A
diverse media environment is a necessary component
of a community's ability to develop and retain a healthy
local culture; whether, artistic, economic, or political.
CCS media research investigates the policy frameworks
that act to restrict local media diversity as well
as engaging in governance processes in order make
the broadcasting system more responsive to local concerns.
In
an era of increased competition for attention in the
media, Hamilton is at a comparative disadvantage when
it comes to seeing its stories, issues and concerns
reflected in the mainstream broadcast media. Since
the launch of the Media Project in 2004, the Centre
for Community Study has worked to increase the amount
of Hamilton coverage in the mainstream broadcast media.
The approach has been two fold: to promote investment
by Canada's public broadcaster in the community and
to get private broadcasters to live up to their Canadian
Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
(CRTC) licence obligations to serve the Hamilton region.
Working on behalf of the City of Hamilton, the CCS
has brought Hamilton to the forefront of CBC's regional
expansion plans, particularly in the area of radio.
Consequently, Hamilton is now a priority area for
CBC Radio investment and discussion has begun on how
to establish a station in the city.
As
part of the ongoing Hamilton Media Project, the CCS,
working with the City of Hamilton, appeared before
the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian
Heritage during their review of the Mandate of the
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The arguments presented
by the CCS and the City featured prominently in the
final report of the Heritage Committee.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC)
The CRTC is the federal agency responsible for regulating
Canada's broadcasting system. It is a primary governance
mechanism for the public to engage in the shaping
of Canada's media environment. The CCS has provided
and presented research at the CRTC concerning media
issues of local importance. Request
to the CRTC concerning the lack of media diversity
in Hamilton
SUN
TV
Working on behalf of the City of Hamilton, the CCS
appeared before the CRTC concerning Toronto 1's broadcasting
commitments to the Hamilton region. The CRTC issued
a favourable ruling requiring the station (now SUN
TV) to address Hamilton needs. CCS
submission to the CRTC on behalf of the City of Hamilton
regarding SUN TV
