Privatizing CBC: Why Won't This Ad Air on the State Broadcaster?

The Man Behind the Desk

by Friends of Canadian Broadcasting

CBC has refused to air an advertisement critical of the Conservative government’s meddling in the public broadcaster’s affairs.

The non-profit group, Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, have created an ad highly critical of Stephen Harper's government.

The ad, which comes in 30 and 60 second versions, attacks the most recent budget bill and runs down the list of scandals, oversights, muzzlings, and mysterious cash losses that are fast becoming the hallmarks of Harper's tenure as prime minister.

After the main character in the ad—a journalist—questions whether the federal government is turning the CBC into a state broadcaster, he is tied up and thrown in the back of a car.

The group approached the CBC to air the ad, only to have it rejected. The CBC claims its decision was to avoid appearing as if it was endorsing the ad's campaign.

Lucky for us, the Internet is still sort of free, so watch it now. Although your IP address will likely be logged by CSIS for use at a later date.

Friends of Canadian Broadcasting is currently trying to raise $60,000 to buy air time for its ad to air on non-CBC TV networks.