Save Radio 3
Although we don’t know for sure what kinds of cuts we’ll be seeing at CBC over the next few months, it sounds like cuts are imminent. The mere mention of the potential elimination of CBC Radio 3 by one of the heads of the CBC sent shockwaves through Canada’s music scene this past week.
As a Canadian living outside of the country these days, CBC Radio 3 is a lifeline to Canada’s music scene. More importantly — and I speak as a music fan, a scholar and teacher of Canadian culture, and a former musician — Radio 3 has changed the face of the independent music scene in Canada, allowing people around the world to learn about great Canadian bands and artists to whom they would otherwise never be exposed. CBC Radio 3 makes a contribution to Canadian culture nationally and internationally that far exceeds the investment put in by CBC.
Radio 3 has also been at the cutting edge of podcasting and internet broadcasting for years now and really broke new ground for the CBC. The importance of this cannot be underestimated either. If CBC Radio wants to continue to be seen as current and cutting edge, eliminating CBC Radio 3 would almost guarantee that they would never be thought of in this way again for a long time. Radio 3 really is the success story that the CBC should be looking at as a model for other parts of their operations.
Whether you are a regular listener to Radio 3 or not (if you’re not, you should be!!), please take a minute and sign this petition.
2 comments
CBC Radio 3, has been, without a doubt, a gateway into Canadian independent music for me and for many of my friends. Without Radio 3 I never would have known about, grown to love, and spent my many hard-earned dollars listening to and supporting great Canadian acts. It is an essential service, not only for fans of music, but for those talented and passionate individuals who make it.
CBC Radio in general produces the best quality radio programming in Canada definitely, and perhaps NA. CBC Radio 3, while new, fills a gap in Canadian music culture which will not be met by any other broadcaster. If it is cut it will be a blow to Canadian independent recording artists and music lovers across the country. The station is constantly introducing me to new musicians from across the country resulting in purchases of CD’s and attendance of concerts I would not have otherwise thought to go to. Don’t cut Radio 3!