Lisa Sygutek, a staunch advocate for local journalism, has penned a critical piece accusing the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) of acting as a predator rather than a partner to local news outlets. Despite acknowledging the CBC's vital role in telling Canadian stories and its excellent radio programs like The Current and As It Happens, Sygutek argues that the public broadcaster's recent behavior has been competitive and detrimental to local news ecosystems.
CBC's Competitive Tactics Questioned
Sygutek points to the farewell email of former CBC president Catherine Tait, which included a 718 area code—associated with New York City—as evidence of a culture disconnected from Main Street Canada. She also scrutinizes the testimony of Tait's successor, Marie-Philippe Bouchard, before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage. Bouchard denied that the CBC actively approaches journalists from other media, calling staff movements a normal part of business. However, local publishers like Jeff Elgie of Village Media have publicly contradicted this claim, citing direct examples of the CBC poaching reporters with higher salaries to compete in the same markets.
Impact on Local Media
Matthew Mendelsohn, CEO of Social Capital Partners, echoed these concerns, stating that while a vibrant public broadcaster is essential, the CBC's practices undermine independent media. Under the Online News Act, the CBC is entitled to up to $7 million from Google's annual compensation. Tim Shoults of the St. Albert Gazette noted that the CBC used this funding to hire 30 new reporters in communities that already have established media outlets, rather than underserved areas. This has led to poaching from community news companies, which cannot match the CBC's wages.
Sygutek concludes that the CBC's actions contradict its mission to support local journalism, instead exacerbating the challenges faced by independent outlets. She calls for a reevaluation of the CBC's role to ensure it complements rather than competes with local news.
