television station that supports local entertainment and non for profit groups and stories that are important to the community.
Shaw supports our charity with helping to raise the awarness of our stories and fund raising efforts. We have been very fortunate to have worked with Shaw for over 15 years on many different levels.
The approach they take on telling stories with care and dignity of our clients and a positive manner, they are and advoacte, help to steward the resources of the story and share our mission and values with the public.
Often people share with us that they saw our story on Shaw TV and were impressed with the content and did not know that small fun facts about our charity with the support of Shaw we were able to tell that story.
Shaw TV is a resource that is valuabe to community and they are strong philanthropists witin our great City always attending events with camera in hand.
THANK YOU!

I have always been a supporter of public television and value its uniquely personal perspective of a community. If you want to “feel the pulse” of a city, a great start would be tuning in to the local Public Broadcaster as you are sure to gain insights that you might otherwise be unaware of. Whether you are new to a place or have called it home most of your life, there are always discoveries to make, events to participate in and causes to ignite your civic spirit. All made known to the public courtesy of the Public Broadcaster. Surely in all corners of this great country, citizens are presented with similar content and we should all be thankful for it. To me, public access is rooted in our unique culture and it is that integrity that seeks to endure today. There are some who would diminish the relevance of this media in today’s fast-paced society, but that would be a mistake, the cost of which, might only be possible to measure in time. The impatient, the historically challenged and the greedy have all sought to “chip away” at many of the older morals and concepts that founded this country. It is my sincere hope that this valuable local resource continues to flourish and is not numbered among those who have been the target for such negative attention.

Since my first visit to the iconic Sunwapta Broadcasting facility in the late sixties, I have been compelled to be a part of the broadcast industry. Unfortunately, life doesn't always turn out the way we hoped when we were kids, but a small part of that dream has remained with me throughout my other chosen professions. I became aware of an Open House being held at the Shaw TV Studios in Edmonton three years ago and attended with a lifelong enthusiasm. I was delighted to meet people whom I can best describe as having chosen their career paths wisely. Everyone was happy! I was immediately struck by the amazing attitude these people possessed and knew immediately I had to try and enter their amazing world - if only in a limited way.

The volunteer coordinator at the time was Mr. Kim Harrold whom I have since come to respect a great deal. His efforts to organize workshops and volunteers during those first few wide-eyed days were unforgettable! I dove into every class they offered and soon after, the "Crew Calls" began finding their way to my inbox. I found myself participating in a wide variety of production work! Everything from serving as a TVA to some VERY talented videographers during the Oil Kings' amazing 2014 playoff run to my now-favourite task of Video Switcher. :) Since then I have come to discover that my exposure to their operations is limited only by my interest and time constraints as these people are always willing to show me just about anything I care to learn! To date my volunteer experience includes such things as Scorebug operator during a live CIS football broadcast, CCU Shader, Camera operator, Switcher & TVA. I have my favourite assignments, but can expect the opportunity to learn several other aspects of the business as well. I am also pleased to have met some very dedicated volunteers like Sarah King who epitomizes what a volunteer can aspire to. Her knowledge and capacity for “dumb” questions seems to be without end and like Kim, I have come to respect her both for her knowledge and dedication, but also for her personal resilience, as she has achieved no small measure of success despite significant challenge. There are many people like Sarah at Shaw TV Edmonton. Both full-time employees and dedicated volunteers. The one thing they all share is a genuine affection for what they are doing and after being involved for a few years, I am definitely of the same mindset. I am literally a better person for my experience and it is one I would never have had without the generousity of Shaw TV in Edmonton!

Now that I am a part of this great team, I am truly proud of the work we do and value my participation in bringing talented people from my own community to the public eye. The incredible diversity and hidden talents Shaw TV consistently unearths never ceases to amaze me! A credit to their administration and developers, I'm sure. For me, that remains perhaps the biggest “perk” of this volunteer work. A chance to explore your own community and to share those discoveries with everyone! All the while embracing the technologies you've been contemplating your entire life! I have never earned a dime from my volunteer hours, yet I still feel richer for the experience. Moving forward, I am pleased to have discovered new and fascinating aspects of the industry I hadn't even considered! I should be well-engaged for as long as Shaw is willing to have me.

The opportunities afforded everyday people to learn the business from the Production standpoint or develop material of their own, is truly remarkable and instills in me, a stronger sense of civic pride. Both for the simple fact that the offer is being made, and that people are taking advantage! This mixture of community and technology has the potential for some very compelling results and I am happy to be a part of the team that produces and broadcasts this mosaic of local talents.

Sincerely,
Trent S. Bureyko
Edmonton, AB

I fully support local community television. Shaw TV is a staple in the Wood Buffalo region – we rely on it as it’s our only locally-based television channel and for its support of countless worthy causes in our community. They’ve provided my organization the means to share its story to a wide audience, when this otherwise may not have been possible. They’re always been wonderful to work with. They take great pride in their work, and always ensure they approach stories in a respectful and tasteful manner. The quality of the production is very good and I also appreciate that many of our segments are added to YouTube for easy shareability with our stakeholders. Shaw TV is a truly valuable asset to Fort McMurray and they are our true advocates.

As an employment and community facilitator with The Progressive Alternatives Society of Calgary, I have had the pleasure of supporting a young man with developmental disabilities in a volunteer role at Shaw TV. Shaw TV has been able to provide this individual with an assortment of learning opportunities that have lead to personal enrichment and growth.
The volunteer coordinator, Kirk Anderson, and I worked closely to craft a role for my client with tasks within the range of his capabilities that were interesting and fulfilling, as well as tasks that would be challenging and stimulating. Over the past 3 years and over 500 volunteer hours, this young man has had the opportunity to work with many different aspects of television production including: studio set-up, microphone testing, audio modulation for live television, working with an ENG camera, switching, going out on a live shoot, working the prompter for weather broadcasts, and video editing, among others. The personal growth I've seen in this young man over the course of our time with Shaw TV has been astounding; aside from building a portfolio of technical skills, he has shown much more confidence in every day life. This has allowed others to see that he has more to offer the world than his outward appearance may imply.
I would like to express my appreciation of the volunteer program operated by Shaw TV and the impact it continues to make on the life of the young man I support.

In Saskatoon and communities across the country, community television plays a very large role. Budgets are being slashed in newsrooms across the country both in television and in print. There isn't the time or the space to cover the local community like there use to be. Community television is vital to keep the community connected.
In Saskatoon, Shaw has had such a large role in my own success as an indepenedent producer of content. They've helped me grow and allowed me to get my feet wet while at the same time providing engaging content that highlights the community.
Now, more than ever, we need to step up and support community television.

It's not uncommon for me to have our local community channel on. It connects me to things in my community like no other stations can. I'm always curious to learn about and/or be turned onto local music, restaraunts, events and people.

Almost 8 years ago a committee I was apart of started an event called Chamber on Tap. It was an opportunity for people to come and network while learning about a local business owner or leader. It was an open forum for people to learn from the successes and failures of successful people in our community. It really wasn't that long before we started this that our Province was a "have not" Province. Success was hidden for fear of busines backlash. With our new government, a swing in the economy and influx of new people our Province was beginning to change. People were opening businesses, success was coming to us. It felt like there was no better time then to start sharing some of these stories with others to learn and grow from.
About 4 years ago we approached ShawTV to see if they woudl be interested in filming the program. After some meetings we filmed our first episode infront of a live audience. We've been filming 10 shows a year ever since. The crew and team have been amazing to work with. The exposure for our event and the stories has been tremendous. It's been a great platform to share lessons from the people that have had some great success. It's our people that make this province great, and Chamber on Tap has been a great testimony to this truth. Community television is one of the most sincere avenues to accomplish this.
It's been a pleasure working with ShawTV. We are grateful to have been able to partner with them.

I've been a viewer and participant of community television (Shaw TV Calgary) for several years. This week we've celebrated a milestone, my mom's 90th birthday which coincides with the invention of television on that same day. Many of us rely on television for information whether it relates to news, documentaries, sports, entertainment or other. As programming evolves on major networks, less time becomes available to issues surrounding local communities which is why I continue to tune in to local access TV to learn, engage and sometimes participate in events in my city and province.
In my high school year book were written these words in Latin: Knowledge is power. These words reflect my views and those of many. Knowledge is gained throughout a lifetime over a broad spectrum. Community TV is and always has been a key contributor to viewers who want learn and be informed on topics ranging from sewing to fishing to music to cooking and to many other valuable human concerns.

I have just recently become more involved with our local Shaw network, and I have to say that, in my short amount of time doing work with shaw it is a huge asset to this community! It brings to light, so many topics that would have otherwise gone un-noticed. The age of the news paper and the AM/FM radio is dying, but everyone tunes in to their televisions. I have personally benefited from this local network, and I have seen countless members of the community benefit from it as well. It is a huge resource in this small town of ours, so I see no reason why it would not be as such in other communities throughout the country.

I have worked with Shaw for 34 years as a host for a community program, Moose Jaw This Week. During this time I have enjoyed good cooperation and suport for the activities of our community. I am constantly amazed by the many times I am stopped on the street or in stores by people who comment on how much they enjoy the show, share thoughts on guests or are faithful viewers. It appears these local programs are important to them. The show's guests range from politicians at the local to national level, local to international athletes, entertainers of all sorts and local people wanting to share there events and programming with our viewers is a win win for us all. One doesn't always grasp the importance that this programming has and the service it provides for Moose Jaw's citizens. Our city council is covered weekly by Shaw and because of the personalities of our council members and the issues the council deals with on a weekly basis, it rivals many mainstream programming for ratings in our community!
For myself, I have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in over 1,100 shows and counting. Helping groups spread the word on the Terry Fox run, Sask Telemiracle or what it's like for one of our local athletes to perform on the world stage and brings me great satisfaction. I realize that the economics of today's world causes business to review and revise their funding priorities but do hope that programming such as Moose Jaw This Week are able to bring information and community spirit to our viewers for many years to come.

I have had the opportunity to work directly with Shaw TV in the creation and delivery of a community based TV series called GoFishBC on Shaw TV. 2016 will be our 6th season of delivering this programming. The goal of this series is to promote fishing and in particular family fishing opportunities in the Thompson/Okanagan and Upper Fraser Valley regions of BC. We feature a variety of fishing techniques and fishing locations that are all easily accessible and family friendly. Regular guests on the episodes include provincial fisheries biologists who provide information on fisheries management issues, local projects and up and coming fisheries to watch for. Local businesses are partners with the lead sponsor, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, in the sponsorship of the series which is comprised of six, 15 minute episodes that repeat air during the prime fishing season of May through September. I host the series and work directly with Shaw cameramen/producers, who shoot, edit and produce interstiitials for sponsors. In 2015 the series aired in the Kamloops, Kelowna, east and west Kootenays and the greater Chilliwack areas of BC. The series has been very popular and continues to have a strong following, due in part to the Channel listing guide that all Shaw TV subscribers see on the community channel.
Staff from Shaw TV have always been enthusiastic and willing to work on this series. In my opinion, everyone benefits from this community based relationship.

Brian Chan
Angling Advisor to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC

Our local Shaw TV (Lethbridge) station is a valuable resource when it comes to finding out about what is going on in our community and who is involved. The University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts regularly takes full advantage of the opportunity to promote and to increase awareness about myriad performances, plays, concerts, art exhibitions and special events among a local audiences through Shaw TV. This is done through interviews with university students, professors, directors and staff as well as performance excerpts from plays or musical pieces. The ability to easily and efficiently connect with a local audiences is significant way to increase attendance and profile building.
The Shaw staff are professional and sincerely interested in what goes on in the community and that comes across in the program they create. For art, music, and drama, television is the perfect medium of expression and our local Shaw TV enables us to reach our target audience, which translates into tickets sales and an increased awareness the depth and breadth of the activities going on in our community.
Local community television is vital to the life of our cultural community.

Our SHAW community channel in Port Alberni, a small city on the west coast of Vancouver Island, offers a vital and vibrant window, meeting place and information showcase for the life of this community. The interviews and stories on this channel are professionally produced by a team of local journalists active in the community, who able to bring to expression those activities, opportunities and initiatives that make up the mosaic of our lives here, in this place.
This medium has become even more necessary as we are now served by only one, twice weekly local newspaper. So often I hear: "I saw you on Channel Four today" or "We saw on TV that your group is holding a dance... or concert...or fundraiser..." or "Did you see that piece on the high school basketball tournament.?... or Parks & Rec's workshop on gardening.?...or the interviews about Art Rave 2016?"
Our community channel - and the very competent, personable and dedicated people who produce the programming and train others -is invaluable to the well-being of the Alberni Valley.
I watch the community channel several times each week, both to monitor the running banner of events and notices, and to watch at least one round of the interviews and stories, to keep up with what's going on in town, to hear and see about the people active in the community. Every time, I find captured there a sense of "who we are". I believe that this is essential to the health of our community.
I do miss the longer interviews and stories which are now broken into shorter segments (bytes?) with unrelated bits interspersed. I feel that this formatting holds one's attention less and makes getting the whole sense of the piece very taxing - and often annoying. Having at least some longer pieces would be most welcome.
Please look after community programming!!!!

I have been a volunteer with Shaw Cable Channel 10 in Thunder Bay for the past 2 years. I have enjoyed and appreciated the role as host of a local community programming show called In Your Neighbourhood. Through interviewing guests each week, I see first hand the impact local programming has on community. Groups, organizations, charities and more are able to get their message out about important programs, events, fundrasiers, educational opportunities, social and economic programs and so much more that make communities stronger, safer and healthier knowing about the causes, programs and services that are available. This platform is crucial for many charities and not for profit organizations to share their message with those that need it most. Community programing is essiential and vital for building strong and caring communities and keeping Canadians informed.

I first worked with Shaw TV creating a series of segments on growing a giant pumpkin as a way to promote Sault Ste. Marie's 1st. annual Giant Pumpkin festival in 2012. The segments helped make the festival a huge success. This lead to regular garden segments on Shaw TV and now there is the possiblity of a Northern Gardening Show. The response from the local public is unbelieveable and a bit overwealming at times. This tells me that:
1) The local shaw channel is watched by a majority of the public.
2) The public in small communities is starved for local programming and content.
Small communities relie on local community TV, like Shaw for promoting local events and relaying relative local information. I have found the local TV is most effective resources available when promoting a local event. I am looking foreward this season to working with Shaw on Sault Ste. Marie's 4th annual Giant Pumpkin Festival and The Northern Gardener Show.

I am a volunteer and community producer for OutlookTV which is broadcast on Shaw TV as part of the Vancouver Access Community Television channel. I am retired and started volunteering when OutlookTV was relaunched in 2012 as a half hour LGBTQ magazine style television program and the only one of it’s kind in Canada. We now produce two shows a month and include reports from across Canada from our volunteers in Halifax, Toronto and Saskatoon. I know from first hand comments by members of the LTBTQ community that our coverage of their stories are important to them and many people approach us at events and thank us for our efforts. Our volunteer base includes a varied age range from 20 to the over 65 seniors like myself which encourages intergenerational cooperation on a broad scale. I have witnessed how inclusive we are as a volunteer crew as we all work to our common goal of producing a positive style LGBTQ magazine show. In 2015 the LGBTQ community in Canada lost it’s printed community newspapers which increases the importance of our voice on community television. I personally have benefited greatly from working on OutlookTV to develop my camera and editing skills under the mentorship of the local Shaw TV producer. Many of our crew have taken free training provided by Shaw TV and by applying that knowledge in the production of our show have enhanced their personal goals and careers.

Community programming is an important way for people within Medicine Hat to keep in touch with what is happening. The Interpretive Program, based in Police Point Park, has worked with the local SHAW staff for many years to produce a brief weekly segment. Sometimes it promotes upcoming events, sometimes it is some nature nugget or historical note. And people often comment that they have seen us on tv, and ask us more about the topic or the event. It is a wonderful way to get people interested and thinking about what is going on.
The staff from SHAW are always fun to work with and very supportive of our projects. They work with our year round staff, our students, and our volunteers, and make us all look good on tv. Their expertise and enthusiasm carries over into the attitude of viewers who specifically look for our latest segments.
Community programming builds community.

Living in Northern BC, CommunityTelevision plays a key role. It offers a very direct way to keep people in the pulse of what is going on in their community all the time. Its visual, and can send a far more powerful message than other stationary means of communication. Its' local, can assimilate the feel of the area. Until you live in the north, or somewhat remote communities, you can't realize how powerful this is. We rely on community television to provide us with information, be we also rely on it to send messaging on our behalf. Its valued because of the local feel it provides. Its far more intimate than larger broadcasting that provides the global messaging... it hits us at home, where we live, and what we can be involved in, watch out for, look forward too, or be in touch with. It allows us to interact with our neck of the woods at a different, and far more profound level, than that of the stations located in larger cities. To change, alter, decrease, or cancel any of this would be a huge detriment and hit to the North.
I echo previous comments in support of Community Television and Programming. This is an absolute necessity and terrific communication tool if used correctly. In fact, enhancing, promoting, expanding and broadening it should be where the discussion should go.

Community TV from Shaw cable is an important means of local and national information. I volunteer to help direct a community based program to help people gain insight into their community and lives. Please help keep this Important link to local programs,events and information alive for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Bruce C. Heil
Dryden Ontario.

I have recently started working with Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. It raises funds in support of programs and services assisting children and youth with disabilities and health challenges throughout Vancouver island. Shaw Cable provides local community television programming for Vancouver Island and they have been very helpful in promoting events that our Foundation and other local charities hold in order to provide much-needed services in the community. They have been an annual sponsor of our regular "Bear Wear" public fundraising event in December. I understand they also created and aired a segment about Jeneece Place, our home away from home for families needing to come to Victoria for medical care for their children. As our Foundation supports programs throughout Vancouver Island we really appreciate that Shaw's programming also covers this same territory, building an important sense of community island-wide. On a more personal note, our 25 year-old son who has special needs, has also gained skills and confidence as a volunteer camera person with Shaw's community programming which we, as a family, are very grateful for.

Mississauga is Canada’s sixth largest city and the team from Rogers TV Peel continues to provide an important community service to our residents. Rogers TV Peel broadcasts daily news, cultural, healthy living, and current event programs about Mississauga and the broader Peel Region – representing nearly 1.3 million people.
Rogesr TV Peel is also the only channel to broadcast live proceedings of Mississauga City Council.
Rogers TV is an important forum that allows all Mississauga residents to better understand, appreciate and celebrate the diversity of our community. A number of the community programs aired are developed and hosted by new Canadians.
As Mayor, I am fortunate that Rogers TV also allows me the opportunity to broadcast my own live call-in television show: #CrombieConnects. This allows me to connect with residents and inform them about news, events and issues coming out of City Hall. My predecessor Hazel McCallion also had a live call-in show, which was produced by Rogers TV staff.
During municipal, provincial and federal elections Rogers TV also hosts local candidate debates. Mississauga continues to be an important battleground during elections and Rogers TV helps ensure voters are informed about the issues, the candidates, and can be better prepared to participate in our local democratic process.
Finally, I want to thank the team of professionals, students and volunteers from Rogers TV who do all the behind the scenes work. Rogers TV Peel continues to be a popular co-op placement for students in high school and college considering careers in broadcast journalism. A number of celebrated names in broadcasting have gone through the studios at Rogers TV Peel and on to promising careers in media and communications.
Rogers TV Peel has an important place in our community, as it helps to elevate the quality of life our community – enjoyed by residents of all ages.
Bonnie Crombie,
Mayor of Mississauga

I would like to add my voice and that of the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan, BC to support our local Shaw TV station in Victoria.
We are a small non-for-profit group with limited resources for public programming and advertising, however through our ongoing relationship with our Shaw Go! Island crew, we have grown in both our number of visitors and our number of educational programs. I look forward personally to watching our local Shaw programming for the artistic and cultural content and the relevance this speaks to in my own life.
I must advocate strongly for the importance of community television and specially our local Shaw TV channel.
Thank you,
Jenna Charles
BC Forest Discovery Centre

I have been volunteering with the local Shaw community television show for almost a year now and I have to say that I see it as an integral and important community service. It not only provides an invaluable opportunity to the volunteers to learn new skills and feel a part of something meaningful but it provides the local community an opportunity to share and know about what is happening in and around the surrounding area. Shaw community TV provides support and opportunies to hundreds if not thousands of people in the community. It would be a big loss and create a big hole if Shaw community television was lost.

Shaw Cable has been a valuable partner of Prince Albert Multicultural Council for several years. Almost all of PAMC’s events and activities have been promoted by Shaw Cable. Our annual cultural festival, Tapestrama, has been successfully advertised in part because of Shaw Cable and is therefore very well attended by many Prince Albert residents. Similarly, the Canada Day celebrations held in Kinsmen park that are organized by PAMC every year owe their success in part due to the promotion of them by Shaw Cable. Also noteworthy is Shaw Cable’s faithful yearly coverage of PAMC’s week-long event, “Christmas at City Hall”, where school choirs from around the city perform during the noon-hour every December. The footage of each choir’s performance is diffused on Shaw Cable T.V. all through the Christmas holidays. Parents of the school children and many other community members, really appreciate having these memories broadcasted for the city to enjoy. All in all, PAMC’s partnership with Shaw Cable is beyond compare and will certainly continue to enrich this agency’s connection to the community in years to come.

As a Victoria BC resident, I reguarly watch Shaw TV for local news in Victoria and on Vancouver Island. Shaw is amazing at covering and supporting local news and initiatives. Much of their programming helps bring communities together by sheding light on some of the great initiatives that are taking place in our backyard. For example, I am involved with a private sponsorship group that is bringing a Syrian refugee family to Victoria. Shaw heard about our initiative and did an informative indepth peice on our project that helped draw attention to how ordinary citizens can make a difference. As a result of their news story we received generous donations and heard from other people who were inspired to help in various ways. Please support Shaw in continuing to do the great work that they are doing.

As a small non profit located in Duncan, BC on Vancouver Island, we have a very limited marketing and promotion budget. All the staff at our local Shaw TV office have been incredibly supportive over the past 10 years! All the people who work there, have been very professional, have conducted great interviews, and have put together really amazing clips of our programs and initatives. We do get inquiries after a segment has run on TV and all their hard work has meant a lot to us and our participants. We always enjoy working together and look forward to many more years of strong partnerhip.

I have found the Shaw Cable representatives fantastic to deal with in providing free promotions for our annual Billy Barker Days Festival in Quesnel. The community channel Cable 10 tapes and plays back our annual parade, interviews with various directors and executive members prior to the July Festival and live taping during the Festival events both in our park and elsewhere in the community. They have helped promote this Festival for many years and are one of our key sponsors giving the public information on this free festival considered one of the largest and longest-running (42nd year in 2015) free family events in the Province. Our Society does not have the funding to pay for advertising so without this community channel, we may not have the attendance to allow the Festival to continue.
Shaw Cable 10 also provides coverage of our city council meetings and has a bulletin board able to promote other community groups to which I belong, giving the local residents a chance to attend artistic films, travel and educational presentations at the Library and other live arts' events as they come to the community for one day.
Maureen

CRTC Review, Letter of Support for Shaw Communications in Saskatchewan

Multiple sclerosis is Canada’s disease, and impacts communities across the country, especially communities in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan MS rates are among the highest in the world. With a disease that is so prevalent in the province, partnering with another community minded organization is important to raise public awareness. The MS Society in Saskatchewan has partnered with Shaw Communications in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Swift Current and Moose Jaw since 2014 on a variety of successful initiatives which have been integral in raising the profile of the MS Society, the work we do and public education and acceptance of the disease.

Shaw Communications began by partnering with the MS Society to provide marketing and publicity for the Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk in Saskatoon and have since expanded their support by hosting a rest stop along the route and coordinating and managing the Kids Zone. Shaw TV not only provided advertising about our walk which is our signature fundraising event, but also produced segments about what life is like with MS. These public education segments allowed the MS Society to put a local face to the disease, and empowered people living with MS in the province to share their personal journey and offer information and hope to others. Shaw staff also participated in the MS Walk events as a team, raising funds, volunteering and providing support to make the events a success.

The stories produced and aired in Saskatchewan communities through Shaw TV were important to the MS Society for many reasons; they were local and relatable while engaging and empowering our walkers and members who live with the disease to be a spokesperson and to be more active in fighting to end MS. Shaw TV led the development of these segments and offered an opportunity to the MS Society to leverage the exposure to further our mission of improving the quality of life for those living with MS.

The ability to partner with an organization such as Shaw Communications has been a valuable addition to the MS Society’s activities in Saskatchewan greater than was originally imagined. It has enabled us as an organization to feature all the areas of our work and communicate them in an effective, engaging and professional way.
Maggie Lens
Manager, Development - North Saskatchewan

I was a champion for ShawTV-4 Port Alberni Community Programming ! With the recent changes in the content, they have lost me.
Char's Landing 19+ Public House in Port Alberni. We are proud to be the heart of our community and host a wide variety of community events including meetings, open mics, potlucks, concerts, plays, fundraisers etc. We are open 365+ days a year, we have thousands of regulars, but are very low budget and rely heavily on word of mouth and our community partners.
Shaw TV Port Alberni has been a tremendous supporter/promoter of our community events all around Alberni Valley. Many of our guests confirm they saw the event on Shaw's ticker tape message board or had caught it on Go! Island, or the new Art Avenue segment. I have been the community producer of hundreds of programs between ShowtimeZ and a year of highlighting Port Alberni singer/songwriters in the various venues about town as well as a vast variety of programs that I have encouraged others to produce.
Over the past 5 years, it has been a true pleasure to work with our ShawTV Port Alberni on-air personalities and their professionalism as well as their commitment to our community seems endless. Darren Evans, Nancy Wilmot & Jenny Fortin continually look for the angle that will grip the audience the best and tell our stories in a memorable way.
I used to watch ShawTV-4 for hours every day and kept my venue television on the channel for my customers. I personally championed many commercial shops around town to keep their televisions on ShawTV-4 and we all benefitted from the joy our customers would have when they would see someone or some place they knew about town.
Sadly, times have changed and due to the new content on ShawTV-4, I no longer feel a connection. They lost me. I seldom can find go! Magazine or go! Extra and I find the programs in-between are just not interesting for myself, nor for my customers, so now I have moved to Channel 111 BC1. Here I have found the repetition of programs that are consistently familiar & interesting to myself and my guests. This is comforting, brings pride, and I believe a community channel should offer that.
I continue to be a ShawTV customer, both voice and data, but I do not support the changes that have been made to our beloved ShawTV-4 community channel. I have personally discussed my concerns with our on-air personalities, and while I sympathize with all of you, I think you have lost sight of the need and appreciation of this very important asset to our community. Community Programming is the conduit to spread the good word and bring colour and joy to our homes and businesses. I mourn the loss.
Dear decision makers of CRTC. I beg you to not loose sight of the importance, and of your role, in how Shaw-TV builds our community.
Charlene Patterson
owner/operator Char's Landing 19+ Public House, Port Alberni, BC
the heart of our community

I am writing as the ambassador of Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. Our mandate is to raise funds for our community hospital. One of our most important sustainable revenue streams is through our event portfolio
We host a bi-annual gala (800 guests) and The Celebration of Hope,a ladies luncheon (1000 guests). Rogers TV York is instrumental in helping us to produce these events. With regard to the luncheon event mentioned, Rogers tapes the entire show, edits content down to 1 hour and airs the event numerous times post event.
Government can't fund all equipment and other priority needs. Markham Stouffville Hospital must rely on commmunity support to drive innovation and enable growth. It is the support of Rogers TV that helps ensure that our still growing community continues to receive the excellent patient care it relies on today and in the future.
Rogers TV contribution is beneficial to our hospital. It provides the vehicle we rely on to carry our message to our community.
Thank you
Allan Bell
Director Community Relations & Corporate Partnerships
Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

Shaw TV Red Deer came aboard as our largest media sponsor in covering our event in Olds, Alberta, the inaugural Oldstoberfest: The World's First Bavarian Rodeo. Shaw's support has been essential in our festival's success. Our spectator numbers were exceptional for our first year, allowing us to continue our event down the road. The sport of Rodeo owe's much to Shaw, as there has never been a shortage in support when it comes to coverage of rodeos. Without organizations such as Shaw TV, our heritage, and way of life would not be what they are today!
Gillian Shields,
General Manager, Oldsoberfest

As a communications coordinator, I have the pleasure of working with community programming, Shaw TV. Watching the community channel offers viewers an idea of what is happening locally. This is something that proves impactful in more distanced communities, like mine of Fort McMurray. Knowing that our community has a local voice and an outlet for our stories is an uplifting thing. I watch Shaw TV on social media as well, their local social media presence is amazing for sharing stories and communicating event. It is great to see an organization that is submerged into the community and covers subjects like higher education fundraisers, community theatre events, outreach programs, children’s event and much more. My experience has been amazing in collaboration with Shaw TV - Fort McMurray. Together we have gotten the word out about amazing activities, made youth drama camp participants feel like super stars, and provided backstage glimpses to some of the regions' most amazing events.

Community programming is important to our region, the businesses and organizations that operate here and the people who call it home.

I have been hosting a show called the Asian Vibes on Shaw TV, Channel 10 in Thunder Bay since 2015. The show highlights and profiles the growing and dynamic Asian Community through the contribution they make in the areas of academics, research, art, culture, health, sports etc in Thunder Bay. For a minority multi-cultural community, the show offers a platform to feel the sights and sounds of the community..to feel its pulse and to educate, inform a wider group of communities about vibrant, colorful cultures and festivities. For the Asian community, it gives us a feeling of connection to Thunder Bay, a sense of belonging, an attachment, especially to the new immigrants. The Program Coordinators have been most encouraging in promoting and echoing the multicultural vibes in the community - the true essence of this place. They gave me freedom to choose my subjects and topics of discussions, which have ranged from professional development, career avenues, academics and research, dance, music, cuisine etc..

There are also two academic institutions in Thunder Bay – Lakehead University and Confederation Collage that attracts large number of Asian/ International students. The show has invited Asian students to share their community experiences.

Community programmes and local channels such as these only enhances community cohesiveness...and are great assets to small communities.

I am writing on behalf of the Victoria Cool Aid Society, a local organization employing almost 300 people in 14 sites across the region, where my role is Community Relations.
Shaw TV’s community coverage is extensive and goes back as long as I can remember in this community (over 20 years). It fills a unique void in the broadcast arena, as their Go! program, and other offerings over the years, focus not on the “hard news” well covered by other local TV stations, but on the “soft news” about community initiatives, businesses, individuals and organizations doing important work in the community that is often not well known.
Shaw TV is not a “news release chaser”. Instead, they dig under the surface, day-to-day stories, to examine longer-term trends and ongoing community initiatives that might otherwise go unknown and unrecognized.
Their staff produce short, investigative pieces on a variety of topics each day, providing a well-rounded view of positive developments in the community. This format and the stories told on Shaw are not repeated on other TV stations.
Whenever a Cool Aid story appears on Shaw, I hear about it from our supporters, staff and in social media. Shaw is well connected to the community and their programs are widely enjoyed.
Shaw has, from time to time, assisted Cool Aid by producing a free video Public Service Announcement, and has also offered for our charitable society to use their video editing equipment and software.
I understand that the broadcast industry is currently in a critical period, where revenues have been shrinking along with audiences. Nevertheless, according to the industry news I read, TV continues to be the largest single source of local news and community information.
Cool Aid believes that community TV is essential in supporting and helping build local identity and support for positive community initiatives. We would applaud any effort by the CRTC to support local community TV and news to ensure this critical informational resource is not lost, particularly in smaller communities where it is harder to support.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to Canadians about community TV.
Sincerely,
Alan Rycroft
Victoria Cool Aid Society
arycroft@CoolAid.org

As a Ladysmith resident and a Nanaimo professional there has never been more reason in the course of time with respect to communication and media technologies than now to 'not only' continue to produce local community television but to enhance and invest in it further now that print media technologies are declining and closing. This is the sign of the times and people are and have moved to on-line communications and any visual outputs such a local programming to recieve their 'informed' intake. I personally have discontinued purchasing newspapers and moved toward on-line media information sources and I have also made community television a weekly routine at specific time -slots to learn and understand what is really going on in the community as well as what exists within it.
The impact local community television has on communities is vital to collaboration, pride of place, commerce and politics within that region. From schools to business communities, arts to culture, and everything and everyone in between, local community programming touches on elements and events that matter.
I sought our local SHAW TV to be a part of a first-ever KID Conference that was designed to assist children 12 years old and under and their families to learn about the support services and resources within the community simultaneous to interactive learning envirionments for children. It was a huge success and Shaw TV was instrumental in communicating to the island region about the event prior to its commencement. In addition their team came on-site and was engaged with children recruiting their voice during the event. Not only did this add a great element to a child's experience with interviewing and speaking to the camera, but it gave voice to a very important demographic when asked how they might change the world. These are things that matter above and beyond.
It would be doing a dis-service to all of those mentioned should the candid and informative presence of local community television programming be removed form airwaves. It is time that the CRTC and corporate entities see the opportunities and benefits that lie in community programming. If costs are prohibitive and or viewership is less than ideal then consider a live-stream on-line as a dual compliment to bridge the two so that the transition is clean. Visual communication is here to stay- it's the clever and savvy that will ensure its resilliency and the opportunity is there, particularily when print media declines more and more. As people age and younger generations grow- television as we know it and the internet will be one in the same. In the end, regardless of outcomes, we all love to learn, see and hear about the people and places we know and care about. Local community television programming is pivotal in bringing those elements together.

Local community Television is effective in reaching ourt to the general public. This localized coverage is paramount to what goes on in a community. I, for one supoort keeping it alive, and not reducing the channel space with outside interference from faraway places.Keep Shaw-TV local community TV. I have worked with it in getting information out to the public, and have also been behind the camera learning what it takes to make a program in school. Its important to keep it up. Cheers, Les Gardner

I am President of a medium-sized not-for-profit in the Cowichan Valley, and have to say that we have a very good working relationship with Shaw Cable ... They are interested in our work, and willing to create stories that are engaging and that lead to results for us, in terms of engaging more people into our programs. It always amazes me how frequently people have caught the stories on TV! We are grateful to have such a responsive service in our community.

Local programming is the only thing on TV that makes sense for you to support on behalf of Canadians. The big broadcasting businesses will continue to fund their favourite audience gathering and advertisment selling programs regardless of what you do. As we move towards a more "global" community, it has never been more important to maintain the "local" perspectives on these issues. It is a very basic human characteristic to build "community" from local, and usually small, groups first. Only if that exists and is grounded can the local sense of "community" be rolled up into national and global identities.
Local programming supports community in a major fashion. As the President of a major charitable organization in my community we depend on our local communication tools to ensure that we know where we are needed and what we can hopefully acheive. The recent shutdown of local community newspapers (bought out by a large chain) will continue the erosion of our local community unless it is supported financially and ethically by you.

Hello
Thank you for letting our comments be voiced (typed)
I recently moved back to Dryden and have to say I turned to Shaw TV Dryden to find out about the local election happening at the time..local events..made me smile as I recognized people
Shortly after I created and produce my own local program ..that brings enjoyment..just as all the other locally produced shows..from entertainment to awareness ..the comments in our town is always the same...so happy you do this from home. ..I am positive other local producers hear the same.
Walk into a local hospital sitting room..local programming. ..walk in to any seniors home common room..chances are it's community television ....and the programming in our doctors offices..the same..for some people it's the main way of receiving local news and events
You cannot take local programming and community television away..Shaw TV helps bond this town into a community to be proud of
Annie Soto
Card Reads by Annie /producer creator
Community Member
In love ..light...and respect

The CRTC is irrelevant in today's digital age. What a waste of time and money.

Our local community television is provided by Shaw Cable in Chilliwack BC. I am a member of the Chilliwack Dogwood Monarch Lions Club and we run an online Bingo every Thursday at 6pm on our local cable channel. This Bingo also includes Lions Clubs in Agassiz BC and Hope BC. We have been running this Bingo for almost 20 years and in that time have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of those in need in our local communities. It would not have been possible without the unending support of Shaw Cable and the Staff at their Chilliwack location. I am also a viewer of Shaw community programing as it is sadly in our modern world one of the very few sources of information about what is going on in our local community. In a world where local newspapers struggle and news coverage on the major networks rarely cover with news that is important to those in rural Canada. The large cities seem well covered while those living in outlying communities struggle with social and economic problems in the dark. I would hope that the CRTC not only supports local community cable that presently exists but can also somehow help it spread across small communities in Canada where often now the only news available is by word of mouth or social media.

I have been volunteering with Shaw TV Nanaimo for three years. I've had a great time participating in the programming, and have learned skills that have allowed me to pursue the career I've always wanted.

As the manager of a small museum in the Cowichan Valley who has worked with Shaw's professional and enthusastic reporters since 2004, I would like to add my support to the continuation of the outstanding work they do of promoting the many exhibits and programs we have delivered over the years. The coverage Shaw cable provides about what we have to offer to residents and visitors is essential. The interviews and stories that are posted on YouTube are often sited as the reason a visitor has walked through our doors; increased attendance is only one of the many benefits we enjoy because of the coverage by Shaw.
The Shaw pieces about historical events, people, and our built heritage in the the Cowichan Valley fosters interest in who we were and who we are now. Shaw's support of non-profits like ours is integral to the well being of our community. We would be poorer for its loss.

I myself personally have been grateful to have shaw tv cover many of my events as a promoter of local events.
HUGE thumbs up to the work they do!

In a world that bombards a person constantly with global news (usually negative), Shaw TV feels like a breath of fresh air. I love learning about the positive things going on right in my city by the people in my community.
I have the privilege of volunteering with my local Shaw TV. The staff are welcoming, encouraging and enjoy teaching. They treat me like part of the team, are happy to help and are quick to show appreciation for my small contributions.
Because of Shaw's outstanding volunteer program, I have been able to reach my dream of becoming a show host-something I did not have the skills or capita to do on my own.
Please support your local Shaw TV station making a difference in your city, one positive broadcast at a time.

Whether it's support of local community organizations, initiatives, projects & events (like our annual CV Telethon), or locally produced original content (like my own independent & co-productions), Shaw Community TV Cable Channel Four delivers to the people of the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Thanks for being who you are & doing what you do!! Adam Brody - Comox Valley resident

We believe Community TV in Calgary is a key pillar for local charities, amateur sport, service groups, educational institutions, dance, music and the arts.
Shaw TV Channel 10 has played a major role in the success of the Calgary Invitational Elementary Spelling Bee. The event is now in it’s 4th year featuring 50 + elementary students representing over 15 schools across Alberta.
The Spelling Bee is taped and aired on Shaw TV Channel 10 Community TV providing a vast viewing audience resulting in strong awareness and exposure for the event. We are grateful to have the opportunity to voice our support and hope the CRTC will continue to support local community cable TV.
Lorne Webber
Community Access Producer

Community TV in Calgary has provided a platform for Local and International Music Artists to showcase their passions and share their talents. Shaw TV Channel 10 has provided the opportunity for Stampede City Sessions, a live music series, to be shared with the Community in Calgary.
The series is now in it's 3rd Season, with over 45 one hour episodes that have aired on Shaw TV. Local Producers, Writers, Camera Operators and Directors have benefitted with emplyment opportunities, experience and Industry Training.
We believe that locally produced broadcasts, provide awesome exposure and unique opportunities for artists in our community and those who are visiting. We so hope that Community Television will always be a part of our Canadian Culture.
We urge the CRTC to support funding for Community Television across Canada.

Candace Webber
Community Access Producer,
Stampede City Sessions
"It's about live music and sharing it"

RE: Open Letter to the CRTC in Support of Local Community Programming
From a Producer's Perspective:
Luckily, just around the time my Mom bought me my first video camera, Shaw was opening one of the largest outdoor cement skateboard parks on the planet. Open 24 hours a day, Shaw Millennium Park is located in the heart of Calgary, welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually and was a gift to skaters, rollerbladers, bikers, and the like. (Thank you Shaw!)
In the skateboarding world "if you didn't catch the trick on film, than it didn't happen." The park (which is free to the public) allowed skateboarding and camera wielding enthusiasts like myself to not only get really good at skateboarding, but also get really good at filming and editing videos.
Now, 15 years later, we independently fundraise and produce award winning documentary films and television productions. Our local community partnership with Shaw Media allows many things to happen:
#1 It gives our content a home - as online mediums continue to push boundaries, there is still some sort of cultural relevance and social proof to having our films and TV shows on a real channel.
#2 It creates additional value for our partners, sponsors, and stakeholders - it's one thing to say you are going to feature a company in your online video series or feature them on social media, as per #1, a real television channel lends credibility and exposure for the client.
#3 Our community broadcast partners at Shaw also open our content up for national exposure on SOD (Shaw on Demand) and Shaw direct channel 299. This not only bridges the gap locally, but also creates a more culturally connected country across the board.
#4 Community Television Programming inspires entrepreneurship and creativity in business. Quite literally the conversations in our office go something like this: "hey, let's make a TV show about _**insert category**_" --- having a community broadcast partner allows us to work closely with provincial grant programs that encourage the growth of the film and television industry, create jobs, and create brand new economic activity for the province and for Canada.
#5 There is a certain level of uncertainty about the future of hydrocarbons and Canada's place in the world - it's important that Canadians continue to have a strong and diversified economy - Canadian TV and Film production also generates labour income, tax revenue and conrtibutes billions to the annual GDP.
Canada continues to be recognized for their skilled labour force in film & TV production, beautiful scenery, and generous incentives and local community broadcasters a crucial piece of this puzzle. Who do you think is going to be accepting awards on the next podium? It's the kids from Canada with video cameras who grew up supported by their municipal (shout out Mayor Nenshi!), provincial (shout out AMF), and federal (CRTC guidelines for Local Community Boradcasters) who will be accepting the next Oscar.
Make Canada proud! Thank you Shaw,

To begin I wanted to thank the CRTC for providing this opportunity to Canadian citizens to present their comments regarding our shared resource in so transparent and open a way.
As the Resident Curator and Site Manager of Emily Carr House, the National and Provincial Historic Site and Interpretive Centre dedicated to the Canadian icon Emily Carr, I wish to add my voice to the importance of ongoing support from local television and now online media. The coverage that we receive regarding our educational programming, special events, performances, art shows (both historic and contemporary) and community engagement is vital to the well being and sustainibility of Emily Carr House. In particular Shaw and CHEK have been stand out in their response to covering all that we do here in our efforts to provide Canadians and visitors from all over the world with a greater understanding of the ongoing legacy of Emily Carr.
On a more personal note we,as a family, watch on tv and individually online the wide diversity of subjects and events of local and community interest that our local media provide. Again, of particular note are Shaw and CHEK.
I believe strongly in the significance of strewardship in my role at Emily Carr House and recognize that stewardship of the airways and online presence is very much a part of the mandate of the CRTC,also.
Again, thank you for providing this opportunity to comment and also, once again we wish to acknowledge the vital, ongoing and forward thinking of our community and local media- Shaw and CHEK.

Do you regularly watch your local community channel? Why? Yes, because their content is important to me
What type of programming available on the community channel is of interest to you and why? Predominantly news, then event and activities listings. Because local news is hard to come by in my community.
Did you know you can participate in the creation of programming at your local community channel? Yes
Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel? Yes
What has been your experience? Positive
What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?
More news and more breadth of news, not just pieces that are palatable or less provacitive.

Please support our local CHECK TV. Check provides news on local events, news, sports, programming. Check provides us with accurate information on local news, and provides accurate information about "concerning and important" local issues. We need Check TV to provide their knowledge on Vancouver Island. Check provides opportunity and stimulus to our communities.CHECK INFORMS>
We support CHECK TV, won't you?
Kennedy's

Local television is one of the most important elements in keeping communities well informed on matters that are relevant to the area. Rogers TV Barrie has been wonderful at engaging communities throughout Simcoe County to discuss and educate viewers on what is impacting them. With the growing demands on technology and social media, communities are losing touch with their grassroots and becoming more universal. We need local TV, like Rogers TV Barrie to keep us in touch with what is going on locally. Rogers TV Barrie has helped many organizations promote programing, educational opportunities and communicate information that is important to the area. We are fortunate to have them in our area. Please help keep Community Television on the air.

Thank you for this opportunity in allowing me to comment on the vital importance and positive impact that Community television plays as a role in our city of Sault Ste. Marie. I am the Manager of Community Engagement at our Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and heavily rely on our local Shaw TV for being the key in linking us as a library to the people of our community. Shaw TV has many of the same invested interests as we have, such as a passion for literacy, building relationships with the people of the community and sharing their stories. Staff at Shaw TV are creative, with high energy, professional and easy to communicate with. Shaw has awesome creative talents and expertise on producing segments that they air on channel 10 which makes it interesting to the viewers. When asking the public how they became aware of an event, many will say we saw it on Shaw TV. Shaw has definitely been an asset in communicating to the community and engaging people to take part in all our programs and events. In return we as a library meet our target audience goals. We are a richer community for having community television keeping us connected.
I would like to thank Shaw TV, Sault Ste Marie as being a highly valued resource to our community and viewers.

What a great opportunity to give a shout out to our local TV stations.
We have worked with Shaw TV North Island on numerous occasions and have always found them fantastic to partner with!
They are an integral part of our local community and do an amazing job of communicating to everyone on Vancouver Island all of the cool stuff that goes on here.
We look forward to many more years of Shaw TV North Island in our backyard!

As Chair of Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) I'm grateful for the valuable exposure Shaw TV gives us in the community by broadcasting our weekly sessions several times throughout the week in the Lethbridge area.
SACPA is a not for profit organization and was founded in 1968. It is an independent forum, moderated by volunteers, meeting Thursdays at noon some 40 weeks a year and at occasional special evening sessions, to debate local, provincial, national, and international issues of concern to the residents of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta. I believe the educational value provided by Shaw TV broadcasting our weekly sessions, are very important for our community
The rationale of SACPA is that the strength of a political democracy is lodged in the freedom of citizens to assemble and freely discuss ideas and issues. SACPA is strictly non-partisan and does not take sides on the issues debated at its sessions. The opinions expressed by speakers are their own and Shaw TV does a wonderful job of combining the presentations, which often include PowerPoint, into a smooth 30 minute broadcast.
Certainly, it is my opinion that Shaw TV contribute very positively to information sharing in our community.

My name is Ryleigh Carr and I am Co-Chair of the Nutana Legion's Artifacts Room of Military History. Shaw T.V. overr the past year has opened up our museum to the community in more was then we thought possible. With their help and generosity our not for profit museum has been given the possability to get ourselves out there and known to the public. With Shaw T.V.'s help we have been able to create a t.v. show that focuses on what the legions so in the community as well as geating our veterans in our city/province stories heard of their time spent in the military. Through this we have been able to record our amazing play "We Where There....Over There" and with the help of Shaw T.V. and their hard work and guidence we have now entered our play in the Yorkton Film Festival. Shaw T.V. and the community programing that they offer has opened doors for us into the community that we would have never been able to achieve on our own and for that we are thankful.

As a communications consultant for several Calgary-based non-profit sport organizations and to corporate and charitable groups in the area, Shaw TV has been a critical tool in communicating our messages to the community. Be it introducing a young recreational athlete to the community or providing Calgarians with access to the stories of our Olympic best and major events, Shaw TV has always been a leading player in the game. In fact - many of our sports often fly under the radar outside of an Olympic year - but not in the eyes of Shaw TV. Without them - we simply could not communicate as effectively with our stakeholders as we do. Regardless of the sport, charitable group or corporation involved, i am always grateful to the generous opportunity Shaw TV provides in voicing our stories, introducing the our personalities to the people in the neighbourhood, and being such a strong supporters of our journey. It is simple - we need Shaw-TV to achieve our communications goals!
Chris Dornan
Owner, High-Performance Public Relations

To the CRTC

My name is Cathy Schmidt and I have had the privilege of having Go Island be a valuable resource in supporting and growing Musical Theatre in the Cowichan Valley. I work with kids from 5 years of age to adults 89 years of age and for that massive age range Go Island has had a huge ripple effect of positive support to keep the arts alive and moving forward here in the Cowichan Valley.
So many seniors have no idea there is a location for them to express themselves in the arts and they feel they are too old or not physically able to. With the support of Go Island coming to promote some stuff I was working on at the Seniors Centre other seniors have both seen and now see that they too can accomplish new goals while having fun with something they no longer thought they could do! Very moving to Choreograph a routine for seniors and watch them dance like no one is watching.
For the kids in the Cowichan Valley so little is know as to what is available for them. It was so nice to sit down with Daphne Goode in our city square and talk about kids in the arts and what is available to them. So many kids don’t even know they could excel in the arts however they too are now learning what they can accomplish. Whether it is learning how to sing and dance or experience their first journey to the Cowichan Theatre these are things way too many kids will never have an opportunity to do however with Daphne’s positive interview and your viewers support we are now able to reach more and more kids every year!
Go Island started out as a pebble in a pond and now it has become a boulder in that same pond as the ripples of positive are now waves of accomplishment. Please allow this to continue so that growth and positive change for our community can continue to grow.
Cathy Schmidt
Choreographer/Director/Producer
Volunteer for the Performing Arts

I am the director for the Barrie Film Festival which provides year-round programming, bringing independent, Canadian and World Cinema to Barrie for 21 years. Over the years our local Rogers TV has been incredibly supportive of our not for profit organization and has become an integral partner in numerous ways from volunteering on the jury for our annual short film competition, to promoting our screenings and guests through interviews, to providing host and M.C. support at screenings, award presentations and at our outdoor screenings. The station has assisted greatly to our growth and increased community awareness of our various programs, screenings and workshops. We have had special segments on Rogers focusing on our festivals and also a monthly segment called “Flick Chicks” where myself and our film programmer host a short discussion on films we will be showing for our Screen One Film Series. In addition to organizers being interviewed in both Barrie and Collingwood, young filmmakers from our competition have been invited on Roger’s Daytime to discuss and share their work. Special onsite segments have also been filmed at our venue so that audiences and volunteers can be featured. The producers at Rogers TV are always open to discussing new ideas and their various shows feature many interesting stories from the community. We like that segments are played a few times over the day on television but are also easily accessible online.

Hi my name is Dawson Rutledge. I am a local 18 year old musician from Cranbrook BC. I recently had the pleasure of being featured on our local Shaw channel for an interview and a live music performance of a few of my songs. It is very important that channels like this are able to provide the community support that the people at our local Shaw station have given me. Blaine Evans made me feel very at ease as this was my very first interview as a musician. Having community support like this is vital to up and coming artists such as myself and it is amazing how many anonymous viewers have approached me and told me they enjoyed my interview. Our community would be at a loss without this service! Thanks for reading!

As one who has been involved in community television in WINNIPEG almost since it's inception (over 40 years ago), It has gratifying the last few years to see Shaw TV reinforce their community involvement with renewed vision and strength after being challenged to do so by The CRTC.
There is now once again a platform for the “community” with the professional assistance of Shaw staff producers and programmers to do “their own programs”. The mechanism is there and it is proving successful. The CRTC should encourage Shaw to continue this process and to refine it, so that the mandate of teaching people how to use and produce community television will continue into the future.
The CRTC should encourage Shaw to refine their overall systems and mechanisms for providing community television as well. A couple of suggestions for future improvement would be to provide more community animation or awareness to attract the core element of the community to participate more. Also exploring more involvement in news and current affairs issues with shows that allow broad participation, such as phone ins. Continuing to take programming into the community for “mobile” production of events is tantamount to success of future endeavors.
In reality, Community Television should exist as an entity independent of cable companies control.They should be funded by taxpayers and levies on the cable companies and not subject to the whims of the corporate board rooms.
However, a salute must be given to those with the original vision who knew that an effort needed to be made to keep this very powerful communication tool accessible to all..in the name of freedom of speech and expression.
Good work SHAW TV WINNIPEG !
John N. Prentice
Staff Producer/Director
Winnipeg Videon 1974-2000
Independent Producer/DGC member
2000-present
SHAW TV WINNIPEG freelancer and Community Producer
2000-present

I am writing in support of CHEK-TV, my local broadcaster. What is great about CHEK is that it brings us local news - stories about people and happenings on the Island. Don't cut us off from our neigbours. What happens around the corner affects us directly. What happens around the world is important to us but not as immediate as the local news. What I love about CHEK is that it is an independent and professional voice, one of the very few left in Canada. It is a trusted source of news and information.I believe that CHEK-TV and other local television deserve to be supported by equitable funding practices.

Shaw TV is am amazing community-minded organization that is always looking at ways to profile Edmonton. I work for the Edmonton Catholic School District and have a very good relationship with Shaw. I am often called with suggestions on how to feature our students and school District on Shaw TV. Shaw has been at many of our schools and some of their staff have even held workshops for students on filming and television. They hold an annual open house that is very popular with students in our District, as it gives students the opportunity to tour a TV station and find out more about the television industry. Shaw TV is an important part of our community and helps to make Edmonton a vibrant city.

I am dismayed to think that CHEK TV would have to justify it's existence. They are the main source of information for all of our communitues here on Vancouver Island. With local newspapers dropping like flies, it seems unthinkable that the TV would be removed as well. We enjoy the local advertising, local stories and local reporting staff that truly understand living on the Island. Our issues are different from the mainland and mainland stations do not dully cover our needs. We sincerely hope that you will see the sense in keeping this local, independant and excellent station afloat. Here on the Island, we need them.

CHEK 6, Victoria is important to us for local news and programming. As we have just lost our Nanaimo daily news, CHEK 6 is even more necessary.
Please allow this station to stay on the air.

We live in a Northern Community and already lost our local CTV news reporting. Why on earth does everything have to be central??? It is ridiculous and absurd. Without local media such as Shaw telling our stories and events it would be lost. For example do you honestly think that a central newscast will have up to the minute info on Municipal Elections, community events, stories are vital to the dynamic of any area. The experience we have had is positive because they are specific to our region and lost in the shuffle at the supper hour news cast from major centers such as Edmonton or Calgary.

Having been associated with the community television industry from 1982-2001...simply said…it is the fabric of the community and identity of the community more so than any other medium.
This comment is coming from a print journalist since 1976.
Community television allows it’s viewers to tune in to city council, watch a Junior A hockey game or highlights of a local event.
Print and digital mediums only give you snippets while community television gives you the soul of the story.
It is also a spring board for talent. Countless volunteers and staff from Shaw TV Fort McMurray have gone on to provincial, national and international careers.
Shows are diverse reaching across all spectrums and many times hosted by individuals you may actually know in the community. sharing their interests and talents.
With the ever-changing demographics in Fort McMurray, Shaw TV informs, educates and brings together the community. Right to its Canadian roots in 1922, community television is still Citizen Media

Hello CRTC, Bonjour !
Did you know that 238,000 speak Français in Alberta of which some 98,000 are here in Calgary and area? | Saviez-vous que 238,000 parlent français en Alberta, dont 98,000 sont à Calgary et région ?
As Calgary was awarded the coveted title of Cultural Capital of Canada in 2012, the BVC, Bureau de visibilité de Calgary focused its energies on connecting Canadians, in both official languages. Thus, HELLO-BONJOUR ALBERTA was born and developped as the main source of community outreach.
This community television programme was created to raise public awareness about the history and pertinence of Canada's French language and culture in Calgary, on a permanent basis on the local, provincial, national and international stag by featuring special people, places, events and activities happening in both official languages in Calgary and elsewhere in Alberta.
As the opportunity presents itself, telling viewers about new French language services available in Calgary, in Alberta and elsewhere in Canada remain front and centre thanks to Shaw TV Access Programming and our bilingual show.
On January 14, 2016, HELLO-BONJOUR ALBERTA celebrated production of it's 100th episode featuring Olympic Champion Speed Skater Catriona Le May Doan as our special guest !

Our program is a unique bilingual 30 minute community television talk-show, to my knowledge the only one of its kind in Canada, featuring bilingual hosts, Québec-born Ann Boiteau and Saskatchewan-born Marc Lalonde.

During our program, Ann and Marc interview guests in English (HELLO) 14 mins and repeat the interview "en français" (BONJOUR) 14 mins providing a constant source of discovery for all viewers regarding Calgary's rich Francophone history and heritage and thriving Francophone and Francophile diversity and dynamism on a local, provincial and national scale.

HELLO-BONJOUR ALBERTA permet aux téléspectateurs de découvrir l'histoire et le patrimoine francophone et francophile de Calgary, ainsi que son dynamisme et l'épanouissement de la diversité culturelle et linguistique florrissants aux niveaux local, provincial et national.
As the Access creator-producer-coordinator of HELLO-BONJOUR ALBERTA (originally Hello-Bonjour Calgary), I cannot say enough to thank and praise Shaw TV Calgary and Joe Wilcox, Manager, Community Programming, Central Territory (Kootenays, Southern Alberta, Manitoba, Northern Ontario).
The tremendous support and encouragement received since I first approached Shaw TV Calgary in August 2012 to pitch the idea of this unique bilingual community television show, was immediate and is consistent.

Viewers in Calgary and Southern Alberta are intrigued and pleasantly surprised with this unique cross-cultural and inter-linguistic source of positive programming and interesting dialogue provided daily to viewers in Calgary and Southern Alberta, by HELLO-BONJOUR ALBERTA, thanks to Shaw TV Calgary.
Our bilingual program is an inclusive, broad based television talk show, always focused on positive program content. It is intended to promote the benefits and importance of Canada's linguistic duality in Calgary and Alberta and is the brain-child of Suzanne de Courville Nicol, Founding-President of the BVC, Bureau de visibilité de Calgary (2012). Thanks to Shaw TV Community Access Programming and a team of dedicated volunteers, our program is able to reach out to viewers in both official languages in an effort to bridge the French/English linguistic gap, while providing fresh and interesting program content during each unique episode.

En quelques mots, le but ultime de cette émission bilingue est de valoriser la francophonie de Calgary aux niveaux local, provincial et national dans les deux langues officielles de notre pays. Grâce à la programmation Access de la télévision communautaire de SHAW TV Calgary, et notre équipe de bénévoles dévoués, cette vitrine unique de visibilité et outil précieux d'information et de sensibilisation du grand public, nous permet depuis septembre 2012, de faire preuve de l'importance de maîtriser les deux langues officielles du Canada, de transmettre les opportunités et les services qui sont offerts en français à Calgary et ailleurs en Alberta, de faire briller nos étoiles francophones et francophiles et de faire rayonner notre dynamisme, notre caractère inclusif, notre joie de vivre, nos défis et nos succès, passés, présents et à venir !
Each new episode is broadcast and re-broadcast for an entire week at various times of the and night and following final re-broadcast, each episode is permanently uploaded to SHAW TV YouTube and can be viewed worldwide at :
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9zxWy_HXnTZ-KgM604zlj6wo-1HpRvV
Episodes featuring topics and guests of national interest such as our 100th episode with Olympic Champion Speed Skater, Catriona Le May Doan; Astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk, now Chancellor at the University of Calgary; Cirque du Soleil "Kurios - A Cabinet of Curiosities" publicists; Derek Earl, Vice-President WORLD TRADE CENTRE WINNIPEG; Canadian Club of Calgary President Brian Duclos and speakers' committee co-chair Danielle Sikander; local historian Ken LaPointe and his educational presentation "Rouleauville, Calgary's French Connection"; Winterfête at Historic Bow Valley Ranche 2016 Kick-off events celebrating the 60th anniversary of the twinning of Calgary and Québec City as Sister Cities; Jacques de Courville Nicol, national coordinator of MCCOB, Movement for an Officially Bilingual Capital of Canada - It is important to note that Calgarians and Canadians everywhere are astonished to learn that Ottawa, our national capital, is still not officially bilingual in spite of recommendations and stiffled initiatives to obtain equal status for French and English at the municipal level in Ottawa since as far back as 1970! Many other episodes, are also broadcast via Shaw Direct, an significant additional means of outreach, connecting Canadians, in both official languages.
As a means of extra visibility, I will add the link to each interview of Season 10 on the 2016 national rvf.ca web site, to feature Hello-Bonjour Alberta's special episodes this year during this18th edition of the national Rendez-vous de la Francophonie.
How does all this work ?
Shaw TV Calgary provides the studio and equipment free of charge. One employee is assigned to our show to coordinate and oversee proper use of equipment ,and the BVC Bureau de visibilité de Calgary, provides the team of volunteer camera and studio equipment operators who receive training from Shaw TV Calgary. Our team of volunteers, myself and hosts included, together with Shaw TV Calgary, make production of this extremely successful show a very positive, exciting and fullfilling experience for all. We are regularly surprised to learn that many of our guests have never been inside a television studio and are very pleased to have been invited.

We record two episodes per recording session at Shaw TV Calgary studios, for maximum use of studio time and equipment and as explained above, each new episode is broadcast on Shaw TV Cable 10 for an entire week, at various times of the day and night. We produce 10 to 14 new episodes per season and I am presently scheduling guests for Season 10 which began on January 14th.

Without Shaw TV community Access Programming, the important outreach results achieved by HELLO-BONJOUR ALBERTA in both official languages, would be unattainable. Interesting and important French and English speaking Canadians would not be heard from or seen as they are now, often appearing together, one speaking English only, the other being bilingual. These opportunities serve to strengthen ties, stimulate growth of linguistic duality and foster national pride.

We provide a unique and permanent opportunity for local groups and non-profit organizations of all kinds to tell viewers about their programs and services in an effort to encourage them to get involved, support and participate in whatever capacity they might be willing and able to and that le français which has been in Calgary since at least 1875 (Fort Brisebois/Calgary, Rouleauville and the Mission district) is very present, pertinent and thriving in Calgary and Alberta.

We cover all subjects of interest from arts & culture, history, education, the environment, public affairs, science, sports, tourism, spiritual, physical and mental health & well-being with a focus on the importance of linguistic duality, French language services (as the case may be) and celebrating local personalities.

We welcome current event personalities and special guests to speak to us about themselves, what they do, since when, where and why they do what they do and about the leadership and community services they may provide. i.e.: Alliance Française of Calgary; Association canadienne française de l'Alberta, Régionale de Calgary (ACFA-C); Métis Nation of Alberta-Region 3 Calgary; Le Franco; Youth Central; Calgary Food Bank; Calgary Stampede Royalty; Calgary Zoo (Dr. Clément Lanthier); Canadian Club of Calgary; National Music Centre; Alberta Ballet (Jean Grand-Maître); Cirque du Soleil publicists; tri-lingual US Consul General for AB, Sask & NWT, Peter Kujawinsky; CALGARY HITMEN HOCKEY; CIES Calgary Immigrant Educational Society; City of Calgary Councillors and many more can be viewed on Shaw TV YouTube link shown above.
Merci beaucoup and thank you for this opportunity to tell you and readers about our show which is made possible thanks to ShawTV Community Access Programming in Calgary, Alberta.

Suzanne de Courville Nicol
Présidente-fondatrice/Founding-President
Bureau de visibilité de Calgary (BVC)
Promoting "Français" in Alberta through cross-cultural dialogue
Créatrice-réalisatrice ACCESS Producer-Creator HELLO-BONJOUR ALBERTA
Shaw TV 10 Calgary Community Access Programming
Nouvel épisode chaque mardi à 18h30 - Shaw Cable 10 /
New episode every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9zxWy_HXnTZ-KgM604zlj6wo-1HpRvV
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail " - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am the Executive Director of Credit Counselling Services of Newfoundland and Larrador (CCSNL). We are a 33 year old community based charity dedicated to providing counselling and education specifically around individual and family finances, to residents of our province. While we are a provincial agency, the bulk of our cases and work is centered in and around the capital city; StJohn's and consequently our most regular contact at the local Rogers station is Erin Sulley of Out of The Fog.
CCSNL made the choice a number of years ago that we wished to remain 'free" to consumers. Therefore we do not amke any charge whatsoever for our counselling services and revenue from community eduaction iniatives is minimal. To this day we remain convinced the decision we took way back was right for our community. However the consequences and fallout have not been without their oun unique challenges. For example without a revenue stream from clients for counselling fees, our ability to purchase conventional advertizing time and products is impossible. Therefore the community partnerships we have managed to cultivate are vital as a means of letting consumers know we are present in their community and that we can help during tough times. So several times each year we guest on Out of The Fog. We know this partnership is vital based on the reaction at our office for several weeks afterward. How do we know? The answer is simple............our phone rings over and over with calls from new clients who are calling because they "saw us" on Cable 9.
Additionally, in my experience, Staff at the station, from Erin herself to the greeter, technical people, and even individual looking after makeup, are genuinely interested in our work and the kinds of cases we experience. They are accutely aware of the fact that economic challenges are most keenly felt at specific points during the year, times such as Christmas, back to school and mid-winter. We know they will call to invite us at these points every year because they know people need the information. We are more than impressed with everyone at Rogers, the partnership is vital to our success and the service provided to individuals and households is critical.

As a member of the community that works on a number of campaigns for both work and charity organizartions, it is essential that we have partners like Shaw to help us communicate with the public. The ability to be able to reach our target audience with a quality product allows for our goals to be achieved and the community to be informed. The willingness of the staff to accommodate our needs is outstanding. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our realtionship with Shaw to meet the needs of our communittee.

Hello My name is Richard i'm from Prince Albert Sk, Local community Television is effective in passing on news to the general public. Loca TV like Shaw-TV in community has hlep me lot with loca sport . I have volunteer with it in getting information out to the public, and have also been behind the camera learning what it takes to make a program in school. AND I HOEP TO HAVE A JOB WITH THEM ONE DAY.

There are a lot of moving parts to all of this, but the one thing I'd like to touch on is jobs. We've recently seen a lot of layoffs in Media, and we don't need any more as it makes a bad situation even worse. The optics of this are not good not only for the media companies, but the CRTC as well.
Various groups at these hearings are obviously making recommendations based on their best interests (and their bottom line), but the CRTC needs to carefully consider how changes to funding will negatively impact many many people currently working in local television. If stations are closed to fund the broader system, then I believe the CRTC should, as part of their final decision, ensure jobs are not lost. Shaw, Cogeco,Rogers and Bell have the wherewithal to guarantee that they find other jobs within their respective companies if necessary. Watching some of the hearings I've heard the term "gut the community channel", and that's exactly what needs to be avoided in today's broadcasting job market. Aside from the fact that these are hard working men and women with families and mortgages, laying more people off only exacerbates the situation overall.

As Mayor of Oro-Medonte I am aware of where residents get their information. Local TV is one of the most essential avenues for this, especially in a time of aging populations.
Local TV has regular programming that enable elected officials to speak directly to the community while recieving questions from residents.Rogers TV, Barrie and Orillia have been essential in helping us communicate to our residents by, through TV, briniging it to their living rooms.
Please keep local TV alive
Mayor Harry Hughes, Township of Oro-Medonte.

I am the managing director at a small theatre in rural BC.
Local TV (Here it is Shaw TV Kootneay) plays an vital role in creating a sense of identity and community by showcasing local content. It is one of the few opportunitiues we have here to highlight and promote our local culture.

The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), a volunteer committee appointed annually by the City of Edmonton City Council has had the pleasure of having Shaw TV as the sole media sponsor in their outstanding service and support with our annual Mayor’s Awards. The staff and volunteers truly go above and beyond in the way of producing vignettes and stories on each of the nominees (2015 having had 17 nominations). They were definitely outstanding vignettes that all nominees feel fortunate to have!

Shaw TV has been involved with the annual Mayor’s Awards over the past 6 years and because of Shaw TV, the celebration within the disability community has captured the supportive and inclusive Edmontonians, organizations and businesses. We appreciate the time and commitment put into the vignettes that showcase the great works happening within the City of Edmonton in the way of inclusiveness!
As quoted by City of Edmonton, Mayor Don Iveson in 2015, “I am inspired by the passion and energy each nominee brings to their projects and initiatives. They truly embody the spirit that an accessible Edmonton is a better Edmonton, allowing all citizens to fully contribute themselves -- without barriers -- in bringing our City to life,” Thank you Shaw TV to you and your staff and volunteers at Shaw TV for bringing this to the forefront!

It is wonderful to see that Shaw TV shares in the AAC’s values of inclusion and opportunity for all citizens within the City of Edmonton. Your support in helping us to portray the individuals and organizations with barriers and/or disabilities is greatly appreciated. The Mayor’s Awards would certainly NOT be the success that they are without the support of Shaw TV personnel and volunteers!
On a personal note, the communication level within Shaw TV’s personnel & volunteers is one of the best I have ever experienced and I truly appreciate that!

Our polytechnic trains students in media production. The community television operators in the province are largely the first places where students are able to get involved in the production of programming. Shaw, SaskTel Max, and Access 7 community programming operations in Saskatchewan provide much needed production opportunities. Students are able to hone their acquired skills in practical situations as part of the process in realizing their career goals. This real-world experience is difficult to obtain outsiide of the centres where the national broadcasting networks regional operations centres are located.
With the push of conventional broadcasters to regionalize operations, "local programming" often originates from one or even two provinces away.
The essence of community is based on the sharing of cultural and historical heritage, locale, and other common interests.
Community television has taken on a critical role in the coverage of local events and providing information of concern to residents in the local communities that are served. Community television makes local sports, community events, municipal council meetings, as well as performing and visual arts accessible to all local citizens incluing those who may be housebound.
Kevin Mahlberg

Community produced programming like that shown on Rogers TV London is an important thread woven into the fabric of local communities. It educates, enlightens and entertains. It shines a light on the issues that matter to a community, and on the people and organizations making a difference. United Way London & Middlesex has been fortunate to partner with Rogers TV London to produce high-quality programming that enables us to reach target audiences, share stories about our organization, and leverage our limited resources. In addition, we value the professional staff who are deeply engaged in local issues as will as the station's overall commitment to one of our shared core values, voluntarism.
Kelly Ziegner, Director of Community Engagement
United Way London & Middlesex

Shaw TV programming is extremely important especially in smaller communities. It is a reliable souce of information as to what is happening and being offered in the community. Local people relaying information of interest to people living in our communities. For so many especially the senior population it is the easiest, preferred method of staying connected to their community.

In my work at the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library I rely heavily on the local programming and promotion that Shaw TV provides. I believe the services they provide are essential and necessary particularly in smaller and rural communities. Our local Shaw TV provides our library a way to promote our services and programming, which without them would be considerably difficult. The staff has always been professional, accommodating and eager to promote our stories on the air. Their services are essential for keeping our community connected.

I am a director/producer for UGP (Ukrainian Gospel Program) in Saskatoon. We have a very strong background and professional relationship with Shaw TV local channel 10 for over 38 years. 38 years to be on air for our Ukrainian/Christian based program shows a very long, solid and trustful relationshp with Shaw TV and all viewers in which Ukrainian descent plays a big part. Based on our viewer feedback we realized time and time again how valuable this type of program is for the community. The program is about ukrainian culture, traditions and christian values which are retained in our great country of Canada. The program is produced by hardworking volunteers who's passion is immesurable and it is an invaluable opportunity to have the free air time on TV screens to reach significant amout of viewers in the province of Saskatchewan. We wish for CRTC to continue and even make improvements to make local Shaw TV more lovable and connectible to our viewers.
To Shaw TV channel 10 in Saskatoon-Thank you guys. You are so helpful, supportive and an amazing team to work with continuously during past 38 years.
With respect and best wishes from everyone involved in making Ukrainian Gospel Program (UGP)

UGP
I am a director/producer for UGP (Ukrainian Gospel Program) in Saskatoon. We have a very strong background and professional relationship with Shaw TV local channel 10 for over 38 years. 38 years to be on air for our Ukrainian/Christian based program shows a very long, solid and trustful relationshp with Shaw TV and all viewers in which Ukrainian descent plays a big part. Based on our viewer feedback we realized time and time again how valuable this type of program is for the community. The program is about ukrainian culture, traditions and christian values which are retained in our great country of Canada. The program is produced by hardworking volunteers who's passion is immesurable and it is an invaluable opportunity to have the free air time on TV screens to reach significant amout of viewers in the province of Saskatchewan. We wish for CRTC to continue and even make improvements to make local Shaw TV more lovable and connectible to our viewers.
To Shaw TV channel 10 in Saskatoon-Thank you guys. You are so helpful, supportive and an amazing team to work with continuously during past 38 years.
With respect and best wishes from everyone involved in making Ukrainian Gospel Program (UGP)

The CRTC---its is astounding that the CRTC is even conducting these hearings or whatever on the value,relevance,need and purpose of local TV programming in communities of all sizes in Canada.
Get on with it--the funding and resources going into even doing these hearings or whatever could be much better used in providing so many local community stations with help they can all use.
I speak specifically of the prestigious Bedford Road Invitational Basketball tournament (BRIT) held annually in January in Saskatoon. This event is widely acclaimed in the province and even western Canada. Our media coverage is over the top.We do get good coverage from the major networks in Saskatoon--Global,Bell and CBC--but as everyone knows and it is increasingly obvious-those players with their astonishingly bare bones staff Cannot cover local sporting events and activities at all--everything or 90 percent is off the wire!!
What Shaw telecable 10 does in Saskatoon and area is incredible. The variety and scope of their local programming puts the national networks to shame. The Bedford Invitational Tournament (BRIT) is one of the highlite packages of the year for the local 10 station. The tournament receives terrific pre tournament coverage, live coverage during the event including the cheerleading competition and the final 2 championship games. Following the tournament there is delayed coverage for several days. People in Saskatoon of all ages know they can tune into local channel 10 and get all the info and more on this tournament. We at BRIT know we are very fortunate to have this great support from the local 10 television station.
This one basketball event is just an example of the great work the local 10 station does to enhance the pride and sense of community in and around Saskatoon. The national outlets with their local affiliates try to create local interest and sense of community but as mentioned earlier they just cannot help out local sporting events in particular--they have no manpower and maybe a ten minute show to cover all sports far and wide. And everyone knows that local sporting events are often one of the key ingredients of local pride in a community--Saskatoon being no exception.
For so many folks the local 10 station is truly the identity of Saskatoon and the surrounding community. The CRTC should be doing everything in its power to assist local community channels to thrive and grow.

LITE - Local Investment Toward Employment is a small Foundation dedicated to poverty alleviation through employment and CED principles in Winnipeg. SHAW TV has been a big source of support for our Foundation - helping to promote all of our fundraising events and campaigns. It is so important for the word about LITE to get out through SHAW as most of our stakeholders are avid supporters of all things local and therefore rely on SHAW as one of their main sources of news, events and entertainment in Winnipeg. The reporters have a passion for our city and the news that they're reporting on, and were grateful to have the opportunity to work with them whenever the opportunity arises. Much love for SHAWTV from LITE Winnipeg!

For the past 14 years United Way Greater Victoria and Shaw have been partners in creating awareness of important social issues in the community. As a non-profit organization we cannot compete with other businesses with large advertising budgets so we focus strongly on generating media coverage. Shaw provides regular media stories on our events, fundraising campaigns, and has gone the extra mile to explore United Way programs and services in depth to allow the viewer to truly understand why United Way’s mandate to identify and address our most challenging social issues is important.
Our partnership with Shaw has generated thousands worth of free advertising and media coverage for United Way of Greater Victoria and for this we are extremely grateful. Every time a story airs on Shaw, United Way donors, volunteers and supporters tell us about it. It helps increase our brand, garner new supporters and acquire donations to fulfill our mandate. Shaw is a valuable resource in our community and the staff is top-notch.
Heather Skydt
Director Communications & Marketing, United Way Greater Victoria

At the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre we have worked for many years with Shaw TV in the city to get the word out about hunger and poverty in our community. They are always willing to come to our events and promote the work we do as well as making a special effort to connect to us to speak about the underlying causes for people using our programs and services.
Community television is a very important communications tool of community based organizations to ensure the public are aware of all the organization has to offer. Shaw TV has been a loyal supporter of the food bank's purpose for many years.
In addition to covering media stories the food bank shares Shaw TV has contributed to our Garden Patch and provided a team of people to "Adopt a Plot". They have helped to build awareness about good food in our community as well as worked side by side with many other businesses and organizations to ensure that fresh vegetables are available for food baskets at the food bank.
We know that without their support we would not be able to spread the word in our community as easily as we have.

Our local Rotary Club has had the full support of our local Shaw station over a good many years in promoting our annual film festival. It is difficult to reach a local audience without the availability of local progaramming and sources of information. Just as it is important for the providers of local services, it is also important for the users - particularly when the local programming is a credible source of infomation. We hope to continue to use the local programming in the future as well as regularly watch the local station for information about news and events in our area.

Over the years, Shaw TV in Victoria has done a fantastic job of covering our organization, with wonderful, in-depth pieces that often wouldn't be possible at other stations. We add our support to the continuation of Shaw TV's excellent coverage of so many communities across BC and Canada. Shaw TV plays an important role in telling the stories of these communities and in sharing information about the activities of many non-profit groups and individuals whose voices might otherwise not be heard. (CanAssist is an organization at the University of Victoria that develops innovative technologies and programs for people with disabilities where there are gaps in existing services.)

The value of local community television can not be overstated. Communication to local citizens through the port hole of community television is truly important to the well being of community.

This past year our charity – Christmas Bureau of Edmonton – marked our 75th Anniversary year. Shaw TV assisted us in telling our story of providing festive meals for Edmontonians in need and community partnerships for Christmas giving in Edmonton. Through their investment of time and talent they produced a story video showing how Christmas giving organizations work together. With our very limited resources we could not have accomplished this. The ability to tell our story to our local audience is critical to engaging clients, volunteers and donors. Shaw TV not only showed the video through their programming, but also made it available to our charity for our use.

We are a local charity, unable to provide national content for the large television networks, and therefore struggle to compete for air time. It is critical for local charities and local organizations to have local community television, to tell our stories and keep our citizenry informed and involved.

Wendy Batty, Executive Director, Christmas Bureau of Edmonton

Our local public library values the coverage we receive on community television. Our mission is to purchase materials to inform and entertain the community. Any funds we spend on advertising or publicity are funds that we could also have spent on materials for the library coillection. Coverage on community television allows us to reach an audience we normally cannot reach via a medium that that we don't have the internal capacity to operate, for free. We're very grateful for this coverage, and woujld like to see it continues, with alsosome additional capacity to live stream the content of the community stations on the Internet. This woudl help publicise our events as well as the deliberations our funding agent: local city councils.

I have always had an interest in video production and so in 2014, I decided to volunteer my spare time with Shaw Okanagan in Kelowna. I did not know it yet, but this would become one of the most satisfying volunteer experiences of my life.
From the moment I connected with the people at Shaw Kelowna, I was met with warmth and friendly encouragement, making me feel right at home. In a very short time, I had learned most of the basics about the elements of television broadcast productions: lighting setup, microphone and audio mixer setup, TV camera setup and breakdown, and camera techniques for filming TV shows, to post production in the editing bays using software such as Final Cut Pro, refining the product to a point where it is ready to broadcast to the network.
I have been involved in several “live to tape” productions such as a soap opera parody called “As the Sun Burns” featuring Kelowna’s New Vintage Theatre Company, an incredibly talented local actors troop. Another production, I am currently involved with is called “The Seen” which is a weekly variety show that highlights local musicians. It seems the more I became involved, the more I learned about television production. It really keeps you coming back for more, and on top of that, I learned more about my community.
One of the most memorable productions for me was when I volunteered on the crew to film the musical production of “The Raft of Medusa” on its premiere run at the Kelowna Community Theatre. I felt as though I was one of a film crew on a Broadway musical, it was that professional. I have also been involved filming other community events such as parades, a football playoff game, and a panel discussion forum on world views at the UBC campus, and all have been interesting, rewarding experiences.
I feel that public access TV plays a vital role in forging a strong community identity. Offerings range from local music talent to city council meetings to community sporting events, and a whole lot in between. The community channel keeps people “in the know” about what is actually going on in their community.
I am a avid supporter of community television, as I have experienced first hand how vital this is to the community spirit of the Okanagan. For anyone who is thinking of pursuing a career in broadcast television, or looking for something interesting to do in their spare time, I can not say enough about Shaw community television in Kelowna.
Sincerely,
Sandra Nelson

Shaw Cable in Victoria BC (South Island)On Jan 12 2015 I and several other people said things on a community access show with shaw that apparently Shaw did not like. Shaw demanded the comments they did not like to be taken our of the show; they then still continued to refuse to air the show. I understand they have now decided that all topics and comments are to be pre cleared with them.
The vetting of topics is contrary to their disclaimer they broadcast at each end of the show, They note the show is a community access show produced by volunteers with local content and opinions. They then go on to say the views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Shaw or its employees. If they are arbitrarily vetting and censoring the material being aired then their disclaimer is a false statement. I feel that my time on the show is no longer a volunteer situation but apparently Shaw has decided I am an employee of theirs they do not need to pay. I never volunteered or appeared as a guest on the show to act as an unpaid worker providing free content for Shaw to express their opinion.
Of the 5 comments I know they edited out all have either been said in other main stream media such as CBC and Global (I note Global TV is also a shaw family company) or as the case of my so called offending comment fully supportable by the evidence and significantly based on comments and information from the BC Centre for Disease control. I or the producer of the show were ever given the opportunity to prove my statement. Shaw arbitrarily declared it not allowed to be on the air. My particular topic contained important public safety information on the correct way to measure exposure; the topic was very complex and will require several interviews to explain in simple layman terms the need to measure correctly and the significant reason why it is important to do the measurements correctly
The unedited clips of the Jan 12, 2015 show have been posted on Youtube at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjmcVXBaThE
The fair comment that truly offends Shaw may be contained in other videos posted on the youtube channel and previously aired on Shaw, It is important to note that the Jan 19 2015 show was significantly edited and the unedited version is not posted on youtube.
I understand Shaw and other Cable companies receives a significant amount of money for community based content, if Shaw is vetting the content then it can not be considered tyo be meeting the terms of community access.

I am writing on behalf of the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities in support of local media and specifically Shaw TV. The BC Lions Society has been providing services and support to people with physical and cognitive disabilities since 1955. The Society owns and operates three Easter Seals Camps across BC. Each year, approximately 800 children with disabilities attend one of our camps for a week of fun. The goal at our camps is to focus on abilities rather than disabilities, providing campers with an opportunity to try new activities, create lasting memories, and build life-long friendships. The Society also owns and operates the Vancouver Easter Seals House. Families from all over BC and the Yukon stay at Easter Seals House while their child receives care and treatment at nearby medical facilities.
As a non-profit organization we rely heavily on the support of our local media. Shaw TV supports the BC Lions Society through their telling of our stories and fundraising events on air, coming out to the events and creating amazing videos to use for promotion, and their staff participation of our fundraising events; among many other ways of support. Shaw TV’s support of the BC Lions Society over these many years of partnership has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars towards our goals. This is something we would be unable to do with the support of Shaw TV. Shaw TV understands their community and the importance of charities like ours.
Thank you for your time.
Shannon Bernays
Director of Special Events on Vancouver Island
BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities/Easter Seals

As a local business owner here on Vancouver Island, I would like to express my admiration for everything that I have seen Shaw TV accomplish for communities on the Island.
Shaw TV offers a unique service that people can count on. They provide content in connection to the community that truly wouldn’t exist without them.
Here at the BuySellTrade, we have seen Shaw TV focus on local relevant stories that have helped both the people and the businesses connect in a positive way.
I hope that Shaw TV can continue providing their services for many more years to come!
Ryan Cochran
CEO/Owner
www.BuySellTrade.ca
Family owned and operated since 1976

As Communications Director for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, it is an absolute priviledge to work with ShawTV. They help us create awareness about dementia and the Society as a go-to resource for support! They also help promote our fundraising events that support the important work we do! We appreciate the amazing coverage they provide.
The staff consistently go above and beyond telling the story in a descriptive, informative and entertaining manner.
On a personal level, ShawTV keeps me connected to what is happening in the community. I watch to find out about local performances, educational programming, special events, art shows and more.
It would be a shame to lose this valuable resource for our community!
Rebecca Krowelski, Communications Director, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

It is amazing to me that the consideration of removing local programming is even on the table. Shaw tv and in particular the producer in Thompson Mb. Is one of the most dedicated and committed community members we have. Tha ability to watch local northern hockey, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, school concerts, community concerts, parades, locally produced shows, are critical for our northern communities to have a sense of pride, a sense of togetherness, and a great sense of community! What shaw does in this area is second to none, and are always looked at to record all our community events no matter what temperatures, and they are always there. The community is as proud of shaw and the community work they do as they are as proud of the community! There are no words to describe what the local channel means to our northern communities!

Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity to actively participate or to propose a project to your community channel?
Yes. The Alexander First Nation has a summer work experience program and each year we are looking for new and interesting placements for our students. We approached Shaw TV Edmonton because we believed the oppourtunity to work for a television station is unique and it could really inspire our youth. Shaw staff were amazing, professional and accomodating. They made the process easy and they were very excited to offer the students with a one of a kind work experience program for 5 weeks this past summer. The students loved their experience and we look forward to working with Shaw in the future.
Shaw TV Edmonton also attended our Career Fair in the Alexander First Nation. Our goal for the fair is to provide career and education planning information so that Aboriginal youth can be better prepared for their futures. Shaw had a very popular booth, the excitment they brought to the fair was displayed in the youth's faces as they learned about the exicting careers Shaw offers and they education they need to get started on a successful career path.
The relationship formed between Shaw TV Edmonton and Alexander First Nation has been great and we are so appreciative!
What has been your experience?
Excellent. Shaw TV Edmonton staff are accomodating, professional and AMAZING. We love our local station and are very pleased that they give back to the community in such meaningful ways!

The local SHAW Cable in the Cowichan Valley (Duncan BC and region) is an invaluable partner in weaving the diverse and rich fabric that is of arts and culture in our region. The Cowichan Valley Arts Council (CVAC) is both a supporter and a recipient of all that is valuable about local media coverage. We have actively participated in cable coverage of ongoing activities at PORTALS – the CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture and Heritage, such as the Youth Outreach Program, monthly shows and events, events involving guest artists and those that welcome new artists to the community. These are embraced by local SHAW producers and are well-received by viewers. Perhaps the greatest benefit of our experience with local media coverage however is the opportunity to promote volunteerism in the community through example. SHAW Cable is a positive conduit between those who make activities happen and those who commit their time to support them. Without local media coverage the unique attitudes, values and benefits of small town living would be lost to larger corporate interests, and the very nature of inclusive community would be undermined.

The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing sustainable services for residents and visitors to our area on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The members of our regional district work collaboratively on services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley. Shaw TV North Island has always been a critical component of our communications messaging to the public. Whether they include news items on their 'crawler' or profile our local parks, or feature free community events at our recreation facilities, we have benefitted by getting our messaging out to our residents in a powerful, timely way which enhances our sense of commuity. We value the support of Shaw TV North Island. - Bruce Jolliffe, Chair, Comox Valley Regional District

Community TV is invaluable!! In a media environment where local newspapers are disappearing - only to be replaced by generic, corporate news - the role of community TV is more important than ever.
Not only can community members enrich their own cities by providing content to their neighbours, Community television fosters a safe place where all views are welcomed. They create and nurture an inclusiveness which we all crave.
We all want to feel like we belong. We all want to assert our own identities. Community shows give us an opportunity to watch, listen, and feel like we are all part of something bigger than ourselves.
The role that Shaw serves through providing unique, regional content is a positive one and is greatly appreciated.

Shaw tv is important to me becouse having a show about people with disabilities is a good thing. I have learned new things that i wouldnt without my show called stingma wariors. I met my hero Ace Berpee. I learned to be confedent infront of the camera and in writing my episodes. Thank you

As a community co-producer of, "Sounds of India TV on Rogers, Cable 22", I cannot but express my gratitude on behalf of the Ottawa's Indo-Canadian Community the importance of the continuation of thisTV program for over 30 years.
This program has enrched the socio-cultural heritage of our community with community news, local cultural programs including classical Indian dance, plays and music for all ages.
I would highly recommend that this program continue not just for this generation but many genarations to come,
D. Nagpal

I enjoy watching community TV. I feel more connected to what's happening in and around Saskatoon. Whether it's local events or weather or a spotlight on people in the community I wouldn't normally get the chance to learn about. It's a bit more up close and personal than local radio or Twitter/Facebook.
I am a volunteer for a local program. It's been great fun. I've learned a lot and connected with some awesome people.
I enjoy our local channel for the unique persepctive it gives on our community. I feel like there are already many options in our community for professional local news. I'm not sure it's necessary to also have it broadcast on Shaw TV. Knowing our team at Shaw, I'm sure they would be able to bring something unique to our local news options, if it is decided to go ahead with broadcasting news.

Having been a volunteer for Shaw TV for a while , I can say that my experience with them has been wonderful. From the moment I began going there, they began showing me the ropes on all different aspects and they are really nice to not only myself but to all of their employees/volunteers; which made me feel comfortable in the Shaw TV environment.

I've been watching Shaw TV since the 80's and have been voluneering on and off since the 90's. I am now happy to say that I participate in a show that I help produce and direct. Our show would not likely make it's way to cable TV in Saskatoon if it wasn't for Shaw letting us be creative and assisting us in bringing our ideas to life on television.

Shaw TV is vital to non profit organizations in the city of Victoria. They are a lifeline to the community. They do an excellent job of reporting local social issues. If we lost Shaw TV it would be a disaster for us.
Brent Palmer
Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Mustard Seed Victoria
Past President, Founder, Current Board Member of Food Banks BC
Past Board Member of Food Banks Canada

My husband and I have watched CHEK and the CTV for many years, and on a regular nightly basis. We very much enjoy hearing about local happenings, community and charitable events, and world events. It would be a real shame if these local stations were no longer available for us and also for the people of Victoria, the island and others in other parts of BC and Canada if we were to lose these stations.

Shaw community TV is an amazing force in the community. Here is a station that opens it arms and invites volunteers to come and join them whether it be behind the camera or in front of it. It gives people of all ages and groups an active participation opportunity. How I wish I knew about communtiy television when I was in film school as it would have benefited me tremendously. Volunteering at Shaw TV is an experience where a price can not be placed on the knowledge that you receive. If you are a camera person behind the camera and you're setting up a shot and you're not sure yet you're going for it, you'll hear an experienced staff member whisper in your ear, "that's it you're doing great!" Whether you're a reporter who has the zeal to tell stories and wants a voice for your expression there is whole group of people to help you succeed. At Shaw Vancouver you have the most experienced people in the field at your disposal. Whether they are giving you workshops to increase your knowledge or giving you their email so you can ask for help later, you are actually being trained in the field that you are interested in. And no one ignores you because you're new, they take pride and effort (by each staff member) in helping you find a niche in community television. You are given the space to grow and learn in an environment of utmost professionalism and yet very comfortable. This is where you want to be, whether you are in school and want more experience, you always wanted to be on TV, you have a story to tell, you want to direct, you want to produce, you want to tell a story........no matter what your reason is...this is the place you want to be at Shaw TV where you get to work along with all the experienced Producers, Directors, Cameraman, Editors, sound guys, reporters, hosts and everything and everyone in between that drives Community Television. Here is where people are all like a huge family working together to reach their goals! I find it especially astonishing how reporters, hosts, producers etc. take their time out to conduct all sorts of different workshops to help everyone succeed and how approachable each one of them are and most of all accessible......Who said people on TV are not accessible? The group at Shaw TV @ Shaw Towers in Vancouver are such a fine group of people who make sure that you succeed and when we succeed, Community Television succeeds.

Shaw-TV in Victoria have been very supportive of my students as they work to make community television accessible to youth. In the past three years they have encouraged students to volunteer in their studio, hosted a workshop in their studio for my class, and broadcast programming we have created in our school.
We have received feedback and support on our content from both creative and technical perspectives, and this access has proven very valuable to students who have gone on to do well in local film festivals and move on to several post-secondary programs focusing on film and television.
Our school also benefits as we are able to share information we deem important to members of the community beyond our current students and parents. We are grateful for this partnership and the opportunities it provides.
John Gray
Reynolds Secondary School

Shaw TV Thunder Bay has been a huge supporter of Camp Quality Northwestern Ontario for many years. They share our message with audiences we otherwise would not be able to meet. They are an integral part of our strategy in recruiting campers and volunteers, they help to raise awareness of our programs and they promote our fundraising events. All of these acts contribute to the success of our programs and directly contribute to dollars being raised for our charitable organization. We are so grateful for all that Shaw TV Thunder Bay has done for us. We strongly urge the CRTC to support Shaw TV's continuation.

Please accept this letter as a strong endorsement of the Shaw TV Northwestern Ontario Community Channel. The community channel has a reputation for being supportive, inclusive and has continuously mentored Media students at Confederation College, especially the Broadcasting TV production program, where the partnership goes back to the 70’s. Shaw’s community production teams have supported local community content in partnership with our students. Each year the Shaw team meets the students, invites them to come and share their stories through their regular programming or to submit a show idea, feature or public service message. Further to this, the Film Production program’s ‘ConFlix’ series, along with Northern Film Makers series, run on their channel giving them local content, but more importantly, giving our Film Production students access to a broadcaster and an audience for their work.

It has been very beneficial to the Broadcasting program to have such a community-minded media organization just minutes away, who is willing to mentor and mold young media minds. Several of our students have done their internship and/or freelance with Shaw TV Thunder Bay and the current supervisor is both a Film and Broadcasting graduate from Confederation College.

Having a member of the Shaw team on our program’s advisory committee for over 30 years, has contributed to our community-minded programming. We cannot stress enough how much we appreciate their support and input into our Broadcasting program.

Shaw TV has provided training for students on independent professional productions and has always supported their show ideas. These graduates, supported by the encouragement of broadcasters like Shaw TV, help them to be able to hit the ground running when they begin their careers. Further to the mentoring and opportunities the Shaw community production team offer, they extended their mobile unit while it was working to allow our students the opportunity to experience this environment in return for content, it was a win-win situation, just like our relationship. I truly hope you consider keeping a Shaw Community channel in northwestern Ontario. We are a large region (size of France) and it’s the local content that keeps us connected and grounded.

Respectfully,
Michele McManus M.Ed
Broadcasting TV Production Program Coordinator
Thunder Bay, ON
----------------------
In addition to the incredible support our Broadcasting and Film Production students have received from Shaw TV Northwestern Ontario over the years, they have also been an important resource for Confederation College as a whole in sharing our successes, events and initatives with our home communities in northwestern Ontario. We are grateful to have an involved, creative and dedicated broadcast team only a phone call away. Their commitment to education in our region and their community-mindedness is very much valued. I echo Michele's comments in urging the CRTC to continue supporting Shaw TV community television.
Ashleigh Quarrell, H.B.Comm
Media & Communications Officer
Thunder Bay, ON

Shaw TV Edmonton.
I produce and host a local show called Arts Talk on Shaw TV Edmonton. Shaw TV provides me with an excellent opportunity to be able to produce my show and promote the local Arts Community. I think this type of local programming is very important and Shaw TV provides the venue for local producers to be able to provide the content and put on very professional programming.

Rogers T.V. in Guelph has had a long history of providing coverage of local events. As a community which has no network T.V. station Rogers is often the only T.V. outlet covering community events in Guelph. Their coverage of annual events such as Guelph's Remembrance Day Service, Multicultural Festival and the Hillside Festival, and special events like the unveiling of the John McCrae statue are valued by local citizens who are unable to attend the event.
Rogers regularly scheduled public affiairs and community affairs programming provides the only source of televised ongoing information and discussion about current affairs in Guelph. It is crucial that these programs continue to be produced in Guelph for Guelph. Moving to a regional format for current affairs would not provide a true connection to the local community, but would simply duplicate the mandate of the commercial CTV station in Kitichener.
The goal of community programming should not be to mimic the mandate of commercial networks; instead the goal should be to provide the sort of local community affairs programming which is not available on commercial networks. Locally produced programs such as Talk Local and Inside Guelph address this need.
As the M.P.P. for Guelph I strongly encourage continued funding for Guelph community T.V.

Shaw TV is a very important and profound resource for our organization. Their commitment to community engagement is admirable and has a direct effect on the Saskatoon SPCA and animals in our community. On a weekly basis, Shaw TV films a "Paws for Thought" feature, highlighting number of animals at our facility who are looking for a home. We have adopted a number of animals because of this segment. Not only does it allows those who feel overwhelmed by the adoption floor to focus on one specific animal, it also creates a sense of "celebrity" for that animal, making him/her more desirable to the public.
On top of these weekly segements, Shaw TV hosts a telethon for the Saskatoon SPCA once a year. The telethon is one of our largest fundraisers and the Shaw team is very active and engaged in the entire process: without them, we could not do this event. The fact that this local network has extended such an incredible offer to assist us in helping make a direct effect on animals in need in our community, speaks to the benefit that community channels have. We are thankful for Shaw TV, Shaw TV Saskatoon, and will remain forever grateful for their support and generosity. Without focus on local, there is a large gap in creating an active community and a sense of pride in where we live.

I’ve read through a good many of the comments below and agree with the majority, but most of them talk from a viewers standpoint. There is no doubt that community television helps foster a strong community identity, but there is another side to the coin, one that involves those actively engaging in producing shows for those same viewers. What I find amazing about community access television (my personal experience is with Shaw Nanaimo) is the opportunity for anyone to walk in off the street and get ‘involved’ in the television industry. Whether it be reporting, editing, camera handling, or another department, a person such as myself can walk through their doors with an idea in my head or an urge to volunteer, and my desires will more than likely be addressed.
How many businesses offer that. Not many that I know of. Twice in the last two weeks I attended a ‘Storytelling’ class put on by one of the staff, Derek, to pick up tips on that aspect of the industry. Todd has given me pointers on editing, Steve on sound, and Melissa on story ideas. I didn’t pay a penny, didn’t pony up a CV, or wait for hours in a waiting room for an interview. I wasn’t escorted to the door by security or judged by staff when my lack of knowledge reared its ugly head. So, as a result of that encouragement I now have a show on Shaw TV, (Changing Landscapes Bolivia - trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDT-apFZz1Q) and another in the works, (Changing Landscapes Vancouver Island - trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSRelHHmxKg)
I’m on the wrong side of 50, an age that most industries have already turned their backs on. Shaw not only met me at the door, they opened it, clapped me on the back and said: “Get on with it!” That door should remain open for all those that want to pass through it.

Shaw TV Winnipeg has been involved with The Movement Centre of Manitoba since 1999 helping to promote and increase awareness of our Conductive Education Rehabilitation programs as well as our various fundraisers that cover a large portion of our operating expenses.
Community Television is a very important element particularly for small charities who do not have an advertising budget to get their message out.
We cannot express our appreciation enough for the locally focused support of Shaw TV and their involvement in our community, helping Manitobans with movement disabilities find us.
Margy Nelson, Executive Director
The Movement Centre of Manitoba
teaching independence ~ transforming lives

Our local MADD Chapter had the pleasure of working with Heidi this past summer. Heidi came out to our local Golf Tournament and spent the day with us, completing a segment on what the day is about and what services our Chapter provides. As a non-profit organization, it is so important to us to be cost-aware when spreading our message and awareness to the communities that we serve. Having Heidi complete a piece on the work we do, as well as the dangers of impaired driving, was amazing. We had lots of people reach out to say that they had watched the segment and wanted to know more about what we do, access our services, or lend their support. Having the support of our community is the encouragement that we need to continue the work we do when we are at the base of an uphill climb. Community programming is extremely important in helping non-profit organizations gain exposure within the communities. Thank you, Shaw TV!

Community television is critical to making local government more accessible to citizens. I sit on Duncan City Council. Our meetings are recorded. People can view them live on line, or if they are unable to do that, Shaw shows the council meetings later in the week.
I often receive comments from people who watch the proceedings with interest. I deeply appreciate this service and so do they.

As a viewer in the Okanagan, I love being able to see locally produced stories about everything that is happening where I live. As the Executive Director of the Okanagan Science Centre, I love working with Shaw TV to let everyone know what is going on here at the science centre. Working with local producers who know our organization, our region, and our audience is invaluable in letting people know what the science centre and our region has to offer. Our science centre just celebrated our 25th anniversary, and one of our employees was here from the beginning. Shaw TV Okanagan did a wonderful piece on him to commemorate the event. This sort of programming accomplishes so much--it celebrates a local institution, it celebrates an individual's achievement, and it brings alive and preserves the region's rich history.

Local programming like that provided by Shaw TV Okanagan captures people, institutions and events that make this region vibrant and special. Without locally produced programming so much of that history, so many of those stories, would be lost foever. Shaw TV Okanagan plays a vital role in conveying and celebrating our culture and achievements, in teaching children and younger adults the history of our region, and in keeping that history and culture alive. Locally produced programming captures on film things that no one else is there to capture--it plays a vital role in our region.

I really love volunteering at Shaw TV in Northern BC. They have given me opportunties to grow my knowlegde and understanding of the my local community as well as my television production and reporting. I have deeply enjoyed my time at shaw and I hope to volunteer more with them into the future. I think anyone who wants to get into televison would benifit from volunteering with any local community station to gain valuable epxereience.

<p>We support local TV because:</p>
<p>1) with newspapers dying &amp; local radio stations hooking up for nastionl programing, where will the public obtain local news?</p>
<p>2) With local TV more advertising $ is kept in the local area, because the local workers spend a good part of their money where they live. &nbsp;A relay signal does not!&nbsp;</p>
<p>3) Most local advertisers have small budgets and can not afford to advertise in as bigger market.</p>
<p>4) Local TV is friendlier to sdmaller communities and expresses things of interest the community they serve. In bigger markets smaller ones are ignored.</p>
<p>5) The mandate for Canadian TV was suppose to bring forth the varous Canadian cultures, not like the USA and paint all with the same brush.</p>
<p>6) When a major disaster hits and a TV station is down in that area the other stations which are still operating near the hit aera will be able to take over the needed communications, otherwise theat areas will have little or no local information.</p>
<p>7) Speciallity channels [especially thse from outside of Canada] will ot be of any value in this situtation.</p>
<p>8) To say people could go on the internet does not hold up because not every one can do so and when something major happens too many at a time go on it and then they system crashes.</p>
<p>9) I for one do not the newsnetworks which give a few minutes of headlings and then keep repeating them. &nbsp;If they go down where will the interviewers be?</p>
<p>10) The Canadian idenity is based on multiculturism which is best served by numerous local TV stations.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>These are a few points I have in support of having local TV stations {like other &nbsp;businesses} be paid for the product they give. &nbsp; TV providers should pay them their fair share! &nbsp;tt</p>
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Shaw TV programming is vital in smaller communities. Shaw TV Kootenays is a well-respected and important part of how our communtiy communicates; how we preserve our history; how we tell our story. It is so important to have professionally trained journalists providing unbiased, well-researched, in-depth coverage of local community news -- from sports to government to social issues.

Community TV has been a great tool for us as a major community event (Simcoe County Cup) that helps bring the community together using media. Every year we hold an event that involves 500 kids, plus their parents and other family members. Liklely about 1000-1500 impacted by this event. Rogers Local TV has been instrumental in bringing this community together and offers a great way for kids to get involved with local media activity when Rogers broadcasts the games. The kids love it, and so do the parents. Our smaller local sponsors also benefit by getting their message out on local media. It's a great tool that brings everyone together... With the plethora of media options out there, local programming is unique to every community and people love it. I personally value the fact that I can access this type of programming at any time. I also value the fact that as a community member I can participate in the creation of programming. This is great for our youth in the communuty as well. It's the perfect way for them to learn about media and get involved in a professional environment. Our community channel is a great thing and our community event would not be the same without it.

I regularly watch my local Shaw TV community channel to learn new and interesting things about organizations and events in my community of Nanaimo and Regional District. The content is professionally presented in an unbiased manner, well researched and digs into the story. I particularly enjoy “The Show” for its varied topics and interesting and fun approach to informing the viewers about community topics. “Go! Magazine” is another great program that showcases local people and local events with great topics and delivery that keep it fun and interesting to watch. You never know what you are going to learn next about Nanaimo and the people who live and work here!

I have been involved in a project that has played on the local channel. Our organization has had a number of projects with Shaw, all of which were extremely beneficial in getting the word out about Nanaimo Travellers Lodge and dementia care for our residents. The Shaw team in Nanaimo is always open for idea’s to be pitched and I am amazed at the job they do with such a small but dynamic team when they shoot their material on site. The community awareness we have achieved through Shaw local community programming is invaluable to us.

Local programming is vital for small communities to be able to share our stories and record history in the making.

I’m submitting these comments as president of a local non-profit heritage society that places a high value on the importance of ‘local and community programming’.
Our Society operates the Port Moody Station Museum. A major part of our community engagement involves the creation and delivery of programs and events that celebrate the heritage of our community.
Promotion and communication of these programs and events depends on a number of media resources including print, online social media and ‘local and community programming’. Local and community programming provides value and benefits that other media resources are not able to replicate.
Non-profit organizations – especially those involved in local heritage, arts and culture – are dependent on local and community programming capabilities as their key media outlet to large audiences in their local and regional area.
Local and community programming is the only medium that can create a unique perspective of a local community’s identity, its people, community celebrations and local events. Local and community programming provides the ability to package these attributes into programming suitable for over-the-air and/or cable distribution.
Local and community programming also provides a creative avenue for local citizens to develop skills in television production while giving back their time, in many cases, as a voluntary contribution.
On behalf of the Port Moody Heritage Society we strongly support initiatives that will maintain but also expand the capabilities and access to local and community programming.
Robert Simons
President
Port Moody Heritage Society

As a community we are seeing the increased loss of local newspapers reporting on the news, within our communities. With the loss of the print media, the local community is going to rely even more on local television coverage for local news.
It is disturbing that cable companies are buying programing and television channels from outside the country and providing nothing in the way of monitary support to local TV stations.
In the same context it is unfair for the CRTC to demand the same level of Canadian content from smaller television stations as it does larger population based television stations. There must be something that can be done to "equalize" the playing field so the smaller community run televison stations can keep operating and providing such a needed service to our local communities.
CHEK TV - keep up the great work! We love you!

I have had the pleasure of volunteering as a camera assistant for Shaw TV and it is something I thoroughly enjoy! It is an opportunity to be involved in my community and get an insight to other people’s lives in my own ‘backyard’. Without ShawTV, this would be less likely. I love having local stories to watch as I find them interesting and relevant. The latest project I assisted on was about learning to ski on Whistler Blackcomb. The ski instructor “George” oozed enthusiasm for his love for skiing, people and his ‘office’ (the mountains) and he would be an inspiration to anyone watching, locally or globally! ☺

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo boasts a rich, diverse culture we embrace every day. Our residents come from all over the world bringing with them their customs and traditions and Shaw TV Fort McMurray allows our region to tell that story. Shaw TV works hand in hand with community members and organizations and advocates for notable causes and events through its programming and community involvement.
Our local Shaw TV employees are regular fixtures at community events and are always searching for their next story. Their efforts do not go unseen and are deeply appreciated by the community. As Mayor, their commitment to broadcasting our Council meetings is greatly valued. By extending the reach through television, residents are able to tune in from the comfort of their home.
Community television is a grassroots method of communication that keeps residents up to date with current local affairs and provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to flourish and get involved in their community. By offering volunteer opportunities, producing features on community events and our residents, providing time slots for local programming and by covering announcements, Shaw TV Fort McMurray provides a great public service through a variety of platforms.
Community television plays an important role in the cultivation of a strong community identity. I applaud the efforts of Shaw TV Fort McMurray as well as all community television providers across the country. Their collective energy and dedication to communities everywhere is a great asset and should continue to be fostered as their efforts benefit all of us as Canadians.
Mayor Melissa Blake
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

My name is Phil Byrne and I teach the Film and Broadcasting Program for the Burnaby School District. This course involves students from all of the district high schools and is a half day 16 credit intensive course. Students in the course spend 120 hours at Shaw TV Vancouver working on local programming. As well, we produce a half hour news and information show called Burnaby Connect. This show is written and produced by teenagers with a focus on teen achievement and interests. It has a distinctly Burnaby voice and perspective, and we cover stories that wouldn't be covered anywhere else Burnaby Connect has a good prime-time reach and we have a community of viewers in our city.
Producing this show allows students to meet professional technical and editorial standards. Many rely on this opportunity to qualify for BCIT and Capilano University programs. As well, students who have worked on this show have also gone directly to paid contract work in film and television. This year two former students had 18th birthdays while on sets of top rated shows.
Broadcast carries with it community responsiblities that are a vital part of the exchange between the student producers and their Burnaby audience. The public nature of the exchange is an important part of their learning experience. Most of the narrowcasting that the students experience is trite, derrivative and juvinile. By producing a broadcast show students negotiate the adult responsiblities that are implicit in the activity.
Cable providers have the responsiblitity of providing community programming that is outside of the profit centres of their business. It is a price they owe the community. To assume that the vital community information sharing can be met by private interests is to go against the point of having the CRTC in the first place. It is at times like these that the CRTC is called on to meet thier mandate to the public, who are not consumers but citizens. The citizens of Burnaby are owed the public space to exchange information beyond the reach of the corporate world.

Shaw TV community programming is important to me as a volunteer and as a local producer. I was a TV host in my country and when I moved to Canada 14 years ago, Shaw TV Nanaimo allowed me to continue doing what I loved and still love. They were very nice and accommodating. They were happy to help and showed me the ropes in any area of TV production I was interested in.They allowed me to be myself and I got to report segments and also host my own segment called "Talent Shop".
In recent times, I enjoy doing volunteer hosting at Shaw. In addition, I produce and host my own show "Teachers Above and Beyond" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQtlk6iAEyw
Producing and hosting my own show has been a pleasant experience for me because Shaw TV Nanaimo staff worked right beside me from the beginning and are still supporting and working with me to make the show a success which otherwise wouldn’t have happened without Shaw TV’s community programming. Community programming is very important because it keeps us informed about things happening locally and it also allows people to have a voice in their community. The volunteer programme is also a great avenue for people to horn their skills in TV production. Taking away community programming will be equal to taking away the community’s voice and also crippling new talents.

I support the submission made by the Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations (CACTUS) in response to the Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTc 2015 421-2.
It is a matter of public record that I appeared before the CRTC in 1996 and advocated that the control of so-called community channels on cable television systems by the private corporations be transferred to local communities. A healthy democracy is dependent upon a diverse media. Unfortunately, Canadians presently are subjected to a highly concentrated media that is not in the public interest.
As addressed in One Media Law (www.onemedialaw.com), a case study that I completed last year focusing on the unjust enrichment of cable television companies, there is compelling evidence of the regulatory capture of the CRTC by corporate interests over the past two decades.
It is my belief that community media has the potential to inform citizens of such issues and play an important role in helping to progres the state of Canadian democracy.

I value having Shaw TV provide its Community Programming. Our school district benefits greatly from Shaw TV as our stories are best told through video. With not having a traditional TV station in our community, Shaw fills a void in providing this coverage. The Community Programming staff are always interested in our news and can provide better coverage through longer features than generally available through traditional news. The staff have strong community connection and roots providing a very solid working relationship. Not only do we appreciate features about our programming, other stories also help build a better sense of community by getting to know individuals, commuity groups and events that make our city better. The focus on positive news coverage is much appreciated as well. YES community programming is valuable and needed even more so today as a channel for sharing good news in our community.
THANKS

Shaw TV’s community broadcasting has been an essential piece in capturing and sharing amazing stories within our community. As a member of the Fort McMurray Fire Department, I frequently reach out to our local journalists with Shaw TV to capture stories and share education with the community. On countless occasions, Shaw TV has provided the Fire Department with an outlet to share fire prevention information, promote community events, and capture feel-good stories, such as large charity donations. Not only does the programming offer a spotlight into the amazing work throughout the community, but the Shaw TV journalists themselves are very well known and respected throughout Fort McMurray.
Community television as whole offers an amazing insight into the small corners of a community that many people may otherwise never know exists. Being able to recognize people or landmarks on television is a way that people can identify with the community they call home!

Community television (and the coverage of local news, stories, people and events) is more important than ever for the continued enrichment of Canadian culture. In much the same way that the government provided (and provides) support to Canada's cultural industries in light of our complex socioeconomic relationship with the United States in the midst of ever-evolving globalization, it is integral that governments at all levels create a landscape where community television can thrive.
Here in Wood Buffalo (home to Fort McMurray, Alberta), Shaw TV Fort McMurray provides an invaluable service and the CRTC should ensure the regulatory landscape is positioned so that this service can continue and that the media industry has what it needs to deliver this service to Canadians.

Hello. I wish I could say that I still view Community TV here in Campbell River, BC, which i used to do quite regularly, and even contributed some programs. Unfortunately the CRTC took that privilege from me several years ago, when it virtually unilaterally ruled that it could go to Shaw, which has been running just a shadow service ever since. All of the hearings were heard in Gationeau, as nearly always happens with the CTRC, so nearly all local voices were almost compltely stilled - a problem the CRTC has still failed to address even partly adequately. So I will instead turn my comments to local programming, which is now provided pretty much totally by Shaw, again with a total lack of adequacy compared to what we used to have before Shaw took over/bought out Campbell River Television Association. The local studio at the cable station is now substandard in terms of coverage of local news and events and I ask that the Commission now and immediately take steps to properly reverse this situation and stop genuflecting to Shaw and other big communications corporations, to make sure they restore proper coverage of strictly-local events, happenings, issues, to keep area residents and viewers suitably informed of things that directly affect them on a day-to-day basis.

I'm new to community programming. I'm from the cable cutting generation who has changed his mind from the local programming of Shaw TV. Upon watching I was surprised how good their content is, how much it reflects the community we live in.
I have an Access Program with Shaw TV and have been shocked and amazed of how professional they are to each other, to me and the respect they have for not just the medium of TV but for the role they play in their community.
Viewing Shaw TV programs I am better informed in our local politics, community initiatives, local sporting and entertainment events.
Being able to contribute to the community with my little show has been fun not just for me, but for my family, friends and all the guests who get to share their passions with their peers in our community.
Community Television unites aids in the unification of city and I'm proud to be part of it and I am grateful for everyone at Shaw TV for the talents, time and heart they give to their profession.

I have been volunteering with Shaw TV Winnipeg for about about a year and a half now, and at 17 years old I can say that it has been the best year and a half of my life thus far. I have been able to work on so many productions and gain so much experience that they have really provided me with an in-road into this industry. Having Shaw TV work with me and my community is such an important thing.
The quality of programming on Shaw TV has really proven itself to be very high. The shows produced are all strong, enjoyable works carefully crafted together by a fantastic group of people. With them, I've been able to produce a 6-episode Drama-Comedy series and air it on their channel, and even have had the opportunity to get it aired nationally on Shaw Direct. We are now working together to create another six episodes for the channel.
The time I spend working with Shaw TV is the time that I value the most. I owe my entire Film & TV future to this broadcaster, as without it I would never have had these opportunities. I have gained so much knowledge, experience, and above all - a great group of friends from my time with them, and I hope to volunteer with them for as long as I can. Thank you, Shaw TV!

The Canadian Diabetes Association in Saskatoon, as a charitable organization, rely heavily on local media to assist us in promotion key issues and events. We value the generous support of all local media. I would like today to talk about Shaw TV who we have had the opportunity to work with closely in the last year. They have always been willing to showcase events we have going on in the community. This is especially true when the events are linked to even more important events such as Diabetes Awareness Month. Their efforts speak volumes to the importance they place on their viewer’s health & well-being. Their local community channel is so important to viewers and organizations like ours. The 3 part segment programs that we have partnered on have helped us to reach an audience that we may have not been able to otherwise. It is wonderful to hear from viewers who were able to learn more on diabetes based on the program we taped with Shaw. We cannot say enough great things about the staff we have worked with at Shaw TV. They have always been so professional and a delight to work with. Shaw TV understands that every organization has a story to tell and they make it a priority to tell that story in a compelling way and their local community programming is a vital to airing those stories.

Shaw TV's support of Variety - The Children's Charity in British Columbia enables us to provide much-needed support for children with special needs. As a province-wide charity what we raise in B.C. stays in B.C., making our engagement very much community-based.
For many families who come to Variety, the stigma of asking for help can sometimes be a barrier, in fact many of the families we help have household incomes below the poverty line. By producing and telling the stories about our cause the kids we help, Shaw as a community broadcaster provides an authentic voice directly in the communities of children we help - and those who need our help.
As a supporter of our annual signature event, the Show of Hearts Telethon, Shaw tells local stories of amazing children with special needs and their achievements with the help of Variety and its donors. Effectively Shaw helps to rally communities across the province to experience an iconic weekend when British Columbians come together to support Variety and the kids.
Variety in B.C. steps in where health care ends, providing direct help to children through funding for costs not covered by private or public health plans. This includes medical care and services, mobility and communications equipment and therapies, as well as, education and experiences that foster development. Shaw's support not only raises awareness about our cause, it helps to inspire communities to ensure children with special needs have the help they need to fulfill their unique potential.
As Variety celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we look forward to our community partnerships to ensure children with special needs have help for the next 50 years.

I love watching the local programming that is produced in Calgary and shown on channel 10. Local restaurants, stores, events, etc, making local celebrities (I see Chef Jen in my neighborhood grocery store all the time)! There just isn't any other programming that hits so close to home - it's special.

I find using CHEK news very important for me to learn more about what is going on in the local and Vancouver Island communities. I subscribe to SHAW and was surprised to learn that the fee that I pay monthly to SHAW does not help them with their expenses. I don't use many channels that SHAW pays for but I am required to pay for. I watch CHEK every evening and is crucial to keeping me informed. I am 69 and can't get around very well because of a back condition so CHEK is a lifeline for me.

Chek is truly a local tv station. How incredible is it to have an employee-owned station! They are intimately involved in what is happening here in Victoria, and all of Vancouver Island, and it shows by the excellent coverage they give to local stories and events. Not a station that's getting it's agenda from a conglomerate far away in Ontario.

i, also didn't know that shaw didn't support local media ... i am a career newspaper graphic artist ... i've seen the tech changes from the beginning ... from hot metal to macintosh ... with the takeover on vancouver island of the black press monopoly, i can tell you from experience that you rarely read journalism that is unbiased, informative, detailed and independently diseminated ... it has always been "dictated" by the business community and special interest groups ... the same people who advertise ... where are your voices now? Our lovely island station ... CHEK ... has delivered unadulterated, entertaining and informative news for the people of vancouver island for decades ... "they" tried to shut them down in the early 2000's; when i was at the nanaimo daily news ... and we know how that turned out ... up and down the island ... black press has absorbed the only other independent voices in printed material ... now, without competition, the news will be diluted and revised so that we are all victims of the corporations view on everything ... look at what shaw has done ... purporting themselves as community-minded? and they don't financially support local tv? I personally know quite a few of the casualties of the island monopoly ... approximately 90% women ... most of the men where re-hired at better than union rates so that they would not bring unions back (along with respectable wages for women) ... i love ed bain's sense of humor, i've been watching gordie tupper since his days with mikaela ... WHY DOESN'T SHAW SUPPORT CHEK? ... WTF? ... especially when it is included in the basic cable package because we can't afford the whole suite of channels ... canadians are dominating the music scene, the film industry ... is shaw that stupid as to bite off the nose that feeds it? or does it even matter? i suspect the latter.

Was watching a segment on knitting and a banner appeared on the bottom of the screen to contact to create a television show.
Do I normally watch knitting shows, no, but this one was zoomed in on knitting needles and looked friendly and fresh.
Emailed my idea in to Shaw and was invited to station to discuss and witnessed a revamping into the digital era. There was an energy of ideas being fired off with experienced planners to guide.
Was given an hands on opportunity to learn different areas, take work shops after working hours, and meet enthusiastic people. Lets get Cooking! Started filming ladies at community centres cooking group family meals to bring home to their families while their children played! Then filming in-studio a healthy Yogo show watching the big Mother Board of Switches being replaced by a keyboard, big cameras on wheels changed from black and white to colour monitors ( a big improvement). Then creating magic with the Ho Ho Hotline and Santa Claus Parade watched the mobile van turn into a digital video on wheels production station. Was exciting to see the progress! Out and About filmed Mardi Gras at the Convention Centre to show a glimpse of our chilly city being turned into a beaded fun event in the winter and car enthusiasts at Car Shows in the summer showing our Sunday Night Drive which had hoped to portray the safety side of cruising.
It is has been a great way to see a different birds eye view of our city with different segments with different peoples views.
Community produced segments for all ages is a resourceful enrichment of our citys culture. People love reality shows this is their reality.

I have been a volunteer for Shaw TV in Cranbrook for the last 8 months. The guys there have been so helpful to me, I would be lost without them. Having such a wonderful insight to how the channel runs and to be part of such a necessity to my community has been an invaluable experience. I still can’t believe that I actually get to work on TV and get my work out there, its a great thing to do and be part of! I feel the need for channels like these is immense. Its local people and local stories and things that interest the local community! Its important to bring the smaller communities together where we can learn about the things going on around us, something that bigger news channels and stations would miss out. I am so thankful for everything I have learned with Shaw TV, its changed my life!

To whom it may concern,
I am writing in response to possible changes to future television programming. It is essential that our local Victoria television station, CHEK TV, be supported financially in order that it can continue to provide local news and community information. CHEK provides content for its viewers that is informative, important, local and which helps to foster community involvement.
Our local television station is essential. CHEK TV must be supported by the Federal Government. I have been a taxpayer for many years and this is what I want my taxes to support.
Adelle Hatch

Please send a reply to:
Adelle Hatch
1661 Hollywood Crescent
Victoria, B.C.
V8S 1J2
adellehatch@shaw.ca

Red Deer is a rapidly growing city of more than 100,000 residents (thrid largest city) with a trade area of roughly 250,000. We have not had a local television station for several years now since CHCA went off the air.
The lack of a local station is deeply felt in the community, as it is now difficult to learn about local events and news.
Fortunately, the local Shaw Cable station somewhat fills the gap.
There are many good features on what is happening in the community - events, projects, community initiatives, interesting local people and organizations etc.
While these features are not created daily, as with a regular TV news department, Shaw Cable does an excellent job, particularly when one remembers the resources the station has available.
It would be a real blow to the community if we were to lose, or even have cutbacks, with our community cable station.
Moreover, at a time when Canadian content is supposed to be a national broadcasting priority, I cannot think of anything that can be more Canadian in content than the shows and features produced by the Red Deer Shaw Cable station.
Please take steps to support and enhance this station.
The community truly depends upon it.

Michael Dawe
Red Deer, Alberta

<p>My take is this. I&#39;ve been volunteering with Shaw Winnipeg for the last four years. &nbsp;In the time I volunteered with Shaw Winnipeg I&#39;ve had the opportunity to play with such cool gadgets. That wasn&#39;t the best part of it. I got to shoot Santa clause. (And sit on his lap) I got coal. I really did. Anyway back to it. The instructors at Shaw Winnipeg have got to be some of the most passionate professionals I&#39;ve ever met. I got to see several mobiles shot whole breakdown and even help set up. Real cool having been under the gun but I persevered. Anyway. I even got to help on a few series real cool ones too. Seen things I would normally never see. And did things I normally wouldn&#39;t do but am glad I did. Anyway Mentorship. I tell you they have it together one guy in particular. Greatest videographer editor and I have the honour to be friends with this cool calm hardworking dedicated man. Ok this place built with Mentorship and opportunity. Loved everything about it. Thank you.

My take is this. I've been volunteering with Shaw Winnipeg for the last four years. In the time I volunteered with Shaw Winnipeg I've had the opportunity to play with such cool gadgets. That wasn't the best part of it. I got to shoot Santa clause. (And sit on his lap) I got coal. I really did. Anyway back to it. The instructors at Shaw Winnipeg have got to be some of the most passionate professionals I've ever met. I got to see several mobiles shot whole breakdown and even help set up. Real cool having been under the gun but I persevered. Anyway. I even got to help on a few series real cool ones too. Seen things I would normally never see. And did things I normally wouldn't do but am glad I did. Anyway Mentorship. I tell you they have it together one guy in particular. Greatest videographer editor and I have the honour to be friends with this cool calm hardworking dedicated man. Ok this place built with Mentorship and opportunity. The best part is I loved every minute.

As a community volunteer in Penticton I serve in our local soup kitchen. It was in this capacity that I had the pleasure of working in partnership with with Shaw TV. Our first project was a program highlighting the purpose of the soup kitchen. The resulting show raised community awareness of people in need in Penticton. Shaw TV was kind enough to re-edit the material so I could use it as a recruitment tool in my church. It worked more people volunteered.
Our latest project was Souper Sunday. Chefs from local restaurants competed in a soup cook off every Sunday for a month. Professional chefs, supported by students from the high school culinary program created some delicious soups. The mayor, city counsel, local media and hockey teams all supported and played a role in the project. The clients who eat daily at the soup kitchen enjoyed some gourmet soups and voted for the winning chef in each round. It was fun and I think it made interesting and informative TV. The outcome of the TV coverage was an increased awareness that there are people in our community who struggle and need our help. Following the airing of the show there was a increase in people's willingness to support the soup kitchen either by a gift of groceries, time or dollars.
Shaw TV not only recorded the contest, they were instrumental in creating and organizing the event. We are already discussing next years contest. It should be fun
Thank you Shaw TV!

Dear CRTC Commission Members,

I understand that Thunder Bay Television, along with other small market stations across Canada, recently appeared before the CRTC to express significant concern about a looming financial crisis for many of them; one that could‎, unless a sustained additional source of funding is found, result in long time and historic operations such as Thunder Bay Television, cease their operations altogether. I further understand that there is a request before the Commission for the creation of a fund that would help stabilize these operations, which would provide the time needed to assess more fundamental problems facing the industry.
So, the main purpose of my letter to you today is to ask you to give every consideration to moving quickly to put this fund in place in order for operations such as Thunder Bay Television to continue to remain in a position to provide the high quality regional and community news gathering and public services they have long provided.
Certainly, I can tell you that, as a life-long citizen of Thunder Bay and as a Provincial Member of Parliament for the past 20 years, it is unimaginable to even think about the potential demise of this station. For over 60 years, Thunder Bay Television has been an incredible link to our community, let alone the vast region in Northwestern Ontario that they serve so well. It is not an exaggeration to say that people depend on TBT every single day to keep them 'in the loop' on any number of issues that affect their daily lives. Whether it is a major news story that touches the community or the region, or the promotion they provide to a countless number of not for profit agencies in the community, Thunder Bay Television has become a media outlet that, while we may take it for granted, has become a crucial part of our day to day lives. More than anything else, it needs to be understood that TBT is the only 'local' television broadcaster in Northwestern Ontario, an area the size of France, which makes the potential loss of this service something that would strike right at the heart of our entire region.
Let me finish this entreaty by thanking you for holding hearings to discuss this issue and, I hope, to make a decision to put a fund in place to enable local stations such as Thunder Bay Television to carry on with the valuable work they have done for so many years. Clearly, the status quo will not suffice and I acknowledge that you, as Commission Members, already recognize that reality. I trust that you will act on that knowledge and find a way to ensure that local broadcasters are provided with the support they need to continue to operate long into the future.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Gravelle
MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North

Shaw TV Saskatoon has helped our organization by giving us invaluable publicity for our work in providing opportunities for less-fortunate children in our city. As we are a small charitable organization, we can't afford costly advertising to get our message out in a professional effective manner. With the help of the trained employees at Shaw TV, we have an opportunity to reach our audience in a way that we don't have the skill or knowledge to do ourselves. We appreciate how local events, what's going on in the community, who people are and what amazing things they're doing in the city are covered by Shaw. It's a "being at home" station.
For the past few years, Shaw TV has covered two major yearly events for Care & Share. The coverage of our Holiday Lunch Program is fabulous. And the second is what Shaw TV started many years ago ~ the Shaw Toy Tree for Care & Share. The company certainly gives back to the community by having the employees get involved and collect thousands of toys for less-fortunate children.
Shaw TV does an incredible job in Saskatoon.

We make a point of watching the local television news on CHEK tv in Victoria on a daily basis. With the recent closure of the Nanaimo Daily News, this is the single most important way of hearing any local news! It is true that we have two issues of a free paper, the Nanaimo News Bulletin, but news happens on a daily basis so with only two issues a week, it is often out of date before we receive the papers.
CHEK TV news provides us with an ongoing update on local news not only in Victoria but also other Vancouver Island communities that are of interest to us. I was astounded to learn that such a station receives no funding from our cable dollars...is it not time to re-evaluate the system of fund allocation in light of the increasing importance of the small local stations in providing local news?

Our 2 cents from Saskatoon: The Broadway Theatre is a community-owned arts and culture centre, serving over 70,000 visitors each year. We exist on less than 8% funding from all government sources. It is crucial for us to share what we do with our entire city, but it is not easy to do without great partners.
SHAW TV and their hosts/production crews are well-known in our venue, and in our city. They work very hard to keep quality community programming and information on tv. Without partners like SHAW, our city would be a lesser place. Citizens can indeed get "everything they need" in the web - but often what gets missed in a quality way is local events, news, stories and people. SHAW TV does their best to maintain these elements in what they give to Saskatoon.
My staff and I endeavour to make Saskatoon a better city through what we program and offer to its citizens. I believe SHAW TV can take pride that they do the same. It is our sincere hope that they are able to continue the work they do in - and for - our community here in Saskatoon.

Kirby
the Broadway
Saskatoon

Dear CRTC Commission Members,
Our local Rogers Community Television is an incredibly asset to the Region of Peel Community. The community is comprised of more than 50% newcomers. The programming offered in Peel is very diverse and is often the only connection to avoid social isolation for seniors and offers a great source of information for people settling into a new country. (It's a great tool for them to practice their language skills, finding all the services/events that are availalbe in their community and a great way for them to find out how they can get involved in their community through volunteering).
I am the executive director for Volunteer MBC, the local volunteer centre for the Region of Peel. Last year, we connected over 32,000 volunteers (young and old) to over 200 community organizations across Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. This kind of success would not have been possible without our excellent partnership with our Rogers Community Television. Together, we have produced our own show: The I Care I Volunteer Show. This is a weekly (10 week) show that focus on informing residents in the community about the benefits of volunteering, where they can volunteer and how to get involved. (Our guests are community organizations, volunteers who share their "volunteer stories" or their talents, board members and of course how Volunteer MBC can make the referrals for them. The second season of our show is running right now and it has been so successful. As a charitable non profit organization, we have virtually no budget to promote the services we offer but the increased exposure we have gained via Rogers Community Television has been incredible. We really value Rogers Community Television as our partner and are extremely grateful. Together we are truly building united communities through volunteerism that ensures a safe and healthy environment where people truly care for each other. The Peel community which is filled with so many talented and skilled people from such diverse backgrounds who are willing to give their time and contribute to their communities but have no idea how to start. Rogers Community Television has made that happen for us in Peel and we would be absolutely lost without their support as a media partner and the community would be far less connected. Thank you so much to CRTC for making the investment into local community television to help Volunteer MBC execute its mission to promote and support volunteerism in an effort to connect all people to meaningful volunteer opportunties.

Access to community television is critical to any area and this is even more evident in areas such as Northwestern Ontario where Thunder Bat Television is one of the only local providers. Without TBT there would be no local programming connecting and servicing an incredibly large region. Many charitable groups, like those represented by the over 50 member organizations of the Lakehead Fundraising Association, would have no relibale way to share the message of their community engagement events, local programming and fundraising efforts. The LFA membership encompasses grass-roots organizations, post-secondary institutions, the health care sector and local offices of provincial and national organizations. The essential programming they offer supports children, adults and families in Thunder Bay and communities across the region. Without the use of the vital tool of local media outlets these organizations will feel an immediate negative impact.
Currently, providers like Thunder Bay Television and Shaw TV Thunder Bay are strong supporters of charitable organizations located in Thunder Bay and the region. They help to connect stakeholders across the region, promote volunteerism and philanthropy as well as opportunities for partnership. While many of us take for granted having access to local programming, it is an integral component of our daily lives and our communities.
On behalf of the Lakehead Fundraising Association, I urge the CRTC to consider any opportunity to support local operations which will ensure that communities outside of major centres continue to be represented and that voices are not lost.
Respectfully,
Meghan Hanbury
President, Lakehead Fundraising Association
Thunder Bay, ON

Local community information is paramount to a strong foundation for all Canadian communities whether urban, rural, semi-remote, remote or isolated.
One of the most ideal tools in our communication toolkit is Cable Community TV. The Shaw Cable Community Television system provides an excellent foundation to educate and share information specific to a community and its surrounding region. Shaw has been providing this wonderful service across north Vancouver Island for many years.
The local interest stories and insights into what is taking place locally is very beneficial for viewers on multiple levels.
The Island Health North Island Hospitals Project has been able to take full advantage of this Cable Community network since the fall of 2012. We have been able to share through bi-monthly interviews with the Shaw team the development, design, construction, and eventual operation of the two large hospital projects taking place in Courtenay and Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Our communities have been able to see through the camera's lens and the reporters eyes the development of these projects providing invaluable information that we would normally have great difficulty sharing to such a large and broad community audience impacted by this large infrastructure project across north Vancouver Island.
I would like to personally thank Shaw for their investment in Community Cable Television and their vision of a strong community information network.
Thank you.
Tom Sparrow
Chief Project Officer
North Island Hospitals Project
Island Health Authority

Shaw TV in Cranbrook plays a very important role in helping local community organizations be heard, as well as promote the great work they do. It also provides a forum for community members to get important information and alert them to services they may not have otherwise learned about. Being invovled in community theatre, my experience with the local Shaw team has been extremely positive. They are always receptive, supportive and they do a great job in the final product. Thanks Shaw TV!

CRTC Commission Members,
As Executive Director of George Jeffrey Children's Foundation in Thunder Bay I would like to speak to how heavily we rely on local media to assist us in promotion of our organizations key issues, our mission and coverage of events that support us in this community. Thunder Bay Television has not only been our media link but they have been responsible corporate supporters for over 60 years, giving back to this community and building awareness of what we do. We value the awareness they provide and generous support of our local media and cannot emphasis enough the high value and importance of their continued presence in this community. They are our life line to our local and regional community and it would be a travesty if this ceases to exist.
On behalf of our organization, the families, the children faced with developmental and physical disabilities in our community that come through our doors, I respectfully request you give serious consideration to moving quickly to put necessary provisions in place in order for operations such as Thunder Bay Television to continue to remain in a position to provide the high quality of commitment to not only our organization but all the other organizations and viewers that rely so heavily on the community and public services they have long provided
Respectfully submitted by
Mary Anne Comuzzi, Executive Director
George Jeffrey Children's Foundation

Shaw TV Winnipeg has been a fantastic supporter of Special Olympics Manitoba. Shaw TV Winnipeg reporters have come to many of our events, helping us raise awareness about our programs to our community. They are an amazing partner to our organization! We strongly urge the CRTC to support Shaw TV Winnipeg's continuation.

Community television and local TV news are crucial in smaller communities especially those that are in more isolated areas. I have been involved with a number of organizations in Thunder Bay that relied on Shaw TV and Thunder Bay Television news. Both have played a strong role informing the community about services, programs, volunteer needs and events that non-profit and charitable organization offer. Local stations provide information that is relevant to the area whether is be about community needs or news. Every effort should be made to ensure that these stations are able to continue to provide programing that meets the needs of areas away from large urban centres.

City of Duncan Council is very supportive of Shaw TV’s community programming.
Duncan Council meetings are recorded and live streamed on the City’s website. We send that video to Shaw who airs the council meeting later in the week.
The City is equally thankful for Shaw TV’s very informative local stories that really connect people to their community. When the City wanted to tell the history of the 100 year anniversary of the City Hall clock tower, or to talk about the City’s water supply during Public Works week, we called Shaw TV. They did a terrific job on both stories.
Peter de Verteuil, Chief Administrative Officer,
City of Duncan

I have watched the majority of the interventions at the CRTC’s hearing on local and community TV programming via CPAC stream. I am impressed with the variety of systems and approaches which characterize the Canadian Television Broadcasting system. The Commission has a gordian knot to parse and solve.
Nevertheless, the hearing has confirmed my judgement that there is a fundamental dichotomy between the purpose of for-profit, commercial, privately-owned (especially comprising public shareholder) television entities and the community television model, in some part also extending to local news. The raison’d’etre of the for-profit BDU is to maximize value to their shareholders, which imperative leads to ever greater growth, efficiency through centralization and automation and central decision-making. In difficult financial situations, profit will trump all other drives. The Shaw intervenors recognized this fact in their comment that they were fortunate to be blessed with a hands-off ownership. Despite the best efforts of individuals and even company policies, the BDUs acknowledged that they could not lose money on an operation forever. The only brake on this drive that I can see is the presence on the Board of a philanthropic entity, such as the Atkinson Foundation at Torstar. It is possible that the Telus model, in that they are media promoters and distributers but do not produce content might be an alternative, but I would still be wary of the for-profit motivation.
I therefore support the CACTUS proposal for not-for-profit media centres to underpin the local community system. I believe that just as we support (or not recently) our public broadcaster, that the local news and community tv effort must be supported to enable these not-for-profits to hire professional technical and journalistic help. We must accept that efficient use of funds is not always the best use of funds for the community mode. There needs to be a balance, and regulatory intervention is needed to strike the dividing line. Care should be taken that all forms of media broadcasting are made available , at least until reliable, cheap, high speed broadband internet including access to devices is accessible for all Canadians (not just 90%!). I believe that it is a cop-out to say that a community is served when only 60% of the people can actually access a linear channel. Here, regulations should ensure that if a community channel exists, it should be made available to all members of that community, again pointing to the not-for-profit model.
In addition, I would like to see some regional/provincial or national association which would counteract the pull of the large BDUs. While leaving the decision-making process in local hands re programming, these larger entities could assist in upgrading equipment, promoting the community vision and managing the suggested national web portal access to all community programming as well as archiving. The co-op model comes to mind, and might allow for a flexible funding regime. I would like to see a single app available for access to all community broadcasters. I had no idea until this hearing that community channels could be accessed online! I agree that it would be unwise to rely on non-Canadian platforms to distribute community programming and news online. Should the CRTC adopt the CACTUS proposal, I would agree that a gradual implementation would be best, focusing on serving communities without service and then adding those successful community services run by BDUs last.
I have never had access to cable tv. My OTA local news was taken over nearly a decade ago by a large BDU, so I have relied on CBC and radio for news, and the local newspaper, which recently went from bi-weekly to weekly. I think nostalgically of the days of the party-line! When analog was replaced by digital, I lost all tv access. I am retired, on a fixed income and was quoted in the thousand dollar estimate for satellite service. I had to make a decision between internet and tv and learned to do without tv. The CRTC’s LTSS from Shaw came to my attention through Digital Home forum and I applied for it. Unfortunately, I have discovered that satellite service in my locality is unreliable because of storms, high winds misalign the dish and I have had to replace my receiver three times after it was fried by lightning (my local Shaw dealer says I cannot put the receiver on a surge protect.) The cost of maintenance of this system was too expensive for what I got. I tried internet by local LOS modem, but it was unreliable for the same reasons as satellite and was at extreme range. Over the period of a year, I managed to acquire a used DMX tower, aerials and pre-amp but not yet the funds to erect same. Fortunately, through an error, Bell gave me a DLS connection; I accepted a position on the basis of having that high speed internet, and when Bell tried to take the DLS away, was able to convince them to maintain the service (they had to lay a dedicated 2 mile line for my use). I know of only a commercial enterprise with DLS in this area. I quickly discovered that I was a moderate to heavy user according to Bell, without streaming videos, so my costs per month are over $80.00 and my access to tv must be used judiciously. Just streaming the CPAC feed from 28/1 to 3/2 has taken 45% of my available monthly allowance. There is one other problem with local tv: I reside on the border of 4 different communities and access all. My political region is to the south; my health to the west; my arts and local shopping sometimes to the north; and my tv OTA to the east. Would I be paying for 4 subscriptions to four community services?
My opinion on one matter has changed. I grew up with TV which was free, and have objected to paying for it by subscription, but I now recognize that the advertising support for broadcast traditional tv is disappearing and it is unfair to ask a diminishing cable audience to pay for the whole system. I would be willing to subscribe on a pay-for-use basis. I am not interested in entertainment programming; on LTSS, I used CBC and TVO primarily. Today, I stream primarily live sports - skiing and equestrian mainly. I would be very interested in accessing live streams of the Canadian levels of those sports.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. I will await the decision of the CRTC on local and community television and then decide whether to put up that DMX tower!

Yes I regularly watch Shaw, as well as I watch their YouTube channel here in Fort McMurray. It is always about things that matter to me and our community. It is a place where I learn what is going on. My experience is that the quality of the productions is always really high as well as entertaining. My local channel is Fort McMurray.

In Bruce-Grey Ontario, we were once well served by a local TV channel that featured local news & programming, but now decades later, after all the media sales & amalgamations, we are in a "no man's land", stuck between 3 CTV affiliates that usually won't travel 'all the way' into our area unless something major is happening like a large factory fire. No CBC, no Global, no City. Our closest news comes from Barrie, Kitchener or London (CTV), Hamilton (Ind) or Toronto (City, CTV, Global, CBC), all hours away, with not even a single news bureau from our own area. We're the forgotten corner of southern Ontario.
Rogers TV in Owen Sound is the community channel that I've used as a Paramedic to inform the public about our service, to promote healthy living, and to educate the viewers about healthcare & emergency preparedness. The feedback we've received on the various shows our Paramedics have been featured on, has always been positive and well-received. The viewers appreciate that it's local people on the show, not someone from 'the big city' who can't relate to life in a rural area.
If regular commercial television networks are going to continue to centralize and downsize their news operations to save money, then community channels will become a more important way for local stories to be heard. Our community channels are now the only source of regular local programming. Unfortunately, those on satellite are left completely out, and not every cable company has a studio & local TV programming. I'd like to see funding not only regulated & secured for community television channels, but to be expanded to make it more available to all on all television providers, not just the big cable companies in the larger centres.

United Way of Peel Region is a social change organization that relies on vital partners like Rogers TV Peel to help create awareness about the local needs and issues affecting residents across our region. The station has covered our various initiatives throughout the years and we’ve had a great response to the weekly segments that we participate in. Rogers TV provides us with a platform to reach new demographics in Brampton & Mississauga.

Our local Rogers TV station is a vital resource for our community. The dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide quality local programming.

I support the work of Shaw Television in Lethbridge and Southern Alberta. Its local coverage of events, personalities, news and current affairs is consistant and as diverse the community it serves. We need more local content in our media, not less! As an independant producer I appreciate the platform Shaw provides me to air my productions. The other broadcasters in our area have completely abandonned local programming other than news. Needless to say there are many other stories to tell other than "news stories". We need broadcasters to air more programs about local history, culture, human interest and current affairs. A strong local presence in the media ensures our stories are told. Currently Shaw TV airs my series about Public Edcuation in Southern Alberta. The 2 local private stations have no time in their schedule to air the series. We cannot afford to lose or reduce local coverage of community affairs. With each cut, we loose a little more of our identity and the abilility to share our stories with each other...and the world.

In the Fall I was fortunate enough to have an interview with Lisa Pysmenny regarding chickens in urban environments. My business rents beehives and chickens/coops for people to enjoy in their own backyards. I found Lisa and her photographer Lorraine very professional, knowledgable and friendly. The program that was created around the story was informative, well shot, and very strong. I enjoy local TV with stories that interest people in our area. I would happily work with this company again in the future.

It is vitally important that the CRTC support small local community television (and radio) stations. With the sysytematic dismantaling of the CBC that took place under the Harper government, larger parts of the country have already lost local, in fact, regional radio programming. If these same areas now lose local television disconnected communities will become completely disconnected from one another isolated.
As well, local organizations that rely on community television stations to provide marketing support and/or coverage of fundraising events, awards presentations, sports tournaments, emergency needs, etc. will lose a fundamental avenue for reaching out to the general public to encourage participation, sell tickets, appeal for contributions.
Local stations not only provide local and regional news and support the local sports, arts and cultural community they also tend to carry Canadian programming and programs not available on other stations.
It would be a major loss for Thunder Bay, in fact the entire region on Northwestern Ontario, if Dougall Media were to fold due to lack of proper funding from the CRTC. The detrimental ramifications are unimagonable.

As a not-for-profit, Shaw Penticton has been a valued partner to OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre. Annually they host our annual Share-A-Smile Telethon, our largest fundraiser of the year. Additionally, they film segments throughout the year at our Centre for inclusion in their Go Okanagan programming which raises public awareness of the vital services provided by OSNS to children and youth with developmental delays throughout the South Okanagan and Similkameen.
Shaw provides a local view to our communities.

What could be done to improve your community channel? For example, should community channels operating in smaller markets broadcast professional local news to ensure that they cater to the diverse needs of their communities?

Suggesting community channels broadcast professional local news is a condriction in terms. Professional local news serves its purpose by informing the community at-large about events and happenings occurring in the pre-set broadcast zone.

Community television is a platform for people to respond to the local events and happenings in their community specifically, whether it be a geographical zone or from a multicultural, citzentry perspective.

There is no need to work against the other's interest. In the end, the community gets media coverage that is comprehensive and inclusive of the other. All voices and happenings get an opportunity to be highlighted from various, relvant points of view.

What could be done to improve my community channel? Make more room for direct community involvement or let another non-profit organization have the ability to control the existing funds to assist the citizentry in becoming more active players in matters that effect them directly.

Local programming is esstential in communities for a number of reasons:
It gives viewers the sense of community, to see their voices and stories seen and heard.
It is vital to contruibte local content on big stories in smaller communities such as the floods in Medicine Hat AB.
Quality sports and event stories are important in local programming.
Plus, viewers expess they want and need reflection from their locally
domiciled conventional Television stations.

I have lived in Medicine Hat ,y whole life and i truly believe that this city would be devastated if something should happen to our local programming. We are a large enough centre that important issues happen here that need to be addressed.

If the whole idea of cutting funding for small stations is to not use public money for private enterprises, we are cutting off our nose to spite our face. Local TV stations, even though owned privatly are for the public. We need a variety of voices in a community (newspaper, website, TV stations) and we need them to be strong as possible.
There is long term value in investing in communities through supporting their media centres.

Local programming is the heart of the community here in Prince George. The community and northern region of BC would loose a valuable asset if funding for local programming and equipment upgrades were not made available by the government. Due the extreme hard work of our newsroom, events in our community are covered during our local news, however there's room for more exposure to local music community and sporting groups; not just in PG but in our entire broadcast region (mackenzie, burns lake, mcbride, quesnel) Whether its live on location broadcasts, dedicated daily programs that showcase more of the community (in addition to News), live on location broadcasts from community events, more quality local programming is critical for the our region. Funding is the biggest need for small TV stations. With the expensive costs of equipment, small stations have a hard time trying to stay up to date in this fast changing world of technology. My station would love to be able to produce a live on location segment of our newscast but due to the huge costs of live technology we have been limited in our presentation to just the news studio. Small TV stations have smaller employee sizes, having funding to upgrade newsroom systems would enable us to produce more quality and quantity programming with the same amount of personnel. I can not stress the fact that funding is the single most needed resources for small market TV stations. If funding isn't secured I'm afraid a large voice across this country will be lost as the small towns and cities will loose their local voice.

Local programming is extremely important especially in smaller markets. We live in a small town that would be greatly underserved if we were to lose our local tv news station. It is dedicated to providing residents in Medicine Hat and surrounding areas with news and information that impacts them specifically. It is essential that small communities have a place to turn to regularily for local news, information, andd community events. Red Deer residents are still feeling the negative impact of the loss of their local TV news station. Many in that community feel they are now being underserved as Calgary and Edmonton stations focus primarliy on news in their respective markets. In a crisis situation, local tv stations are vital in sharing pertinent information. During the 2013 flood in Medicine Hat, the local TV station increased their daily news coverage by adding special updates and newscasts to ensure residents had the latest information. Emergency officials credited the tv station after the flood with making their job easier. All they had to do was relay the information and the team of reporters and anchors would take of ensuring it was relayed to the public in a timely and efficient manner. It is important that small communities have a place to turn for local news and information. Employees that work in small markets are extremely dedicated to what they do. They do more with less resources because they are committed to serving their communities. Increasing funding would allow small market TV stations to add additional resources and expand the scope of news, information, and programming.

I create video content for local events in and around Toronto, but my videos are posted to YouTube, where, to date, my interviews and coverage have been viewed over 3 million times. While I realize the CRTC is not involved with this platform, I think it's important for the government to recognize the importance of this type of content which is reaching an ever-growing audience.
There are hundreds of people across the country involved in creating content in the same way, in all types of genres and fields, and it would be incredible if the government recognized this sector in some way, and found ways to help "broadcasters" like us.
While the importance of local television should not be dismissed, and needs to be fostered, there is a vital importance to this new age of content creators and how they reach Canadians.

I live in the Kelowna, BC, area, and we love our local broadcasters. We have people from Toronto PRETENDING they live in the Okanagan while giving the news and weather reports for late night and weekend news and WE DON'T LIKE IT!! A lot of us have switched to either Vancouver news or CBC national or CTV national news channels. When the newscasters can't even pronounce the names of areas around us correctly, it has really ticked a lot of us off. We want local broadcasters delivering our local news and weather, thank you. Otherwise, Shaw Global, or Corus, now, had better get it right, or they wil have lost a lot of viewers.

Local TV news and programming have a huge impact on the news that I watch in general. Without having local content that I can view and discover here in Medicine Hat, I'm not sure how much provincial-wide news and national news I would watch. Watching a CTV or Global based out of larger centers won't ever give the impact or feel of having a station that knows the citizens of the city, understands which stories need to be shared, and brings it to everyones attention. And if a big enough story regarding Medicine Hat ever got to CTV or Global, to me personally the story would feel like its coming from an outsider. We would be an afterthought on those larger stations. I'm very proud of the steps the local TV station in Medicine Hat has made in the last few years, with the conversion to HD programming, the use of Social Media to promote stories in a different way than just the 5:30 newscast. They have adapted to what larger stations with bigger budgets are able to do, and thats exciting for this city. All in all, moving Local TV out of places like Medicine Hat, Kamloops and Prince George would be terrible, and the quality of news in each of those centers would deteriorate in the process.

Local programming through small market station is a esstential part of a stong community. In Medicine Hat Alberta, CHAT TV has been a stong and go to format for many of the 70,000 residents of Medicine Hat. The viewing audience depends on our local station for coverage of the things that MATTER to them, such has Local News, Home town sports team coverage, and general community stories. The Pattison Group has done a phenomenal job spening over $ 3 million converting ALL 3 TV stations to high definition to be able to compete with the large amount of signals coming into our marketplace from cabel and satellite. Our viewers tell us that they need, desire and want LOCAL reflection from their locally domiciled conventional Television stations. We function at extremely high quality caliber both in programming and production that can be aired in any large, medium or small market across the country. I know if we lost any of the small market television stations within the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group the communitys would be devastated. There is NO other way for people be delivered the important stories they want like having extensive news coverage durning the various flood in Medicine Hat AB, or watching the broadcast of the local Santa Clause Parade in Kamloops, The Quizme game show in Prince Geroge. All important and should have a solid backing in their future. Please bring back a fund to help support not just a TV station, but a community.

Local programming is essential to our community. We are a community that is vast geographically, including Thunder Bay and all the surrounding regions. Without the local news programming that covers not only news in the Thunder Bay area but the region we would have a very difficult time tying the multiple communities together. Our local news would not be presented in a video format, a format that gives a viewer not only the opportunity to hear a story but see it unfold. Thunder Bay Television is a community partner, assisitng many groups and organizations with promotion for fundraising and awareness. While national and international news and information is important let's face it everyone wants to know what is happening in their own backyard. Local programming ties us together as a community unlike other media. How do you take that away from a community?

Local televison and in particular local television news is essential in Canada so that viewers get local views on everyday issues that matter to them. Those cummunities that do not currently have local televsion news are not served well by the larger market stations that drop in every now and then to cover mainly negative issues. Local stations cover everything, from local disasters, sports, and terrific human interest features. It's local television stations that truly reflect local communities. They can do this, and do this on a daily basis so much better than large market stations. Please help local television stay on air! The programs that local stations produce give these small communites the distinct identity they deserve. Also, let's not forget that it's local television stations that sponsor many of the community events that benifit so many people. Local television need finacial assitance...help them please.

Our small city would be devastated with the loss of CHAT TV in Medicine Hat. This area of Alberta is nick-named "The Forgotten Corner". Look us up on a map and you'll see why. CHAT TV News gives us information that Global or CTV can't. We are somewhat remote from the bigger cities of Calgary and Lethbridge. Things happen here that we need to know about. We've had devastating floods, storms and other emergencies where the only information getting out to the public was coming through CHAT TV. WE CAN'T LOSE THAT! We're important in this area, and the CRTC has an obligation to protect our ability to access local news and programming content. CHAT is a professional broadcaster. We know we're lucky to have them. Please don't forget us in this corner of Alberta, as so many others seem to do.

I was in local community TV production for 7 years hosting and producing 2 TV talk shows one on topic of computers and other about friendship club I formed. When I came across the opportunity I had zero experince working in broadcasting but I like challenges so I tried it; getting coaching and mentoring from the support staff at Videon Cable VPW11. I hosted live and taped shows and even did a remote interview and filming of special topics like 3D TV and holography.
Since it was real TV I learned alot boot-camp style. I really connected with the community too even having presidents of software company's on the show and many computer cluibs. I performed a great service to the community. When it went off the air as Videon cancelled all shows it was a sad loss and one national broadacaster interviwed me and story went national.
Now the interesting thing is I had many fans of the show as I later found out and one in particular owned a computer store. He had a project in mind for me based on seeing me on TV. It turned out he wanted to hire me to produce and host a radio talk show live every Saturday morning which again I hosted special guests on computer topics. AgainI had no previous experience in radio but again I wanted a challenge and the owner was confident I could produce an intriguing radio talk show.
So in summary it opened many doors for me as I took the first step even having no broadcasting experience and now today I am president of a non-profit multi-media organization utilizing a lot of media experience I gained to mentor grads from media and film schools and work with professionals in these fields from abroad. I find the projects and then connect with my crew to produce the shoot. We have worked on over 90 projects to date and all the experience gained from community TV programming days really helped me gain confidence and show professionalism when shooting out in the community.
I tried to get back into community TV under Shaw but they felt I was too experienced and thats why I formed my own non-profit to shoot videos and even produced one for Shaw CH9 in Winnipeg.
Here is some video clips to watch as I taped the best of my computer shows.
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheMBMULTIMEDIAF

One comment I wanted to add when my show did get caneclled I went looking into other provinces and cities to see what community programming they had. In some towns and regions I was surprised when all I saw was text on the screen and they sad that was community programming. So I was very fortunate to work at full TV studio with all the resources one would need to produce a TV show. I even met a fellow that worked at local vidoe store and when I told him about my Tv show he wanted to get involved too and helped me create opening and closing credits using what was state of the art video tool Video Toaster on Amiga PC and do remote videotaping at no cost as he became a volunteer to9 my TV show ALL ABOUT COMPUTERS.
Since Shaw bought out Videon it is very hard to get on TV today even though one may have a great idea for show which I did submit to Shaw. They really want to get involved the basic beginners and connect with the community too. A fe wof our associates do volunteer with Shaw but I feel at some point you do too much and never get offered a paid job. I would like to see community TV as a starting point to gain experience and then gain employment or paid work with those skills you learned.

Its too easy to say I will volunteer many hours hardly any benefits and no income.
I think CRTC should monitor these cable companies what they are doing project-wise,volunteers and how many hours given to station. I think with the cable companies making such big profits they should offer an honorarium or stipend something like that even if its small. If a program is produced what portion were volunteers Vs paid staff an dhow many hours each put in.
Do the volunteers even get credit for what work they do when show is finalized and aired?

My comment is this and has been a pet peeve for a while...
As it concerns major markets, there is not enough local programs and shows..with the increased multi-national ownership favoring network programming and neglecting local matters, and with primetime programming that can also be scene on most cable channels..The minimum hours required tends to be followed but only by local news shows..e.g noon, supper hour, 11:30 pm, weekend newscasts, etc...
The minimum hours required should definitely be increased by possibly 2 or 3 hours, but not be news packages..but various shows that could 30 or 60 minutes in length, such s a weekly local sports show which would be for the amateur sports scene, whether it be at the collegiate, high school or intercity level, and outstanding local athletes and sports championships, championship teams would be featured.
A weekly local entertainment or variety show should be another excellent local program. With the growing indie music scene in our various cities, local productions of various kinds in the performing arts, and the various types of local variety in the big cities and new venues, there is lots of room to do features....and showcase the local scene giving deserving local talent and places instead of always trying to get noticed on the crowded universe of YouTube, Facebook, Soundcloud, Instagram,etc to vie for much deserved attention...This type of show would deserve 60 minutes...
Another local program idea, a show that could be 30 minutes in length would be to highlight the local education scene, the goings-on and sppecial programs going on, cover the schools' various public events such as music concerts, plays, dance shows..science fairs, possibly showcase outstanding students and their achievements and a bulletin board feature which would allow the schools to promote their public events, such as open hours, science and book fairs...It's endless...
In medium markets or regional markets, a one hour show which could encompass all of the above..would possibly suffice.....These local shows, also would have to be under the control of the local level and not at the network level, meaning Toronto...
So that's my submission, thank you for reading..

Local tv helps me to be informed of what is going on in my community, helps me to participate in the community and feel connected to others where I live. I watch loal news to get information useful to me in daily activities; information such as the weather, conditions of roads in the area to plan my travel especially in winter, changes made by city council (eg bylaws, development approvals, bear aware, watering restrictions) community events (concerts, fundraising events, community celebrations), local sports, local business news, disasters (fires, floods, wind storms), Local TV is educational as well, as it helps me to plan my garden and better take care of my fruit trees by being aware of pest infestations and what to do about them . I learn about local services in the community (e.g. farmer's markets, local businesses) through local TV. Local TV makes a big difference to my quality of life and the health of our community. When our loal newspaper shut down, it left a big gap left where I felt disconnected from my community. I rely more on local TV to help fill that gap and connect to the community.

Q: Do you consider that local events in your area are sufficiently covered on television, in terms of quantity and quality? If not, give us ideas of what could be done to improve such coverage.

A: I wouldn't know. I don't watch local news. I have no interest in watching local news anymore.

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Q: What information sources, other than local TV, do you consult to stay informed of local events and why?

A: The internet is my sole source for local events, usually finding out about things through facebook. I don't care about any of the mainstream local events. In fact, there are almost no local events I'm interested in, I usually go to Toronto or Montreal to take in events, because those cities are fun, especially Montreal.

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Q: Are you currently involved or have you ever been involved in the creation of local television programming, including local news? If so, please share your experience with us and tell us how the quality of this programming can be maintained or improved.

A: I have never been involved in the creation of local television programming or local news. Television is so last-century. I have been involved in one particular recurring local event advertised almost exclusively on the internet, with great success.

I live in Waterloo Region and am "served" by CTV Kitchener as the local broadcaster. They used to be called CKCO-TV. I do not support the way that CTV provides local news as they do not do it properly or efficiently. There is money to be saved and their product needs to be improved. While the claim to be local their newscasts do not fulfill that claim. Often the first, second and third stories in their line up are from other regions across the province and often national or international. If I want non-local news I can tune to any one of the other TV stations that are mandated to provide that programming. When I tune into CTV I should see the stories from my community.
A trend that I see happening at the station too often is the practice of having a local report re-voice a story that was done in Toronto and claim it as local content. For example a CTV Toronto reporter did a story once on the rain run off at Pearson Airport. Rather than air that story as filler with the Toronto reporter the CTV Kitchener station had one of their reporters revoice it and pass it off as his work for the day. Seems like an expensive filler story to pay a guy 8 hours to merely steal someone else's work. Couldnt that reporter have contributed more the the local story telling by chasing down a local story rather than reguriate something from Toronto that there is limited interest in.
Local news is expensive to produce if you do it the way it is done today. Technology has created efficiencies but the stations have not built on that. There is still too much waste at the local stations and too much effort put on non-local content
If you are going to maintain local newscasts make them 90% local and give a true definition of what is local. Let Newsworld, CBC, CNN and others worry about the non-local news and give me a homegrown product.

Prince George is quite the distance from our nearest major market (Vancouver). It is far enough away that what happens in PG likely doesn't affect most people in Vancouver, and vice versa. The weather is different. The sports teams are different. Maybe our news isn't important to people 800 km away, but it is vitally important to us.
We rely on local news to find out what is happening in our community - both to celebrate our achievements and learn more about our local issues. If we lost our local TV news, we'd be losing an important voice, and I don't think anyone really expects the stations in Vancouver to pick up the slack - people in PG would simply lose access to a lot of local information. CKPG News is out in our community every day to get the news that matters to Prince George, which may not be relevant to other audiences, but are huge topics of conversation within our city.
Aside from local TV news, CKPG also produces Quizme, a televised game show for kids in grade 5 through 7. Quizme has been on the air for at least a decade, and is a HUGE deal to those involved, not just the kids. Between the studio and cameras, to seeing the finished episodes play out on the air, you can really see how local TV makes an impact. The community doesn't just consume local TV, they are a part of it.

Thunder Bay Television is in a uniquely situated city, in the middle of Northwestern Ontario surrounded by multiple small communities that are served by the local television station. The local programming offers a specialized feature discussing the events that make the news in the region. This program gives the communities a voice to share their news, events/stories and community happenings. Providing this service helps tie our region together and Thunder Bay Television does that well, supplying a voice for the region. The local television stations provides many opportunities to the local charities, non-profits and various groups supporting them in their endeavors. Local television brings Thunder Bay and Regional news to the viewers keeping them informed of happenings within our city and region. Our local station keeps us all connected. Keep our station local!

I agree with many of the comments here that local programming is important and that a trend exists that the news shifts back and forth from one source(city) to another and this is because the networks aside from the CBC were allowed to be taken over by Pay TV. Canada's television networks under "NO" circumstances should be owned and controlled by Pay TV, they shoukd be totally independent of each other.
Pay TV owning and controlling everything means competition is greatly reduced and Canadians are losing out. To make matters worse, all apartment buildings and condominiums are Pay TV "Only". Those residents are wearing "Pay TV Handcuffs". Pay TV and Free or OTA TV should be available on an "equal" basis everywhere in Canada which would increase competition and help people manage their budgets better for those that would prefer to do without Pay TV. A Government investigation is needed to look into the
"Pay TV Only" situation that exists all accross Canada in apartments and condos. TV antennas could be installed on the roofs of those buildings and the signals distributed throughout the building alongside those of cable TV or whatever giving the people there a choice and creating competition. A program of retrofitting existing buildings with OTA should be considered.
The current situation that exists in Canada is totally unacceptable. Over-the-air television has made great strides recently by having gone digital and with new antenna designs but these improvements have generally been held back due to the control and influence of Pay TV. There are many more over-the-air TV channels available in the United States because of the use of digital sub-channels which are litte to none existing here.
Free OTA TV would provide excellent competition which would improve the market generally but that won't happen as long as a handful of comanies control everything. An advertising program about OTA TV and TV antennas is urgently needed. Also, TV channel numbers in Canada should be brought more in line with what exists currently in the U.S. where cities like New York have 104 free OTA TV channels available for it's residents. Take television networks out of the hands of the Pay TV Industry, that would put more control into the hands of TV stations in their own communities and improve the situation generally for all. People should be able to "freely" choose between Free and Pay TV whichever one suits them best. Canada is a "Free" country? Then grant every Canadian citizen "Freedom of Choice".

Local information is critical to viewers in areas outside larger centres. There are few sources available to really provide the depth of coverage that people need to be made aware of in their own communities. But without the resources necessary, local television, the only medium that can provide video coverage of events, is severely restricted. Without additional funds through some sort of levy, whether it be through cable companies or some other way, local stations simply cannot survive. The proliferation of signals is making it extremely difficult to operate in smaller markets, and larger networks scoop up national adverstising buys and distribute the money to themselves and their myriad of specialty channels. Smaller stations simply can't compete on that basis. So stations like those in Kamloops have their back to the wall every time they turn around. Our local station does a tremendous job of providing local coverage, and they give us information we don't get from larger networks. They provide community programming for events like our local Santa parade, specials on events like Remembrance Day and Canada Day, recreation of the first visit to Kamloops First Nations by settlers two hundred years ago, and the station has won many awards for its newscasts. But staff numbers have declined as revenue has declined, and it is an uphill battle to maintain the coverage that has existed in the past. There are a number of internet portals which try to serve the public, but they do only a moderately successful job. Our daily newspaper closed several years ago, and today we see stories about newspaper layoffs and combining newsrooms in major centres. This is a reflection of declining opportunities for dissemination of information. And if it hits larger centres like it has, imagine how it affects the smaller centres who don't have the revenue opportunities. Local stations have spent millions to provide better quality through high definition, they have an extremely high commitment to excellence and have proven their worth during times of extreme flooding, raging forest fires and other emergency situations. CFJC-TV in Kamloops has been a major player in covering these events over the past 10-15 years. But in order for it to continue to provide that kind of service, regulatory bodies must be prepared to make changes to ensure funds are available for ongoing viability. If those funds aren't provided, and provided in a way that will ensure compliance without the overregulation seen in the past, smaller stations like Kamloops, Prince George and many others across the country will simply fade away. And while there are certainly those who have transitioned to the internet for much of their news, it is very obvious that the internet by itself will not provide the coverage to satisfy customers' needs. Social media is a platform for many, but social media is a cesspool of misinformation, half truths, conjecture and lies. Most good social media providers are offshoots of existing media outlets, and if those outlets, such as the local TV stations, die, social media will become even more a wasteland. The regulatory agency must look at the needs of small market television, and realize that if those stations are to survive, it has to take a long, hard look at its current policies, and listen to the voice of those who provide news in markets where people will starve for information if their local broadcaster folds.

Local programming is essential for Thunder Bay and surrounding area. Thunder Bay Television is the voice of our city which is situated in the middle of Northwestern Ontario, and has no benefit of other large stations to report local news. Local programming keeps those living in the area not only notified of important local stories, but should cuts be made, many local charities, non-profits, and events will lose an outlet to help spread their message. Lastly, our local television station gives all those living in our remote area a sense of community. To live without it would be a shame.

Rogers TV#53-Collingwood is my local community channel whose coverage area includes Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Clearview and Town of Blue Mountains. Our station provides coverage of the defintion of ' community' - local council meetings, sporting events and community interests. In the case of full disclosure , I have been a volunteer at our local station for 5 years as a Host/Community Producer of my own one hour/one topic show. I have been given the freedom as a Community Producer to seek out , book and interview individuals, organizations, businesses as well as topics of interest to the community at large. What other vehicle would allow one to spend an hour exploring the history of local cenotaphs for Remembrance Day, a gentleman from BDO to discuss seniors debt ,profile a local service club or spend an hour in conversation with a gentleman exploring his personal passion - when did the Vikings really land in Canada ? Is every show produced of interest to all - probably not, but tuning in to your local station gives you the pulse of your community.
In this world of instant access and barrage of digital information we all feel a need to connect with our own communities. This is a role which community programming plays in our lives. We can simply access and/or participate in the production of television shows! Community television offers the platform to learn about television production from the control room to the studio - either in front or behind the cameras. As well, there are very few age barriers - from young people interested in learning when considering their career paths to seniors with time and expertise to share with the community - everyone is welcome.
The one comment I have yet to see is the aspect of fun - Community TV combines professionals with volunteers who then produce a quality product for the viewers. You will not see this type of programming on major networks. The fact that we are unique is our niche - we always face the challenges of funding, atttracting new programs to our station and making all aware of the programs which we have to offer. That said, the experience of becoming involved in Community Television is exceptionally rewarding . Your community becomes the ' star'.

I feel that local news and sports events are being covered well in our community of Lloydminster. I am involved in the day to day creation of the newscast here. Local news is extremely important in our community. It is the place to turn to when there is breaking news, to find out local information or to get updates when there is an urgent situation such as a major storm or event that affects the city. Extra funding would allow us to expand our coverage so we could report more news from surrounding communities. Previous funding had allowed us to have a reporter dedicated to covering news in communities outside of Lloydminster and we continually received positive feedback about having that position. Our station is also a training platform for many young graduates from broadcasting programs across the country. It is a place where many current and former broadcasters have started their careers. While we receive positive feedback for our current coverage of local news and sports, additional resources would allow us to get to even more events, better informing our community. We also cover the agriculture sector on a local basis, something that is valuable to viewers in our area. Local news and sports coverage gives people a reason to watch the television station, and they know they can turn to us when they need the latest up to date information regarding what is happening in the community.

Local programming gives a voice to so many groups and organizations in our community. Without a local voice for the news and events, many organizations would be hindered in their fundraising, programs, and outreach. Furthermore, while social media is a strong option for some, in an aging population such as that in Thunder Bay, this constantly changing technology can become a barrier to community information. So our local media works hard to connect people in a way that is simple and effective.
In many "smaller" communities, residents directly rely on each other to support businesses and take care of each other in times of crisis. That's how we survive without the resources and infrastructure of a Toronto or a Calgary. And local programming is a key ingredient to keeping these communities self-sustaining and connected with shows that are of interest and are tailored to be useful to our specific population.
Larger TV networks outside our community don't care about the smaller markets unless a federal or provincial politician comes to visit or a major crime is committed. But we are more than statistics and the occasional headline.
If you cut out local programming, you effectively remove the heart that's pumping the lifeblood that keeps "smaller" communities going.

I have worked for CKPG TV in Prince George since the late 1980’s. Throughout those years, I’ve seen the station grow and change, just as our city has.
We do a fabulous job of covering events in Prince George. This includes hard news stories such as the Lakeland Mills explosion and the Highway of Tears, as well as sponsoring many local events. We are exclusive media sponsors for the Prince George Relay for Life, which has been the Number 1 Relay in Canada for two years, raising more than million dollars in total in 2014 and 2015, as well as many, many others.
However, we would really like to do be able to do more for the smaller communities in our area. We call ourselves “Northern BC’s Very Own” and we do our best to provide coverage of the issues affecting towns like Vanderhoof, Mackenzie and McBride. But we know we could do more with more resources.
One aspect of small/medium market television that cannot be ignored is that it is a training ground for broadcasters, providing them with the experience to move on to larger markets, including national networks. Diana Swain and Nabil Karim are just two examples of broadcasters who spent some of their early careers here at CKPG. Without professional small markets television stations, it is possible the quality of national television will decrease due to lack of training.
And our influence isn’t only on News personnel. As a youth, Grace Dove, who stars opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in the Golden Globe Award-winning “The Revenant,” held two positions here at CKPG TV, hosting a Saturday morning children’s program as well as being our community events reporter.
One of the programs I am most proud of here at CKPG is QuizMe. http://www.ckpg.com/quizme/ This Jeopardy-style program celebrates the brightest of our elementary school students. Each season consists of 15 half-hour episodes, and we have already begun producing Season 13. This is a huge undertaking involving almost every person on staff at our station, and it is always a source of excitement for schools in the various districts in and around Prince George.
Local television should reflect the attitudes and issues of the community, and CKPG TV does a wonderful job of this. We have been a vital and valuable resource for our residents since 1961, and hope to be so for many years to come.

Local programming is crucial to EVERY community. Organizations need a way to promote their events locally. Local businesses need a way to reach those who live in their vicinity, who will actually walk in and buy their products or order their services.. People need to know about the news and events in their neighbourhoods that affect them. Local programming accomplishes all these things and more and that's why it's so important.
Victoria B.C., where I live, is close to another major centre, Vancouver, but Vancouver programming can't address our local needs. No one else can promote, inform, alert or celebrate ourselves better than ourselves.
I get news alerts on Twitter, but I get the whole story from CHEK Television. Traditional media needs to be supported because it does a better job and has the experienced people to properly research the facts. The internet is ripe with balony. Support local television!

It would be a monumentally sad day for Thunder Bay and area, if the voice of CKPR-TV and CHFD-TV were silenced. The Thunder Bay region is somewhat unique… geographically on its own. The people in Northwestern Ontario rely on information that pertains to this area. No other major city in Canada covers information that pertains to our area. For news, unique local programming, community event information, charity fundraising, non-profit messages, and emergency situations, it is not simply a matter of tuning into another TV station. There is no other TV information source. Also, local businesses use TV to advertise to their local customers, helping them to compete with the big box stores. This helps the local economy. There is nothing that can match TV’s power when it comes to showing you the story in HD images. I feel we must do everything we can to keep local TV viable in the near future and well beyond.

It is important to have local news reported by local reporters & to have the station located in the city. They know their community, the surrounding communities up & down Vancouver Island.

CHEK TV, on Vancouver Island, has long established itself as a credible and caring entity that is an integral part of the local community. They cover local stories better than other channels and seem to be independent and objective. In terms of priority content on my channel line-up, I would put them at or near the top.
Regards,
Dave Hutchinson
Shawnigan Lake

Local, over-the-air TV is precious to us, as we do not subscribe to cable and our internet is the relatively slow 3G through our cell phone. We get almost all our news from CBC, CHEK, Global, and CTV, and CHEK gives us Wheel-Of-Fortune & Jeopardy, which we really appreciate.

Local tv is essential to keep up to date with local events relevant to our area. We need to support local programming.

Local televison helps build community, keeps citizens informed, and keeps local governments and businesses accountable. In an emergency local television is where citizens turn for up to date information on how to respond, how to assist and how to prepare. Local television and local advertisers support each other to strengthen and support their community to keep it vital and thriving.

I'm 11 years old and I like chek because it keeps me informed on the newest news stuff!!!!!!!!

i like local news and programing cause it gives local voices like chek news a voice and presence in the world we live in. we are Canadains and the us needs to be given less. we need more choices to be able to choose the channels we like and want to see. the package deals support channels we don't want to support. why must we support those whome we don't like or want to support. why is local programing not supported. we need to support local channels and incourage local programing to greater hieghts. we are creating a false sense of what someone else wants when we don't support local tv. we don't need someone south of our border telling us we need to support channels we don't want. show the big cable companies WE Canadains want and need local shows like chek on the island to keep making mistakes but ya they local home grown mistakes and they make us laugh. you can't buy that but we can support it!!

It's great we have 24 channels for free over the air tv but we need more channels on there :)

I feel that amognst all the choices out there now, we as veiwers don't feel that connection to the programs that we watch. I grew up in a small town without access to a local channel and when I watched television, I always felt that events that were advertised, or the products being featured in commercials just didn't appply to me. I couldn't buy that handmade pizza from Ceasars place or go to that festival because all of these options were in another countries or the other side of our country. When I moved to Thunder Bay, I was so excited to watch TV be cause now it felt relevent to me. I feft part of the community. I was informed of what my city had to offer me. Now I have a family and although we can choose to watch our programs on different channels, we choose to watch our local stations. "They feel like home" my husband who grew up here always says. My kids look foward to seeing Pet of the Week Features wtih pets from the humane scoiety just down the street from us. My daurghtrer says that whens she's old enough, she watns to volunteer there. This is beauase she feels that connection. That is the power of local programs. I see many many of our local events on Television as well. I can see how much fun they are so we tend to to want to go. Or at least my kids make me beasue of how fun they look.
Im the kind of person who loves everything local. I want to eat food from our local farmers, I want to go to a homegrown local business. I love unique things and products "made with Love" I love the fact that these kinds of businesses can have presence and even featured in local programs. Fingers crossed that they never go away and that we can see more of these types of local programs, features and content.

Living in Thunder Bay we depend on local television to provide us with important news that has occurred locally and in the surrounding areas. Often we are forgotten about on the national news wire and if it were not for the local news many important pieces of information wouldn't be conveyed.
Local television has also allowed our local business to be able to compete with the big box stores by being able to present their products and services in the same format as the giant corporations. Without local television we would loose part of our identity as city and we would be lost and forgotten about.

Local programming provides Thunder Bay with information, heart and colour. And it's through these programs that we are able to stay connected to our community and informed with things that are happening not only in our city but also the surrounding area. Withought our local programming, these things may otherwise go unnoticed and that would be a horrible shame for us living in a northern region. Thunder Bay Television helps us understand and care about our community so we can't lose our local voice!

Local programming is an absolute must in a region like Thunder Bay. Funding to these broadcasters is an absolute must and would disconnect the city as a whole on local issues, events and advertising. I have no problem with my tax dollars supporting something as important as this. This should not even be an issue. We have no problem doling out money to less important businesses and projects.

Local Television is an important service to our city of Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay is remotely located away from the big cities and the local news covers the stories that are important to the people who live here.
National News does not cover local events that effect all of us here.
These local TV produced news stories are also circulated to websites and social media to even better service the public!
Without local TV, these news stories would not exist.
Please help local TV and local news in Thunder Bay.
Thank You,
David

I work in local television and I'm proud of it. I know that many people appreciate the content we provide and that we offer not only excellent local news coverage, but also local programs that audiences watch. Providing Canadians access to what is going on in their communities is a service that is important, and television provides this in a way no other medium can. It's one thing to read about a story, but quite another to see powerful moving images and see people's comments. Local advertisers too, rely on our service to get the word out about their products and services. I know we have had a dramatic impact on local business to the good, in a way other media had not been able to acheive. I hope that we are able to continue to provide our community local news and programming for years to come.

I live in Georgina and watch Rogers Georgina shows all the time. I find them very informative and it keeps me up to date on what is happening in my local community. Georgina Life has many local guests on the show and I have found made numerous contacts through the show for events, etc. Mommy Talk is a great show - I work with children and I find their discussions really on point as to what is going on with our youth today. I also like that they show the Council meetings so I can find out what our mayor and local councillors are talking about - as a tax payer it is nice to have that transparency within the media.
It would be detrimental to our community as a whole if local programming was no longer a part of our daily lives.

I refer to what happened in New Orleans where 1 man took it upon himself to run a broadcast with infromation pertiaining to his community where people could find shelter, water, first aid, food, etc. As the story goes - that region was serviced by broadcasts delivered from big cities 1000s of miles away. All the broadcasts in that region were part of bigger conglomerates who had no idea what was going on at ground level - some of the feeds were cut off entirely due to the disaster.
Local news and production is essential for isoloated areas such as Thunder Bay. Know one knows their community better then its inhabitants.
Local news and production is essential to let the rest of the country know what's happening in the area to help better inform decision makers 1000s of miles away.

Local TV, specifically local over the air television is extremely important in our household. We rely on local news coverage and locally produced content in order to remain informed of what's going in our region, most of which is not covered at the national level nor does it seem feasible to do so. Without local news and local content we would only be exposed to half the story. Local television matters and local television makes it happen.

Thunder Bay and it's surrounding communities are geographically, and often culturally, isolated from any other city. We rely on our local news and advertising to keep in touch with news, things to do, places to go, and notifications of weather emergencies.
Thunder Bay Television puts a lot of effort into providing news for, not only the city itself, but the entire region.
Any news outlet, local restaurant, farm, or small store is an integral part of knitting a community together.
Removal of this service would create a hole in coverage in the middle of Canada that is hundreds of kilometres wide.
Thank you for your consideration of this service that is so critical to the region.

With being in business in Georgina and having many options of who we can use for our cable/satellite/internet we use and support Rogers TV. The one, and only, reason that we have Rogers is because of the local Channel 10 that has many local programs on there showing off the community. We have recently signed on to the local channel to sposor one of the local shows that airs on oput local channel. We love watching the station and seeing what is happening in the community. As well, we see the benefit of being involved with the community by sponsoring local kids sports clubs, donating to local charities and being part of several other initiatives in the community. By being able to follow what is happening in the community and utilizing the local Rogers TV programming, it allows us to become part of the face of the community. So, from a business point of view it is priceless having local programming that allows businesses to show how they function and as well support the community. On a personal user note, we watch to see who is supporting the community and being part of the community so we support them and their businesses by going to their business and using their services. If it were not for the local channel, and the local programming that is available on that channel, we would be with another cable/satellite provider that would be more beneficial for us from a financial standpoint.

I've lived in Thunder Bay all my life and it is very important to have our local TELEVISION news be a part of our life. It's a routine for us. 6pm, we watch our local tv news. 11pm we watch our late night news. News, sports and weather are part of our routine. We always hear that we are "way up in the north"....so to have our local programming it means a connection to the rest of Canada.
Alot of hard work and dedication is put into our local programming / news / etc....and these people are part of our lives as well. It is an integral part of everyday life. We talk to so many people everyday, and keeping in touch with what is happening in our city is absolutely important. From council meetings, to local events in and around our city to local debates broadcast during an election year - absolutely 100% important. LOCAL is THE BEST!!!

Local programming is an invaluable resource which any community can benefit. It creates a sense of community and provides programming that is actually relevant to its viewers, and there are many who depend on local television as their primary source of entertainment & news. Local television also provides an amazing level of community service — helping charities & organizations achieve fund-raising goals. Supporting local programming is a no-brainer.

I have worked in local television for over 30 years. I have seen first hand the impact that local news and programming have had on our community. We bring people together in celebration and adversity. For some local viewers, our news team in their living rooms is the only company they have, perhaps their only friends. Although I would be upset to lose my job in this industry, I would be more upset that this vital servivce could not be provided to viewers, service groups, charitable organizations, and advertisers. I believe our most important place in the community is to inform and enlighten from a local perspective - especially to seniors, who depend on us the most. Anecdotally, a young man told me that he watches our news every night so he can join in the next day at work when they discuss local news and events. This is a young man who consumes social media, but still values local television. It's stories like these that prove to me that local TV is needed, wanted, and always will be.

Local programming is essential for communicating what is going on and for connecting people in this region - especially as we are largely rural and are often challenged by extreme weather conditions. Television stations in the larger urban communities rarely reflect our activities or issues. Local programming provides important opportunities to convey information and for entertainment value. People who are elderly or who have mobility issues are able to stay on top of what is going on in the area and to feel a part of what is going on. The programming that is developed local responds to the interests, concerns and values of our community in ways that the programming in larger urban centres are simply not able to do. I hope that the CRTC will not only maintain funding for local programming but will also increase their support for it.

Local television is dying and it is very sad for Canadians, we are losing our local, regional, and national voices. I have watched broadcasting being hacked to death and local stations obliterated completely or hacked down to the bare bones. Our local CTV station on Vancouver Island does a great job of representing our community and covering local/island news and national news. They are much more than a tv station, they are an integral part of the fabric of our community. The staff at the station are rooted in the community, they do charitable work for organizations such as Tour de Rock, Santa's Anonymous, and volunteer for many other organizations, quite plainly and simply they are invested in their communities and make a difference.
If the CRTC doesn't start standing up for local television it is going to disappear and leave a vacuum where communities will be the biggest losers. This whole mess started 7 to 8 years ago and it is my own personal opinion that the CRTC has contributed quite a bit to the current poor climate and demise of local tv stations which impacts local programming and Canadian content. Sure there is internet, but anyone can post non-fact based junk on the net. Broadcasters have gone to college or university for their profession and not just some joe blow on the street snapping a picture with a cell phone. I want to know the news I am getting is fact checked and researched by a professional broadcaster that has the back-up of the entire news team to bring us the viewers the news of our city and the world beyond it. When I watch news I turn on the tv and get the full picture. CRTC YOU HAVE TO DO BETTER.

Our local Rogers TV programming is vital to the fabic of our community. Rogers TV in Grey County has been instrumental in the widening of our brand reach as well as many of the Ontario Hockey League teams that they cover. Outside of their OHL coverage, Rogers TV has assisted many local organizations, charities and fundraising initiatives, allowing them to showcase their important to our area.
Rogers TV currently operates with a wide volunteer base who cares deeply about our community and the people in it. They are all an asset to our region and a vital part of the fabric of our community.

Local Programming is community based. The News in that community and it's surrounding area is important for local events, sports and weather. Having the ability to turn to a local News reporter and hear about a discussion in a counsil chamber on parking issues, a local University hockey team winnig in overtime, and finding out that a snow squawl is heading our way from the local weather person. A Community Calender Show is on every evening to share information about events happening during that week. These events always involving local people in the community, and creates .
Local Television can bring information to not only local communities but also bring them to national coverage. There is a need for communities in Northwestern Ontario to bring information to the rest of Canada as it may be a concern Nationally. A good example of this is the Nipigon River Bridge separating and closing off a main highway. Local Television and News was there to let communities know as events of the road closures and reopening unfolded.
Local Television is a community strength benefit. Confederation College has had a number of Graduating Students with a lot of talent come in and Produce, Direct and Report on local news and local events. Some have become talent for commercials. Giving them a place to make the skills in a trade they enjoy and strive to make a career from, be it Locally or Nationally.

• Do you consider that local events in your area are sufficiently covered on television, in terms of quantity and quality? If not, give us ideas of what could be done to improve such coverage.

I consider local events to be sufficiently covered by our local TV station, if you consider “local” as being within the city limits. It offers a great variety of mainstream news events on a day to day basis. It offers weekly feature items focused around Personal Health Topics, Local Sports and Local Education programs that keep the public informed on the latest local developments in those areas. For the most part, coverage is based and limited to within the confines of the city limits.
If you were to define “local” as being the “off air” broadcast range of the TV station, then I would have to say that event coverage is not sufficient. With the wide open spaces of the prairies, many communities are miles and miles apart, making it very difficult for events in those “fringe” communities to get appropriate coverage.
To fulfil the obligation to the “broadcast area community”, a TV station should be able to offer reasonably equal coverage of all regions of their broadcast area. Ideally, this would mean having a reporter stationed at several remote locations to file reports on a daily basis from those locations. In the case of Lloydminster, perhaps a reporter set in the Cold Lake / Bonnyville area (1.5 hours North) and North Battleford (1 hour to the east).
Sending reporting teams to those more “remote” regions from the home base of Lloydminster would work but it would mean taking away resources needed to cover events in the home base area. To properly extend coverage would mean an increase in staffing and/or technology to do so.
I believe that having a Local TV presence in those more remote communities would greatly increase their feeling of being a part of the “broadcast area community” and give them an ability to share their community culture with other areas.
• What information sources, other than local TV, do you consult to stay informed of local events and why?

Other information sources would include the internet, radio and newspaper.
I use the internet when I want specific information on a local event that has not been covered on television or when I want more in-depth information or to review information that was presented by Local TV coverage. Internet is convenient and is available on my schedule which Local TV is not. Local TV could be more competitive in that aspect if they were able to do Live-streaming so their broadcasts and/or have an accessible online archive available to their viewers.
Radio, I honestly only use when travelling in my vehicle to keep informed but mainly as an entertainment source.
Newspapers, for me, are primarily an information source for features on people and events that give a bit more intimate look at a particular subject. Newspapers, for me, are a supplementary tool for classifieds and details of public events such as location, start times and admission costs. If it were not for the fact that our local publication is delivered free, I do not think I would likely use it on a regular basis.

• Are you currently involved or have you ever been involved in the creation of local television programming, including local news? If so, please share your experience with us and tell us how the quality of this programming can be maintained or improved.
I am directly involved in the creation of TV programming and local news at CKSA Lloydminster. Since 1980 I have spent most of my time working for “Local TV” stations that service a largely rural based viewership. I feel Local TV plays a much different role when serving a rural community than when serving a large urban centre. With close to 20 years with RDTV (CKRD TV Red Deer), I had firsthand experience of seeing the pride the surrounding communities took in having a “local TV station”. It meant a great deal to them. It was a way for those communities to have a voice and to see what was happening in the neighboring areas. Whether it was a celebration,… a tragic event, ... a festival … a sporting event or just a report on how the crops were doing, Local TV was a connection, a valuable resource to everyone in the broadcast region. To the viewers, the hosts and anchors of the news were considered more like “extended family” than “celebrities” as they would see them and listen to them every night and valued the information they shared. When RDTV closed its doors, like so many small stations have had to do………it was a heart-felt loss for all those central Alberta communities as it was for the employees, both past and present.
I feel that viewers of local TV stations take real pride and a certain ownership of “Their TV Station”. I firmly believe that the feeling of “ownership” can only happens when Local TV Stations are engaged with the communities they serve. It must be seen as taking part in, and be a part of, all of those communities that make up the “broadcast area”.
In order to do that, we have to be in their community. We have to create a Visual Presence. We have to take pride in them and care for them! Yes, Broadcasting on a National level is Big Business but when it comes to down to the local TV Station side of things it is so much more than that. It is more than Big Business…..it is people….it is community….and …it is struggling to stay alive.
If, we as Local TV Stations are going to live we need to: Engage all of our communities, we need to be Present in ALL of our communities, we need to take Pride in them, stand by them and with them. We cannot do that if we sit in our own back yard. It takes money to travel to those communities, it takes money to have reporters and videographers in those communities, it takes money for equipment to gather their stories and to share those stories with the rest of our communities.
The cut backs and loss of local programs and of employees in small market TV Stations, is very similar to path followed by CKRD in Red Deer. If we are not willing to support our local TV stations across our country now, I fear we will be losing so much more than Local TV stations……….we will be losing a way of life.

Thunder Bay Television serves a vast region that would be virtually ignored should it be unable to continue. I consider it vital to Northwestern Ontario, which would be better served if the station had access to more resources, such as small market funds that could help stations cover small populations spread over great distances.
I consume all local media regularly. Thunder Bay Television is one of the few able to resist cutting into editorial staff in recent years, making the station's continued success even more vital.

I am constantly surprised by the number of people who watch the local community chanel. Many people stop me (CEO) outside the library to say that they saw our staff on TV, or came to the library because of what they discovered on RogersTV. Rogers provides a valuable service to the community and to the library as a partner. They provide needed information while raising awareness and promoting literacy. In the past we have worked together to create new programming ideas with interesting local content. I can't praise the staff at our local Rogers station enough. Well done and here's to more successful ventures!!

Roger's Simcoe county provides excellent locale information and education to our community. Our company has had the privilege of accessing Rogers local programming to help improve Road Safety in our community by offering Safe driving tips as well as partner with them for an amazing local initiative encouraging local secondary students to create Public Service Announcements encouraging better driving practices. Rogers local programming drastically increases our reach to these locale youth.
In addition to our ability to provide safe driving tips and encourage youth involvement, myself and our team has learnt a great deal from other guests on local programming The sharing of knowledge and awareness of community events local programming provides is instrumental in creating a strong community. The diversity of the programming in our local programming ensures that "their is something for everyone". The involvement of youth aspiring for careers in the media arts is invaluable to them. I am always thrilled to see the local youth assisting with production with enthusiasm and passion. It is a critical component of developing their experience and passion for their chosen field.
Once again we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in local programming and assist in spreading important safe driving messages. Our ability to gain new knowledge and community awareness of other organizations helps us and our team become better community members.
Lesley de Repentigny
CEO
DriveWise

I understand TV broadcasters charging for services. I do however feel every channel should be providing their local news broadcasts for free over the internet.

The Broadcasters need to make their money, and I understand that. I do wish that we did not have to pay as much as we do for programming however. TV providers still make money from advertising as they did when the broadcast free over the air. Yes costs go up, but do they really need to charge the consumers as much as they do?

I feel that it would give communities more dedication and support for their local broadcasters if they provided the news to EVERYONE free, either over cable or internet. It is very important to many people to know what is happening, and I can not think of any reason each Broadcaster could not stream their news free.

Rogers does an excellent job in the Owen Sound and surrounding area of relaying local news, sports, community activities, and political interviews. Local politicians are interviewed on various shows, and there is a good following of viewers who use this media means, to keep up on all local activity. Community interests and local issues are vital to the success of any community, and Rogers excel in this area, by keeping everyone informed. I am pleased to support Rogers in continuing this vital service to our local community.

Do you consider that local events in your area are sufficiently covered on television, in terms of quantity and quality? If not, give us ideas of what could be done to improve such coverage.
- Yes, Local hockey, Local government, and perhaps covering local soccer would be agreat alternative to the winter hockey scene.
What information sources, other than local TV, do you consult to stay informed of local events and why?
Obviously my social media feeds, and local radio.

Are you currently involved or have you ever been involved in the creation of local television programming, including local news? If so, please share your experience with us and tell us how the quality of this programming can be maintained or improved.
I have just recently launched Oxford Empowered out of Rogers TV Woodstock and this is covering positive programing to alert area citizens of the amazing journey of people in our area and how they have taken challenges in their lives and turned them into positive outcomes not only for themselves, but for those who could benefit from them as well. The producer and the team of volunteers are wonderful. I am so impressed with the level of expertise volunteers provide and can take to their next career or educational level. This is a valuable gem in our community I really recently started to watch the local shows and find them very informative of information about the people and places in our own back yard.

Keep this continually available.

Real quick:

1. Please follow through with this great idea.
2. On Vancouver Island we have a wonderful resource in CHEK6 News - we need better access to emergency situations and CHEK is set up for emergency broadcasts thru their news network.
3. I would much rather see tax dollars going to a local station than to a American - based TV program!

Diane

I think local tv news is a vital link to the community. Please do not stop supporting local community television. Our CHEK tv news station in Victoria is a good source for people to know what is happening in our communities. There are other avenues now with the computers ( facebook and tweets) but a lot of people do not use those.

SAVE LOCAL TV!
Local news, weather and event coverage is essential to every healthy, individual community. It is what impacts us directly, what we can do most about and it promotes caring, involved communities. This is the foundation that our country is built on. National and international news are important to keep one enlightened, but only local stations can promote community.
Cable companies must support local tv stations or they will collapse. Cable companies want to be the single largest provider of tv, phone and data services. With that MUST come a responsibility to do no damage. We cannot allow cable communities to kill all but the large U.S. tv stations.
CRTC must play a protective roll for the small, local Canadian stations.

Local programming, as provided by CHEK-TV in Victoria, BC, for example, provides a more detailed news source in the city and the region. These is the only sources we have for local news and views, since the semi-regional, provincila, and national media must filter out the local details. But this kind of news affects us residents ad much as the Big Picture stories presented elsewhere. These comments apply not just to CHEK's particular case, but to supporting local and regional media across Canada. It's analogous to our several levels of government with each having its sphere of influence.
Funds from cable subscriptions, especially in the new regime, should be paid to the generators of content, in this case, the local media resources, which need financial support.

I have been a volonteer for LOCAL TV Bingo and there was a time that there WAS good money in Bingo fundraisers to donate to various LOCAL charities but something has happened to erode that revenue stream and are forcing LOCAL organizations off air.

The fees for not for profit organizations to be on air have always been in place and directly reduces the amount of money the LOCAL community is able to put back to the people who need it the most. Maybe there should be an organization or a method in which not for profits can get grants or FREE ACCESS to LOCAL community TV to do good for the communities. NFPs need to pick up where government programs cannot do the job as efficiently as free labour. There was once a time when volonteer organizations would pay dearly for the 2 hour LOCAL broadcast space...when it had all inclusive viewers. Now those costs are coming down but it may be too late for many.

With increased competition comes the need now to pay multiple fees to reach the same NOT SO LOCAL public/ volonteers. Not for profits now have to pay Bell, Rogers, Shaw, Bell Satelite and local Radio to reach the same viewers/listeners to our show as previously. This equates to 3 times the cost to operate for the same revenues as previous. Way more costly to get Community news/ Bingo out to the LOCAL Community.

Why is it not possible to produce a LOCAL show and be placed on all carriers in a specific LOCAL region?
Why are smaller LOCAL Bingos who were once profitable being forced to shut down or not given the opportunity to continue?
Why do LOCAL viewers need to subscribe to NOT SO LOCAL multiple carriers to get the same exposure they once had? Not to mention costs to do that.
Why do we have to watch NOT SO LOCAL parades/ community events from major cities instead of our own because we do not subscribe to the RIGHT carrier? Many apartments only allow a specific service (whoever paid for the cabling in the building). Why can I not get Rogers because I live in a specific building or not get Bell because I live in a differnet building?

Is it very difficult for Bell to carry channel 10 and Rogers to carry Bell Community TV so we can decide what is LOCAL and what is NOT SO LOCAL. That way I could watch any community event that happens no matter what building I happen to live in or who paid for the cabling in the building.

Is there a way that CRTC can fund LOCAL content rather then "stations" - As volonteers we put together a Bingo show which people tune in to watch. That show is now paid for by LOCAL not for profit groups including the equipment to make the show (cameras, computers, software etc). Then the LOCAL not for profit pays the "station" for broadcast time each week to send it to LOCAL and BNOT SO LOCAL viewers. All of this money should be used for community projects not to be a production company. Why do we not get paid for the LOCAL content that we are producing ( much the same as SOCAN) and the carriers are receiving revenue to air it. Why do we not even own what we produce?

If you know of any grants for LOCAL NFP organizations to produce LOCAL content please let me know and please continue to do good work for the charities in your LOCAL community.
Does anyone know what LOCAL is defined as? Town, city , province, country, etc etc etc......

Thunder Bay Television (CKPR/CHFD) is the only local television provider for the region of Thunder Bay in Northwestern Ontario. We are very fortunate in Thunder Bay to have two local television stations providing us with excellent programs, news, and information on what is happening in the city and the region.
The local news programs are an exceptional source of local news, weather, sports and community activities. The quality of the station and the news presentation is also worth noting. Millions of dollars have been spent and invested in upgrading the television stations to HD digital and our news set presentation is comparable to any major market TV station.
A true testimonial to the value, appeal and interest of the news, particularly our 6pm local news is to recognize its audience. The Thunder Bay Television 6pm news is one of the highest rated programs on both CKPR and CHFD. If one considers all regular scheduled programs, the 6pm local news is second to only the Big Bang Theory and exceeds other national popular programs such as NCIS, The Blacklist and Survivor!!!
Our local television news is my primary news source and clearly Thunder Bay and the region also look to Thunder Bay Television for their news and information.
The realization of the value of local programming was certainly recognized when a fund was created in 2009 to assist Canadian television stations to create and increase the number of hours of local programs. These funds were phased out in 2014 but what has not gone away is the expectation to maintain (and increase) the hours of local programming. Producing local programs, especially news, is very expensive particularly when the goal and expectation is for superior quality. Also, at the time the funds were taken away, revenues were not growing but were showing a decline, particularly national. So, the funds are taken away, revenues are on the decline but the expectation for quality local programming remains, particularly our news.
As well as providing the best news source, the two stations provide a valuable service keeping the community informed about what is happening. Through station promotions and community program venues, the local TV stations do an exceptional job of communicating local events to their viewers. The success of these events is largely attributable to the local television stations. Many of the events are charitable events. If it were not for the local television stations these charities and their fund raising might not be as successful.
Just as the city of Thunder Bay is the hub of Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay Television is an extremely valuable resource to the city, the region and the community.

Local programming and public service broadcasting are an important way for local viewers to feel connected, and to feel they have access to important issues close to home.
Keeping local television would ensure a broad range of canadian culture and talent in the forefront, and keep and open two way communication channel with audiences and media.
CHEK TV is fundamental and necessary to keep local voices and social issues heard. The loss of local programming would be substantial and would be felt not only in Victoria but have a ripple effect throughout Canada and a threat to other public service broadcasters.

Local programming provides the life-blood for any community. In Thunder Bay, it is criticial to have the access to local news coverage. This is the only service that will keep citizens informed and up to date on what is going on their community. It also provides the key element for other important facets of community life, recreation, arts and enertainment and health and welfare. Without local programming, communities will feel more isolated and disconnected with provincial and federal governments. The importance of local programming also benefits the community by instilling community pride, and feelings of self-worth and accomplishment. Without strong local programming, primarily TV news a community would be very hollow, and become quite stagnant.

No one can tell your story the way you can. A local television station with its programming that reflects the needs of a community has a ready audience that wants to see itself and its dreams and issues reflected in their living spaces on a daily basis.
A community's ability to enjoy images and stories of itself builds pride. All aspects of local life can be explored be it art, theatre, sports and news. It is a tool that can spin the local economy through local advertising.
In an age of social media, a local television station is able to professionally tell the stories of that community, not just on the airwaves, but also on the internet so that the life of that community can be seen further afield by persons who may have moved away, but still want to be connected. It means as well that new audiences can be developed. With that in mind, the human element required to produce that polished final product that is on par with happens in a bigger market becomes more critical.
For these reasons its important that the cost of doing televison properly at all levels should be covered, and that a smaller community market needs requisite funding to ensure that not becuse they live in a small town, that they cannot enjoy the ability of telling their story for themselves.

As a viewer: It’s so easy to get lost in the mainstream news programs/channels. Quite frankly I find it somewhat depressing & it gives me a sense of helplessness & isolation. Local News Coverage and Programming on the other hand, provide the perfect blend of world news story coverage, but more importantly provides the community with a voice of their own. Local news and programming gives the individual a heightened sense of belonging to their community. We watch our local news every night.

As a station employee: I truly appreciate the hard work that goes into creating local programming and News here, at Thunder Bay Television. Working in the Traffic Department, we see the heightened demand on our Local News inventory by both National & Local Advertisers everyday. I also see the result among family/friends who refer to the days local events/news stories they saw on Newshour/Late News.

In the community: You know the benefits of local News/Programming are huge when shopping local and engaged in casual conversation with a store owner, they ask where you work and you tell them the TV station. (The first question they ask is 'do you know so & so') but then they then go on (without provocation) to tell you how they see their greatest benefit as an advertiser when their commercials run in local News and the dollar value it brings through their doors as a result. Many times I’ve been told by local store owners that what they hear from their customers is: ‘We are here because we saw your commercial in the Newshour’ or ‘We saw the story the local News did on your business’.

Local Programming & News has such an important impact on the community and surrounding areas as a whole. There’s no question it provides a vital component to the local/regional economy through the information it provides and through advertising.

Love our local television station CKPR/CHFD!... it's the glue that sticks the community together. Our Thunder Bay Newshour is very popular, a local program "Around Town" has been on for many years and promotes community events. The ads for local businesses are great for awareness and draws folks from outlying towns to come in to shop. Local sports, cultural events, musical events and politics are all topics covered on the stations. Our city is an interesting place and it has been promoted all these years by local TV.

I am a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay, the largest city in Northwestern Ontario. We are a 15 hour drive away from Toronto and due to that great distance often feel quite isolated. Local TV is incredibly important and vital to our community. We are fortunate that the two local television stations in Thunder Bay, CKPR Thunder Bay and Global Thunder Bay, do an excellent job covering local news and events in our city and the surrounding area. These local television stations provide us with up to the minute news and information on local, national and international news, including weather, allowing us to remain current at all times.We rely on these local television stations to find out what is happening in our community. This information would not be provided by a television station located over a thousand miles away in Southern Ontario. These same local television stations provide an outlet for local charities and non profit organizations to raise awareness of issues and to fund raise for their organizations. Local television stations delivering local news and information benefits our whole community and the community in the surrounding area.
The community television station in Thunder Bay is not relevant to my needs. I am much more interested in and rely on the first rate local news coverage provided by the two local television stations, CKPR Thunder Bay and Global Thunder Bay that operate in our city. It would be very unfortunate for our community if we no longer had access to the local news coverage provided by these stations.
I believe it is incumbent on the CRTC to support Local TV financially through funding to ensure that we continue to have access to the local information we require and deserve.

I work at CKPR/CHFD-DT in Thunder Bay and have been here long enough to witness a shift from a very healthy/diverse local programming slate, to a paring down as viewers gained access to a multitude of distant signals, and then back again to an increased appetite for local. I often receive calls and emails about our local productions. Most of them concern our newscasts -- letting us know about a potential story or special event, or sometimes how much they enjoyed how a reporter handled a certain story. I was an on-air person in Thunder Bay for years and it's important for viewers to feel connected to the people at their local TV station. When I'm out, I'm still asked about the current on air staff. "Around Town" may be a tiny part of our local programming content (clocking in at just 5 minutes each weekday), but it provides a good example of why we matter. In this hosted interview show, people with a special event or group they want to discuss (things that normally wouldn't get the attention of our news team) have the chance to come on TV and spread the word. Local TV is a place where people we know are seen and heard. It's also a place for collective celebration. We produced a couple of shows on CKPR's 60-year history and viewers responded. People need to feel they belong to their community and that the community belongs to them. What better way to help that than in harnessing what we know to be the power of television.

I have worked for our local TV stations in Thunder Bay for many years and know how important local programming is to our community and region. Our news programs keep us up to date on what’s happening in the world of news, sports and weather, globally and close to home. Community interviews, as well as local features, keep us informed on upcoming events, such as charitable fundraisers, concerts, plays, sports and weather. Local programming keeps our city and surrounding area connected.

Local programming defines a community and gives it the flair that makes each community truly unique. Local News, Sports, Weather reports, News Updates and other locally produced features and shows are an integral part of the community. Our local television station is a major player in various events and consistently gives back to the community supporting various organizations throughout the year. It is part of the stations' committment on an ongoing basis to the citizens of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. I trust the CRTC will continue to support local television productions, local television stations and with it the communities that need them.

Been involved with local programming for a long time now, and it always amazes me how many people view these programs, people you would think would not ever few them are making comments about them. If you take a good look at who is participating in these programs you would be shocked at who around the local community gets involved with the actual programming of these shows. That being said I think I brings the whole community together it also keeps people informed about what our community is all about and the people in it

Rogers Cable in Grey County does a great job of supporting local community events and is an excellent way for the constituents in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound to keep informed about what is happening in their own backyards. Community television offers the public an opportunity to provide input into the programming they want to see as well as offering an avenue for local charities and non-profits to gain support by having their activities broadcast to the community. Rogers Cable is a valued contributor to the lives of many local residents and businesses.

• Do you consider that local events in your area are sufficiently covered on television, in terms of quantity and quality? If not, give us ideas of what could be done to improve such coverage.

Yes, I do believe Thunder Bay’s 2 television stations do a great job of covering local and regional events. As an example; the trans-Canada highway was shut down in Nipigon (100 km away) due to a bridge failure in midafternoon on a Sunday. A news reporter was on site soon after, with a credible story for the website as well as a full story On-Air for the next newscast (the website had a peak viewer demand soon after the bridge closure). Our local television news product is respected enough, that news stories are often requested and sent to our Canadian television networks.

• What information sources, other than local TV, do you consult to stay informed of local events and why?

I mostly consult the web and specifically websites that are associated with News organizations to stay informed. Our local television website always has what is needed to stay informed on what is happening locally. I know that what I read is factual and not necessarily the opinion of some blogger ½ a world away.

• Are you currently involved or have you ever been involved in the creation of local television programming, including local news? If so, please share your experience with us and tell us how the quality of this programming can be maintained or improved.

I am involved at a technical level with the creation of local television programming. I led the team that converted our 2 television stations from analogue to digital. Our signals from lens to transmitter are processed by the best equipment available. I hope that the quality and quantity of local programming will be sustainable in the coming years.

'Local programming' gives our community the News and News Updates, Sports, Weather reports. Our local television station covers local events and is consistantly out in the community supporting various organizations through out the year. I hope the CRTC will continue to support local television stations and with it the communities that need them!

I have lived in Prince George since 1978 and have witnessed the growth of our local broadcast outlets, both radio and TV. We are extremely lucky to have community-minded businesses that focus on what is happening here and how news and other developments in the world will shape our lives. The local TV station has grown to become the major source for local news. The local programming has not only helped to highlight everything Prince George but has given a boost to our kids through programs like "Quiz Me". The station has also been involved in many local charitable events and does incredible things to promote the city.
I hope that the commission, in its review, will consider the impact it will have should it lose the support it is currently getting.

Since 1957, CHAT TV has been a proud part of the Medicine Hat region. As an independent station, we take our responsibility to our viewers very seriously, communicating the news of our area through award-winning daily newscasts. We also support hundreds of local causes.
• CHAT TV provides 1-1/2 hours of live local newscasts each weekday. For two years now, our newscasts have been judged as the best small market newscasts in Canada by the Radio Television Digital News Directors Association (RTDNA).
• We produce special programming on current events, such as our extensive coverage of the major flooding in 2013.
• We produce “Week in Review”, a look back at the week’s top local stories and events.
• Our commitment to local sports includes “Tiger’s Time Out”, a show that follows our local hockey team.
• We also produce shorter segments of general community interest: a community event bulletin board, a movie review segment, a Crimestoppers feature, a monthly feature on local arts, and others.
• CHAT is available in high definition. This was a massive financial undertaking, and is a true indication of our dedication to top-quality, professional broadcasting.
• Our local business community relies on CHAT to be a major part of their marketing plans, providing cost effective advertising and promotional opportunities
• Each year, CHAT provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in value to local non-profit and charitable organizations. We are a part of this community, and show that by our support of many, many events--like the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, the Rotary Music Festival, the Medicine Hat Public Schools Golf Tournament, the Friends of Medalta Black and White Gala, the Chamber Business Awards…and many, many more.
• Our team members are volunteers and leaders in our community. As residents of this region, they are an integral part of the framework of life here, over and above their presence on air.
CHAT TV celebrates the unique lifestyle of Southeastern Alberta, on TV as well as through the internet. We hope the CRTC will recognize the importance of our station to the market, and the importance of Small Market local TV to Canada.

The CRTC MUST support local television. Without federal support we will lose local tv news and programming on Vancouver Island and will have to depend on Vancouver stations, whose editors have no idea where Bamfield, Port Renfrew, or Port Alice are. Restore the LPIF or an updated version of it immediately!

I live in Victoria on Vancouver Island and I cannot stress how important it is for us to have a Television Channel like CHEK TV. It pretty much provides our ownly source of local information and news. With so much competition from Vancouver and Seattle television stations it is very nice to have CHEK TV and particulary CHEK News to provide a local perspective. I highly encourage the CRTC to review how Cable TV Stations support local broadcasters.

Blake Handley
Victoria, BC

Living on Vancouver Island (BC), Chek News is an important part of my nightly routine. There is no other channel or programming that even attempts to give voice to local issues, events or stories. Whether it's tuning in for local weather reports or following the developments of a labour dispute affecting my community, Chek is where a lot of people turn to stay informed. As other commentators have noted, there can be a plethora of other sources, but THOSE are now essentially all online (we also recently lost our local newspaper) and there is a significant sect of our population that do not turn to the internet to stay informed (my parents and mother-in-law would be in this category).

I live in a small, mid-Island, resource community and often the issues that concern Vancouver residents are VERY different than those that are top of mind for many of our residents. Programming targeted at urbanites in the Lower Mainland is not always going to be relevant to small-town (typically more 'blue-collar') viewers. This was especially the case when I lived on the north Island. I was lucky if anyone from Vancouver knew where my tiny community was located, let alone what we cared about.

Local programming is very important to communities on Vancouver Island!

Northwestern Ontario is a vast area for the local television to cover and keep us up-to-date on International, National and local events which is done in an excellent and professional manner. Without our local news it would be devastating to a lot of people. With cutbacks and expenses, i know, i am trying to find ways to reduce costs in our household. More individuals have television sets in their home rather than other forms of media which offer pkgs too expensive to continue. Our community is close-knit and rely on TBT to bring them the news and programming they so well deserve at a lower cost. We are fortunate to have programs like Northwest Newsweek, TBT Week in Review, Sports Week in Review produced by our local team and other Specials that bring us into the new year i.e. Year in Review. Working at TBT for many years has shown us talent come and go. With the Community College offering the TV Broadcasting course TBT is a great place to start off their career in the field producing local programming.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment for this public record
Let me first say I’m a +30 year OTA veteran - production, operations, marketing and senior management. These are my thoughts as a very informed member of this industry.
A subsidy to preserve local TV will dramatically delay the innovation about to occur in this sector and further, a subsidy to aid in the production of local news on Conventional OTA TV stations will set up an unfair competitive environment for online local news. TV stations that receive the subsidy will be able to produce local news for TV using the subsidy, then take that same content and use it to compete in the online world with non-subsidized and potentially small, locally-owned competitors.
I do not believe local event are sufficiently covered. The only local programming that remains on conventional tv is in the form of nightly newscasts. No more shows about farming, nothing about industry, few local talk shows. No local sports, nothing on New Year’s eve. If you are lucky, you have a 1 hour newscast with about 6 local stories. Better than nothing, but not what it can be if innovation is allowed.
There are few other local sources - YET. But let these newly laid off media workers get organized and you’ll see a whole new wave of local story telling develop. In recent months, up to and including this week’s announcement of lay offs in print newsrooms in various Post Media markets in Canada, we have seen the beginnings of a complete disruption of the conventional local news model in our country. This has been coming for more than 2 decades and in my view it is a natural evolution. Technology has dramatically changed consumption habits but conventional media delivery methods have not been able to respond. Television continues to be the “go to” for all kinds of entertainment programming and will continue to be with the new Home Theatre being what it is, but terrestrial television has become an expensive, outdated and antiquated way to capture, produce and deliver local news. We now live in an untethered, mobile society that expects information to be immediately available, not only at 6PM, or in the morning. And that’s if you’re lucky enough to live in a market with more than 250,000 people. Otherwise, you probably have either no local television anymore, or you have a large building that used to house anywhere from 40 to 80 people that now has 6 or 8 left and is looking for a storefront to lease.
If we can all agree that Appointment Viewing of LOCAL news no longer serves the majority of our mobile society, then we need to also agree that subsidizing this activity so that we perpetuate what has become a pretty thin soup in the overall meal of content we consume is not a good idea. Face it, we all fear that we are losing our credible, balanced, “local” journalism sources in our country. It has scared me for years as I’ve watched the evolution.
Now there are new forms of journalism and digital storytelling and if given the chance to succeed, they will revolutionize local media in small and medium markets right across the country. Recently-excised media people, committed local journalists, tech companies, and investors are starting see the opportunity to change the game dramatically and re-define what local news and information will look like in the near future. There are now far more efficient and effective ways to deliver engaging local news and information than linear, conventional television. This new form of media is starting to develop a very real heart beat, not quite visible yet to the public, but it is developing. It’s a delicate new beast. And it’s one that will be snuffed out before it's even born if there is some form of subsidy for conventional local TV news that alters the current natural decline in their business.
If we can loosely agree that the future of local news and information will no longer be served by a 6 PM appointment on local TV outlets, but instead by the distribution and consumption of local news and information on an increasingly inexpensive, fast and ubiquitous wireless system that better serves our modern, untethered society, then we also need to agree that preserving this outdated and expensive current model is short-sighted, especially when to do so will directly kill new innovation.
To be fair then and to examine the argument further, let us examine a world of subsidy. The local TV station, with revenue in a free fall of 8-10%/year, uses the newly-found subsidy to preserve the status quo. We are not talking growth… just more of the “thin soup” I referred to earlier. Less and less community engagement because of a lack of staff and a lack of overall interest. And certainly no growth in storytelling - just the same.
The subsidy can’t possibly sustain a business in rapid decline. And in markets like Kelowna for instance, or Prince Albert, where Castanet, Kelowna-Now and PA-Now platforms are now part of the daily local news stream, would it be fair for the local television stations to create their local content on a subsidy and then compete directly with the non-subsidized aforementioned platforms? No, it would not. The unintended result of subsidizing local TV news operations will be a significant delay in the INNOVATION that the Commission and our untethered society are craving in the local markets. We already consume vast amounts of national and international information that way, but the costs on the local level have been prohibitive until recently. Killing this innovation by subsidizing old linear technology and thinking will be a missed opportunity to develop new local news platforms that will change the game and serve our communities in a far more future friendly manner.
The profit margins from of a new digital local news operation will not sustain it in a fight against a freshly-subsidized, publicly-traded, large vertically-integrated television broadcaster. Especially if they will now compete in the online and mobile space for the same audience and ad dollars, but with content produced by money from the “system” that allows them to undercut and squeeze out new businesses that want to be innovators in this local digital space. New companies will wither and die. Or they will not even launch! There will be continued disengagement in the local news product. No growth in the sector. The subsidy will preserve the status quo until the continued erosion of viewing creates a need for another larger subsidy Where does this end?
Perhaps it’s time to let technology and human ingenuity innovate the sector and create new opportunities for employment, communication, and community-building and local engagement. The continued erosion of the financial base for conventional local TV will render this proposed subsidy useless in the foreseeable future as the natural migration of audience and the associated economics of the industry continue to deteriorate. Let’s face it, there is little value in producing product that few people consume, no matter how good it is. If a tree falls in the forest, and nobody hears it… well, this is what is happening now with local news and there is no reason to assume it will change. Large swaths of citizens who no longer use local TV as a means to consume news and are not even aware of the excellent stories that are being produce. Why spend more money producing content that less and less people consume.
Ask yourself these questions:
If you’re on this message board, it’s safe to assume you watch local TV news, so how old are you? And do your adult children, if you have them, watch local news on TV? If you are like the households I’m familiar with, the answer is that your kids do not consume local TV news like you did. And if we’re building a system to facilitate the creation and delivery of local news, information, community engagement and social discourse for the overall betterment of our local communities of today and the future, then you also have to ask yourself this - is local television really the best way to do it?
Conventional media continues to suck massive amounts of advertising oxygen out of the room and make it very hard for new advertiser-supported competitors to enter the game. But make no mistake, those competitors are in the wings and waiting, building teams that consist of some of your favourite and now displaced journalists, talk show hosts, the sales executives that created innovative commercial campaigns that generated commerce in your city, and the community builders that promoted charities, served on Boards of Not for Profits, and genuinely cared about their community. They are the same people who for years have worked under deteriorating conditions for local broadcasters and newspapers now owned by large publicly-traded companies like Bell, SHAW, Rogers etc. These are not your locally-engaged entrepreneurs. These media companies, CTV, Global, CITY were all acquired for their ability to promote their owner's large telecom, cable and satellite brands than for any altruistic desire to be a part of a community. In fact, advertising avails that used to be hived off to promote public service and non-profits have all but disappeared as withering sales has created the need to sell those avails to advertisers. Millions of dollars of pubic service airtime in the country has disappeared and in most cases is now used to promote Bell cellphones and SHAW Cable subscriptions. Having been a party to some of these decisions, I can only say that desperate people do desperate things.
New digital tools that will allow journalists and digital storytellers to create content, curators to crowd-source content, and advertisers and social agencies to once again engage local audiences in defined local markets are available. I believe there will soon come a time when local media will again be firmly grounded in the local community it serves because it wants to be there, not because it’s mandated by the Commission. By propping up local, conventional TV stations with funds generated by cable and satellite subscriber fees, in an era of visible decline of the cable and satellite subscriber base, we will significantly delay the innovation that is about to occur in the sector.
The communication fabric in our local communities was built at a time when advertising revenues were abundant and delivery choices were not. This has now all changed. New options are emerging, but they will need to compete head to head for ad revenues with the existing traditional TV stations in order to exist. I believe they can because so many good people are available across the country now to start working in a new way, released from conventional media and looking to the future.
Unfortunately, we may never know whether or not my vision is accurate. Local digital news operations cannot compete against large VI companies that would receive a subsidy to produce news and local content for the regulated world, and then put it online and compete directly against new unregulated companies that are trying to drive innovation. These large companies can flood the market with product produced through subsidy, and then compete directly in the unregulated space with new local digital news companies who will have no such advantage. The large companies can thus charge less for advertising creating a very unfair marketplace and inhibiting the growth of new and distinct voices in local journalism.
The reason local conventional television news is struggling is not due to a lack of revenue, though there is no question advertisers are migrating rapidly to other more effective and cost-effective forms of advertising. Instead, it’s due to their extremely expensive cost structure; both in delivery system (transmitters and microwaves and satellite uplinks etc) as well as production workflows that create a need for massive production and writing and editing capacity to produce all of your stories in a compressed time frame during the day in order to hit the increasingly irrelevant deadline of a live 6PM newscast. It’s fair to say as well that local TV stations produce a lot of content that isn’t highly-viewed simply to fill the time they’re mandated to produced each week. This all costs significant money, provides little to no value to anyone, and is one of the reasons they can no longer survive. In a non-linear digital environment, there’s no more need to produce and broadcast material simply to “fill time”. It artificial, expensive and completely unnecessary. Take a moment and time how much content you really get in your 6PM newscast. Then ask yourself if this is actually worth subsidizing. You’ll see close to 20 minutes of advertising and other sold content alone. It’s what’s called “clutter” and there is more and more of it, making these shows more and more disjointed and hard to watch.
The NEXT GENERATION digital news organization will survive by driving down costs through better use of technology. Not being in a regulated industry like Conventional TV will bring down the costs associated with being a regulated business. Our legacy TV stations, despite massive staff cuts in recent months, cannot continue to drive new audiences using linear appointment TV. And the profits from prime-time advertising that have subsidized the local news production mandated by their licenses no longer exist. It’s simply old technology. The only thing standing in its way of the innovation that is about to happen across the country are these expensive traditional television stations that take alarming amounts of advertising dollars simply to perpetuate an increasingly irrelevant and inefficient system of delivering local news and info to a mobile, local audience.
Make no mistake, digital journalism and storytelling, combined with old-stool community support that will rebuild the communication “Mainstreet” in a local community is ready to explode and redefine how we create, distribute and engage our local communities. Increasingly ubiquitous and low-cost and high-speed wireless and internet in our country will render over the air and cable delivery of news on linear appointment television completely irrelevant very soon. The notion that local TV stations with increasingly depleted resources and a dramatic brain drain are the only organizations capable of providing local news and information is indicative of the time that the LTTV Hearings were taking place and getting this feedback from the public. It was 2014. It was a lifetime ago now!… I was a part of an antiquated Canadian TV industry hoping for a solution to stem the tide of changing viewer habits and migrating ad dollars. Reality is .. that horse left the barn and a natural evolution is occurring. We are now in a world that is seeing journalists and valuable local media specialists being cut from the traditional, out-dated TV stations at an alarming pace due to a fragmenting of audiences that is a direct result of a distribution system, the local tv station, that is no longer serving our needs as a local news and information starved public. Some markets have not had a relevant local television station for close to a decade now because it was an outdated model even then… a time before we were viewing content on our phones.
When the station in Red Deer, AB was shuttered by Global in 2008, the CRTC did not receive one complaint from local residents. NOT ONE! I find it hard to imagine that 8 years later, the Commission would consider subsidizing this industry with an aim to preserve it at the direct expense of the innovation that is about to create a whole new generation of local storytellers, a solution for the ongoing silencing of our current local journalistic voices, and the re-engagement of our local communities.
Do not subsidize local TV and take with it the hopes of this next generation of innovators.
Thanks for providing this opportunity to comment.
Respectfully,
The Future.

Almost every comment I read about local television supports the station and states how vital the news is to the residents of that area. What commentators seem to ignore is that these stations are local businesses whose mandate is to make money in exchange for such service. I don't see taxpayers supporting other local businesses like bakeries, meat shops, hair dressers or auto services... If video stores had been publicly funded, perhaps you could still rent a DVD?!
If the business is viable, it will succeed. If you value the service, you should pay for it. If cable companies are getting your money for giving you local television station on a cable service, perhaps the cable company should be giving that station more money for that service you say you need. But if you really, really want to support local television, remember that they are required by law to broadcast their signal, and you can pick it up for FREE by antenna. These stations traditionally made money via advertising and gave you the programming they thought would entice more viewers to warrant charging more money to advertisers. This systems has changed substantially to the point where advertisers cannot generate the revenue needed to sustain a television station as a business. Television stations have turned to grants and subsidies from taxpayers to keep their business alive.
I worked in a local television station for 25 years, and believe their business model is antiquated. What the station offers is a pitance of what was programmed and produced locally. Bills and union wages eat up the money that comes into the station and some of the rest is spent on bought-programming that just cannot compete with what is offered online.
CHEK Television in Victoria is an excellent examply of a struggling business that once produced local shows featuring dancing, news, science, gardening, policitics, talkshows, music, kids shows, dramatic mini-series, etc... all of which were shot and produced in-house. As this station was bought by progressivelly bigger media companies, it was pared down in personnel and programming. When it was finally sold by Canwest, and bought by local investors and the employees, CHEK was capable of producing only daily news. The community has rallied around this little station and its plucky staff, but the reality is that without more money flowing into this business, it seems to be failing.
More public money is not the solution. The station needs to find an innovative new model of operation, and seek the support of every person that states they need this service. Stop paying money to the cable companies and give that money to the local station that is offering the service you claim is so important to your life. Phone your local television station and tell them what you want and how much you're willing to pay for that service!! They will be glad to hear your input, and even happier to receive your money.

Independent, locally (and employee) owned stations are the last hope of local journalism and programing. The problem is that the net has convinced us that community and inherently Canadian information, editorials and news gathering have no monetary value.
I feel that the CRTC has the duty to change that.
I worked in television for 38 years before I retired (commercial, sports, comedy and drama) and before that I lived on Vancouver Island where I could get CHEK's signal with a coat hanger as an antenna. It and CBC's rebroadcast signal was all the television I needed until I took a broadcast elective at the local high school, then BCIT and started watching American stations and BCTV, where I started my second job (first was CBUT).
I believe the 'boutique' method that the CRTC has mandated will ultimately make or break local stations, which is probably a good thing in the long run. "57 channels and nothing's on" as Springfield said, except for me, I'll choose CHEK, CBC, Global BC, Knowledge Network and PBS for what I hope will be a modest monthly fee. Any sports I HAVE to see will be PPV. If Shaw can't survive that financially, then I'll find a provider who can.

I for one, support local television. Our local commercial TV stations like CHEK in Victoria provide a great service. They bring local politics, business, current events, sports and community concerns to the public. It's a local voice that the telco nationals don't provide. I think the idea of diverting the monies collected for community access is better spent supporting this sort of local news. Community access is mostly light filler. An obligation to spend money with little real substance, and little or no audience. With the advent of Youtube, Vimeo, Facebook and other social media the public can create thier own 'access'. It really makes a cable community access channel redundant. With that community access money directed to local TV, stations like CHEK can better provide a real voice for our communities.