Why does Canada spend so much money on public broadcasting?
The reason is a traditional one. With a thinly scattered population, Canada works hard to overcome vast geographical distances. Traditionally, both transportation and telecommunications have been emphasized to provide Canadians with a sense of unity and identity, from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. A Brief History of the CBC Preceded by one provincial radio network (which began in Alberta in 1928), the English-language CBC Radio went on air nation-wide for the first time on 2 November 1936. French-language programming was broadcast for the first time in 1937. A primary aim of the radio network in the early years was to combat the radio programming coming into Canadian homes from the USA. Canada’s cultural independence from the USA was thought to be at risk from this new technology, for borders could not be protected from air waves. But only public ownership of broadcasting could ensure vigilant protection. Public affairs, programs for school classes, farm news, fishermen’s ne
