Friends of Canadian Media T estimonials from Canadians on the CBC

Jean G. Newfoundland and Labrador “The CBC has been a lifeline for us here, especially during the forest fire season. When the fires swept through, the CBC was there with timely updates and vital information. Their coverage kept us connected to the outside world and provided crucial details about evacuation plans and safety measures. Beyond that, the CBC’s stories of resilience and support from across Canada were a comforting reminder that we weren’t alone. For many of us, the CBC is more than just a broadcaster; it’s a trusted source of support and connection during our tough times.” Auburn S.

Northwest T erritories “The CBC has always been a big part of my life here in Y ellowknife. Growing up, we always had CBC Radio playing in our house, and it really connected us to stories and voices from all over Canada. The CBC does a great job covering northern communities and helping the rest of the country understand what life is like up here. It’s more than just a broadcaster; it’s like a thread that ties Canadians together through stories, music, and news. One of my favourite CBC shows was North of 60. It’s set just north of Y ellowknife and does an amazing job of capturing life in the North.

The show dives into the challenges and triumphs of Indigenous communities, which resonates with me and many others up here. It’s entertaining and educational, shining a light on important issues.” Sheila and Joe S. Saskatchewan “CBC is the radio station that’s on all the time. Even when we’re in the car, it’s CBC or nothing. We love learning new things, and the CBC keeps it interesting with a wide variety of programs. It’s that learning aspect that has really shaped and influenced us. Whether it’s world news or stories from across Canada, CBC helps us stay connected.

When Hurricane Fiona hit eastern Canada hard in September 2022, communication lines were broken, and people struggled to get information and contacts for help. The CBC stepped up to the plate, telling people where to get generators, where health services were available, and offering weather forecasts and advice. This is one of the immense benefits of a public broadcaster, not to be bound by popularity and listenership numbers, nor the bottom line. In a time when social media often spreads misinformation, we rely on the CBC for accurate and thoughtful journalism.”

David D. Québec “My favourite show is definitely To u t l e m o n d e e n p a r l e. It’s got this fantastic mix of humour, politics, and culture, and it always sparks interesting conversations. The show brings on such a diverse range of guests, and I love how it tackles important issues while still being super entertaining. It’s one of those shows that feels both local and universal at the same time, which is pretty cool. The CBC and Radio-Canada are like a cultural lifeline. Living in Montréal, with its rich mix of cultures and languages, they provide a platform that brings everyone together.

Whether it’s tuning into the radio on my morning commute or catching up on news and shows at home, the CBC always offers something that resonates with me. It has a unique way of showcasing both the local flavour of Montréal and the broader Canadian experience.” Dorothy F. British Columbia “I immigrated to Canada from the US in 1971. It took me a while to find the CBC, but I have been a dedicated listener since then. It wasn’t an easy transition. I was too opinionated, too loud, and too American for Canadians’ softer ways. Over time, and often with the help of the CBC, I found my way to becoming a Canadian.

Still too mouthy but I’m not ready to give that up. Through programs like This Country in the Morning I learned Canadian history, geography, and culture. I worked at home so I could easily listen to the CBC. I’m still too opinionated and too frank in my opinions but that’s who I am. I still sometimes get impatient with Canadian ways, but I am deeply grateful not to live in the US. I am appalled at the many cuts to CBC radio over the years, but I rely on the CBC for news. I also rely on the CBC stalwarts, especially Eleanor Wachtel, and many others.” Jocelyn M.

Manitoba “I have been a keen listener to the CBC for many years. It dates back to the years we spent on remote reserves in northeastern Manitoba, where my husband was a United Church minister. The CBC was my lifeline: a source of information, education, entertainment, and companionship. Listening to the CBC is still an important part of my life. From local weekday shows like Information Radio, Radio Noon, and Up to Speed on Radio One, to varied musical programming on Radio Two, my dial is set on CBC. Long may it live from coast to coast to coast!”

Pix B. Prince Edward Island “I literally grew up on the CBC. My father had a radio in almost every room in our home in Corner Brook, NL, and in his later years, beside his chair. The CBC opened up our world. Now I live in PEI, and I just need the CBC Listen App and have my car radio set to the CBC. I miss the breadth of programming with the many repeats. But then there’s On Demand! When our federal government finally addressed Reconciliation, many claimed they didn’t know about the issues. People needed to listen to the CBC.

Being informed allows me to be engaged with my political representatives, and that helps me be a stronger community member and fellow citizen. We need the CBC!” Brian G. Nova Scotia “The CBC has been a central element in my life, stimulating my mind and heart, and helping me feel connected to people in my local community, across Canada and around the world. It’s a family tradition my mother modelled. I often stay in the car to finish listening to a gripping story.

CBC radio has brought me great joy by introducing me to many memorable local musicians, from Four the Moment and the Rankins to Joel Plaskett, Jeremy Dutcher and Reeny Smith, among many others. It helped Maritime music emerge as a cultural force, and has lately embraced Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian music. The CBC brings communities together as we live through, mourn, and examine searing experiences, including recent ones like Nova Scotia’s wildfires and flood in 2023.” Judy B.

Alberta “When our family moved across Canada and around the world, the CBC was a constant in our lives, keeping us connected to places we left behind and informed about where we were going. The CBC kept my mother company when my father was away. When he died, the familiar voices of ‘his’ shows comforted and distracted her. The CBC’s great programs and wonderful hosts have expanded my knowledge and piqued my interest. Calgary’s Laurie Mills’ passion for and knowledge of Bluegrass music grabbed my attention enough to attend several concerts.

And Rosanna Deerchild’s fierce championship of Indigenous issues gives me pause to examine my own assumptions. During the pandemic, I found once again that boredom, loneliness, and stress disappeared when I listened to the CBC. I love the CBC—one of Canada’s greatest assets.”

Stephen T . Southeastern Ontario “When I was a young man in the seventies, Margaret Lyons sparked what was known as the CBC Radio Revolution. I became hooked. And I’ve remained addicted to CBC Radio ever since. The radios in our house, our cottage, and our cars are set to the CBC, especially the morning and afternoon shows in T oronto. My wife Mary and I enjoy them all. I remember the first television broadcasts of the CBC. As a kid, I loved Wayne and Shuster’s comedy. There were also sports like hockey, CFL football, Vanier Cups, and most Olympics. And the CBC has grown with the times.

It’s just as good as a commercial streamer, but it’s free to all Canadians. What would we do without the CBC? I can’t imagine. I’ll certainly do all I can—including donating and volunteering—to see that our CBC, a great national treasure, remains a major part of our lives.” Peggy J. H. Southwestern Ontario “What does the CBC mean to me? It is my connection with everyone across Canada and vice versa. Knowing other Canadians have the same “conversation” makes me feel whole. When I travel, I find other Canadians take me for who I am—asking directions, buying coffee, sharing ideas, etc.

I would think other Canadians feel the same way. The CBC has been part of my life 24/7 since I was 12, especially when car radios became normal. I do miss Peter Gzowski. He had such extraordinary conversations with Canadians in all corners of the country and in all situations. He listened carefully to their responses and followed their thoughts. I “met” some very interesting people through him.” Susan A. New Brunswick “T o me, the CBC shares the stage with our flag, the beaver, hockey, and maple syrup as a symbol of Canada.

T o me, the CBC means our land, our people, our communities, our differences, our similarities, our connections, our stories, our hopes, and our dreams. It represents our depth, our breadth, our goodness, our values, our culture, our voice, our caring, our past, our present, and our future. T o me, the CBC is the very best of Canada. When I tune into the CBC, I feel like I’m home. I love everything I’ve ever heard on CBC. But, if I think about my favourite CBC show that is no longer airing, T om Allen’s Music and Company rises to the top. Every morning, while I got ready for work, I tuned in to T om Allen’s show.

Being a lover of classical music, it was a treat to listen to his curated selection as I started my day. I loved his quirky sense of humour, his storytelling, his chatty, informal style. It was like he was right there with me, keeping me company.”

Jaden B. Yo u t h A d v o c a t e . “The CBC is a cornerstone of democracy in Canada. It provides citizens with diverse and reliable news, promotes education, and facilitates public discourse. As a public broadcaster, the CBC contributes to transparency and accountability, covers democratic processes, and plays a vital role in shaping and preserving Canada’s cultural identity within the global media landscape. With the rise of social media, my generation has very few news sources dedicated to journalistic integrity and publishing verified information.

As a young Canadian, I believe that the CBC must remain because of the tremendous value it provides.” Judy B. Manitoba "Every morning, CBC local news connects me to my community like nothing else can. It’s more than just reporting; it’s a daily check-in with what’s happening in our lives here. This service is crucial, especially in areas where other local media have disappeared. CBC’s dedication to local stories not only informs us, it strengthens the bonds within our community." Janet M. Nova Scotia “CBC’s local coverage is more than just news—it’s the heartbeat of our town.

But with each passing year, I worry we’ll lose this vital connection. It’s distressing to see local media dwindling; we can’t let CBC follow that path. We need to ensure it remains a strong voice that can keep us united and informed about the nuances of our community.” Alexander B. New Brunswick “I’ve noticed a troubling decline in the coverage of critical local issues lately. It feels like we’re at risk of becoming just another news statistic. CBC needs to invest more in local media; it’s imperative for maintaining informed citizenship and vibrant community life.

We must not allow our local voice to be silenced in the noise of national media.” Tracy G. Ontario “There’s a richness to the stories that CBC tells about our community that you just don’t find anywhere else. They celebrate our local heroes and keep us informed about our challenges. It’s essential that CBC not only continues but expands its local programming. Our town depends on it, and frankly, it’s what keeps our community fabric woven tightly together.”

Anonymous Canada “I want CBC to continue its journalistic endeavours as part of a free, impartial and objective news agency. I also want CBC Radio to continue to provide exciting and relevant shows (ie. Quirks and Quarks, White Coat Black Arts, etc.) and podcasts. CBC TV is a leader in providing Canadian content not available anywhere else. We have already lost so many local newspapers and independent radio stations on which many people depend and CBC is about all there is left. Improved regional and local content is needed for those who do not want to or are unable to access online content.

When local reporting is lost so does the community lose its vibrancy. Keep CBC alive!” David C. Ontario “CBC local radio has been a comforting presence in my life, offering a blend of news that matters to my family right here in our community. The personal touch they bring to broadcasting is irreplaceable. It’s crucial that CBC continues to thrive as our local storyteller and watchdog. We rely on their integrity and deep local roots.” Susan M. Ontario “As local newspapers close, we turn to CBC for real-time, relevant updates about our own backyard.

It's disheartening to see even this bastion of local journalism struggling to cover all the bases due to resource constraints. CBC deserves not just our support, but also adequate funding to truly serve as the voice of every Canadian community, big or small.” Harris T . British Columbia “CBC must continue to keep Canadians informed about local and national issues and Canada's place in the rapidly changing World Economy. If not for CBC, Canadians who live in remote areas of Canada would have access to very little news.”