Poll: Canadians favour foreign control of broadcasters more than cablecos, telcos

More Canadians support foreign ownership of broadcasters than telcos and cablecos, despite the government’s preference for and international pressure to ease restrictions for facilities-based carriers. The results were revealed in a Decima Research Inc telephone survey of nearly 1,200 Canadians held between June 15 and 20. When asked about specific industry sectors, 44 per cent of Canadians said they find foreign majority ownership of private television and radio broadcasters acceptable, compared with about half who consider it unacceptable. By contrast, only 37 per cent accepted the idea of cablecos being run by outsiders, while 57 per cent rejected the plan. Telcos posted similar results, with 37 per cent in favour and 59 per cent opposed. The strongest reaction was reserved for newspapers, with only 30 per cent finding foreign ownership acceptable. Having more Canadians favour foreign ownership of broadcasters than companies owning the pipes is at odds with federal government thinking. Industry minister Brian Tobin says a review of foreign ownership of telcos and cablecos is justified. He made it clear, however, that any review would deal only with infrastructure and not content or culture (CCR, June 21/01). Moreover, international pressure is being exerted on Canada to change foreign ownership restrictions on the telecom side, according to Maureen Tsai, deputy director of information and technology trade policy division at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. There is no such pressure on the broadcast side, she says, adding though that broadcasters have indicated they want ownership changes if they are granted to their telecom counterparts. "This level of opposition provides a clear indication that a substantial segment of the public would have a difficult time accepting this type of regulatory change," says Keith Neuman, senior VP at Decima Research. The prevailing reasons respondents gave for opposing foreign takeovers were loss of Canadian identity and culture, loss of control over the nation’s economy or significant parts of it, and concerns about the basic economic impact and the loss of jobs. Other worries cited were the loss of research and development capabilities, higher prices and the relocation of firms outside Canada. Those supporting the concept see foreign ownership as a boon to the economy, or at the very least, a necessary trend that will guarantee continued prosperity and growth. They also believe it will help Canada compete globally and that the selection of services will improve. The survey is considered accurate to within plus or minus 2.8 per cent, in 19 out of 20 samples.

Poll: Canadians favour foreign control of broadcasters more than cablecos, telcos

Broadcast | July 4, 2001

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

Poll: Canadians favour foreign control of broadcasters more than cablecos, telcos

Broadcast | July 4, 2001

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Trump’s trade rep targets Online Streaming Act, Online News Act, raising questions about future of Canada’s cultural exemption

Producers challenge 20 per cent copyright threshold in new CanCon policy

Streamers challenge CRTC decision to publicly disclose financial information

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us