The CBC and what it’s done.

Earlier this week the CBC, a publicly owned, tax dollar funded network removed local news programming broadcasts from NL. Given the current circumstances with COVID-19 the CBC sites staffing issues from the crisis as it’s reasoning. While this is certainly understandable, there is an argument, and a strong one to be made, I believe that the local news programming is more important now than ever.

The local newscasters tend to give us information and how it effects us as a area or province. Smaller centres, like most of Atlantic Canada get very little mention in national coverage. One could think Canada ends at the Quebec border for perspective.

In times like these, when chaos is at its peak. The increased value of information and the need to know what’s going on around you is crucial. Local media plays such a critical role in delivering information to people who feel they trust and know them.

People turn to known voices for a sense of normalcy and stability in an otherwise unstable time. It gives a sense of comfort knowing we are getting information from people viewed as our neighbours. Rather than from a national service which provides little focus to those of us in smaller provinces.

I believe that the actions of the CBC while maybe warranted, are detrimental to the flow of information, and the well being of Canadian people. Here in Newfoundland I am greatful for the admirable work of all our media outlets during this crisis, however I do feel now there is a hole, “Here and Now”.