OTTAWA – Six in ten Canadian voters believe that Prime Minister Harper and the Conservative government are “hostile” to the CBC/SRC, and would like to “diminish public broadcasting in Canada”, says a survey conducted on behalf of Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.
The survey, which was conducted by public opinion research firm Pollara, was released Wednesday in advance of Canadian Heritage Minister Moore’s appearance before the Heritage Committee.
The online survey of 3,361 voting age Canadians was conducted to gauge the attitudes of Canadians when it comes to their public broadcaster. According to the press release, it found an electorate that:
– Places high trust in the CBC/SRC to protect Canadian culture and identity on television. Voters hold CBC/SRC above all other players in the broadcasting system on this measure of trust.
– Gives CBC/SRC high marks for meeting its mandate through programs that inform, enlighten and entertain (seven in ten voters).
– Worries cuts to the CBC/SRC will diminish local and regional programming (six in ten voters).
– Regards as insufficient Canada’s level of funding of the CBC/SRC to maintain a unique and vibrant Canadian identity and culture (seven in ten voters).
– Has advice for their MPs: over half recommend increasing funding for the CBC from current levels while three in ten voters want CBC funding maintained at current levels; only one in ten recommends decreasing CBC funding.
– Lastly, 54% of voters support the Heritage Committee’s recommendation to increase the CBC’s per citizen funding from $33 to $40, while a further 20% believe this increase is insufficient.
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting is an independent watchdog for Canadian programming, and is not affiliated with any broadcaster or political party.
