Friends of Canadian Media asks consumers to ‘stream Canadian’

Friends of Canadian Media is urging Canadians to consider where their streamer dollars are going, and choose homegrown platforms over U.S. streaming giants. The campaign, dubbed Team Canada, Stream Canada, comes amid “a critical period in Canada-U.S. trade relations” and follows the collapse of bilateral negotiations, which, among other things, broke down due to U.S. demands over Canadian cultural policies. “Canadians already understand the importance of making Canadian consumer choices,” a Wednesday press release said. “They deliberately seek out Canadian-made products at the grocery store, buy Canadian products when shopping and support Canadian businesses in their communities.” “But when it comes to the media we watch every night, that same consideration has not always been part of the equation.” The lobby group is encouraging Canadian consumers to opt for streamers such as BCE Inc.’s Crave, CBC/Radio-Canada’s free service, CBC Gem, Rogers Communication Inc.’s CityTV+, and Corus Entertainment Inc.’s Global TV. “Every streaming subscription is a choice about where our money goes and what kind of media system we want to have,” executive director Raj Shoan was quoted as saying. “Canadian stories, Canadian creators, and Canadian media institutions deserve our support, especially at a time when Canadian culture risks becoming a bargaining chip in trade negotiations.” U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has repeatedly identified the Online Streaming Act as a trade “irritant,” as it requires foreign streamers to earmark a portion of revenues to fund Canadian content creation. Following the collapse of negotiations, Prime Minister Mark Carney (Nepean, Ont.) said Canada walked away in part due to U.S. demands around discoverability rules and “our protections of our language, our culture, and in effect, our sovereignty.” The campaign urges Canadians to make the streaming switch if “there is a Canadian option that meets their needs,” but to look for Canadian-made film and television options across the platforms they already use. The press release said the campaign aims to send Ottawa a message that culture is not for sale. “Buying Canadian is not about rejecting the rest of the world,” Shoan said. “It is about recognizing that Canada has something worth protecting and supporting. We can enjoy international entertainment while still making room and making a market for our own stories.” news@thewirereport.ca

Friends of Canadian Media asks consumers to ‘stream Canadian’

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By Wire Report Staff
|September 9, 2026

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Friends of Canadian Media asks consumers to ‘stream Canadian’

Broadcast | By Wire Report Staff |September 9, 2026

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