Dear Clerk Wilson and team, I understand the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications is currently conducting a study of CBC/Radio-Canada’s local and regional radio, television, and online services in the current media environment, including its local and regional news and programming and the expectations set out in the Broadcasting Act and its licenses. I highly support the continuation of CBC and Radio Canada’s news and culture programming on radio, TV, and online platforms. I read online news from CBC.

So much commercial media is owned and controlled by media conglomerates with inherent biases. It’s important to have access to the different perspectives, content, and spin on issues that public and independent media provide. Collectively, public and private media provide an overall view of different ideologies that exist in Canada. Media diversity is critical. I am an avid listener of Radio Canada (90.9 FM) in BC, to remain connected to my Francophone roots and to expose my kids to Francophone and Indigenous culture and language so they can strengthen their French language.

I also listen to CBC (105.7 FM) to discover new anglophone and allophone artists, hear Indigenous artists, and learn about music history (gotta love Rich… Terfry!). Both stations and online platforms play great music, showcase emerging Canadian talent and heritage, convey insightful and interesting information about the music and artists that shows a shared passion for music and culture, and provide an overview of meaningful global and Canadian news. Most importantly, they have no annoying ads or stupid banter about irrelevant inanities of the day that plague commercial radio stations.

I feel free radio stations are an important service to expand listeners’ perspectives in a manner accessible to all, from anywhere, at any time, without a subscription. Free radio stations with good content are amazing (and rare). I don’t watch TV, but my parents do. Watching news on TV shapes their view of the world. They tend to skip around and watch different news channels, but mostly Radio Canada news. Maintaining media diversity is critical for TV viewers too.

Please continue CBC and Radio Canada’s news and culture programming on radio, TV, and online platforms for the benefit of all Canadians and to strengthen our society. Best regards, Esther Berube V5L 2B9