Open Letter to Yukoners concerned about cuts to CBC television and radio

Open Letter to Yukoners concerned about cuts to CBC television and radio:
 
I have talked to many Yukoners who are concerned about the decision to switch from AM to FM and to shutdown analog television broadcasting. This decision has been made by others outside the Yukon and changing the course will require these bodies – in particular, the federal government, the CBC and the CRTC – to work together and come up with a solution that does not reduce Yukoners’ access.
 
I have attached the letter I’ve written to the Minister responsible for the CBC, the Honourable James Moore. If you feel compelled to write an email or letter as well, you will find contact information for the relevant parties below.
 
CBC’s website also suggests that people with questions about the FM service or who experience transmission issues should call CBC Audience Relations at 1 866-306-4636  from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time (6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Yukon Time).
 
If you don’t have satellite or cable television and use “rabbit ears” to watch over-the-air analog television, you might want to talk to Shaw which offers a Local Television Satellite Solution (LTSS) program. According to a Shaw service agent, they will supply free programming to eligible Yukoners who apply before November 30, 2012. You can find more information about this program by calling 1-888-782-7602 or by checking out their website at: www.shawdirect.ca/promotions/english/DigitalTransition/default.asp.
 
Sincerely,
[signed]
 
Kevin Barr
MLA, MountLorne-SouthernLakes
Yukon NDP Official Opposition

Share your concerns on cuts to CBC radio and TV with:

The Honourable James Moore, MP
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
356 ConfederationBuilding
House of Commons
Ottawa ON  K1A 0A6
(No postage required)
james.moore@parl.gc.ca
 
Tyrone Benskin, MP
Official Opposition Critic for Heritage Canada
950 PromenadeBuilding
House of Commons
Ottawa ON  K1A 0A6
(No postage required)
tyrone.benskin@parl.gc.ca
 
Ryan Leef, MP
Yukon
Room 710 Justice Building
House of Commons
Ottawa ON  K1A 0A6
(No postage required)
ryan.leef@parl.gc.ca
 
John Traversy
Secretary General
CRTC
Ottawa ON K1A 0N2
You can send an email through www.crtc.gc.ca/RapidsCCM/Register.asp?lang=E
 
Hubert T. Lacroix
President and CEO
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
PO Box 500 Stn A
Toronto ON  M5W 1E6
ht.lacroix@cbc.ca
 
--------------------

July 16, 2012

Kevin Barr, MLA for Mount Lorne-Southern Lakes
Yukon NDP Official Opposition
Yukon Legislative Assembly
PO Box 2703 (A-10)
Whitehorse YT  Y1A 2C6
 
The Honourable James Moore
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
356 Confederation Building
House of Commons
Ottawa ON  K1A 0A6
 
Dear Minister Moore,
 
I represent people in the rural Yukon riding of Mount Lorne-Southern Lakes, which is composed of the communities of Carcross, Marsh Lake, Mount Lorne, Tagish, and the homes and cabins of rural residents in between.
 
Fellow rural MLAs and I have heard from many constituents who are very concerned with how changes to CBC services in the Yukon will negatively impact their way of life. I write in particular of the decisions to:
  • switch radio broadcasting from the AM frequency to FM on August 31, 2012; and
  • suspend analog television broadcasting on July 31, 2012.
CBC radio is a key source for local information in rural Yukon, and for many Yukoners, the AM service is the only available CBC signal outside of Whitehorse. This applies to my constituents working in remote locations, at their cabins, and to the majority of Tagish residents who can not access the FM signal. The FM signal does not have the same reach as the AM frequency, and as of August 31, many Yukoners will simply lose all access to CBC radio. 
 
For much of rural Yukon, there are few alternatives to keep up with current events and local news, to hear Yukon and Canadian artists, and, most importantly, to receive important public safety information. In theYukon context, this primarily means information on wildfires, flooding, power outages, and road closures.
 
I have also been approached by constituents who are worried about the loss of over-the-air (OTA) analog television. There are Yukoners who can not afford satellite or cable and rely on CBC analog television for news, weather, and Canadian culture.
 
According to Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, 9.7% of Canadians watch OTA analog television, and CBC Television is the most viewed option. If analog service is cut, Yukoners, along with other rural Canadians, will lose out despite paying taxes to support the CBC.
 
The CBC is our public broadcaster and has a vital role in connecting us and telling our Canadian stories. The CBC has a mandate to provide universal access and ensure that its services “be made available throughout Canada by the most appropriate and efficient means”.
 
Not everyone has access to the internet. Not everyone has access to satellite or cable TV. There are many Yukoners who depend on CBC’s services who will be negatively impacted by suspending AM radio services and OTA analog television.
 
What will the Government of Canada will do to ensure that Yukoners are not cut off from receiving these important CBC services? 
 
As Minister, how will you intervene to reverse this situation? 
 
Will you work with the CBC to ensure they are adequately funded to provide the services that all Yukoners can access?
 
I, and many members of the Yukon public look forward to hearing how the Government of Canada will respond to this unacceptable situation.
 
Sincerely,
[signed]
 
Kevin Barr
MLA
Mount Lorne-Southern Lakes
 
cc.     John Traversy, Secretary General, CRTC
Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament, Yukon
Tyrone Benskin, Official Opposition Critic for Heritage Canada
Hubert T. Lacroix, President and CEO, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation