CBC management is punishing these shows for a decline in ratings - a decline clearly brought on by its own brutal decision to lock out 5,000 professional workers last fall.
Our culture defines us as an independent nation. So it's troubling that it is barely on this government's radar.
Last year we were shocked that so-called Canadian private broadcasters spent four times more on U.S. programming than they did on original Canadian drama. Now we're appalled to learn that in 2005, they spent almost five times more.
It's time the CRTC got serious about being a regulator and imposed some requirements that actually have some teeth.
The climate for negotiations is challenging, no question.
