Canadian Cultural Institutions at Risk

Summary

In this thought-provoking interview, Richard Stursberg discusses the challenges facing Canadian media, emphasizing the risk of cultural annexation by the United States. He highlights the financial struggles of newspapers and television, arguing that without government intervention, these industries may collapse. Stursberg proposes a solution through tax credits for news production, specifically for journalists, to sustain a vibrant media landscape. He stresses the importance of news for democracy and calls on political parties to address this issue in their platforms, although the future of Canadian journalism remains uncertain amidst political inaction.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Canadian media landscape, particularly newspapers and television, is struggling financially and could collapse without intervention.
• 😀 Historically, Canadian media has been subsidized to ensure cultural preservation, but both print and broadcast industries are under severe financial stress now.
• 😀 The federal government’s failure to support Canadian media could lead to cultural annexation by the United States, diminishing Canadian identity and independence.
• 😀 Richard Stursberg argues that news is fundamental to democracy and society, and it should be supported by public funding.
• 😀 Unlike other types of media, such as cooking shows, Canadian news is not receiving adequate public support despite its vital role in society.
• 😀 The book proposes that subsidies for news outlets should be labor-based, with funding directed at journalists, editors, and other news producers, rather than executives or sales teams.
• 😀 France offers a model of government support for the news industry, with over a billion euros invested in subsidies to maintain a diverse and vibrant press.
• 😀 Stursberg criticizes the Canadian government's approach to subsidies, suggesting that funding should be automatic and free of political interference or editorial judgment.
• 😀 Political parties should prioritize supporting a vibrant Canadian media landscape to ensure the survival of journalism and democracy in the country.
• 😀 The upcoming election may provide an opportunity for political parties to address the declining state of Canadian media, but it is unclear if this issue will gain traction in their platforms.
• 😀 Stursberg stresses that without proper subsidies and support, Canadian media outlets risk losing their ability to compete with American media and could disappear entirely.

Q & A

What is the central argument made in Richard Stursberg's book, *The Tangled Garden: The Canadian Cultural Manifesto*?

The central argument is that Canadian media industries, including newspapers, television, and film, are under threat due to the dominance of American content. Stursberg warns that without intervention, Canada's cultural landscape could be absorbed by the U.S.

Why does Stursberg believe Canadian media companies are at risk of collapse?

Stursberg argues that Canadian media companies are financially struggling, with many of them losing money each quarter. The decline of both the newspaper and television businesses, which were once financially vibrant, is a key factor contributing to their vulnerability.

What does Stursberg mean by 'cultural annexation' by the United States?

Cultural annexation refers to the idea that without robust support for Canadian media, Canadian culture could be overtaken by American culture. Stursberg warns that this would lead to a loss of Canadian identity in media and cultural discourse.

How does Stursberg compare the situation in Canada with other countries like France?

Stursberg compares Canada to France, where the government invests heavily in the media sector, especially in news. He argues that this investment is necessary for preserving democratic discourse and a diverse media landscape.

What is Stursberg's proposed solution to support Canadian journalism?

Stursberg proposes offering tax credits specifically for labor costs associated with news production, targeting journalists, editors, photographers, and videographers. He suggests this approach would help sustain news outlets without government interference in editorial decisions.

What concerns does Stursberg raise about government involvement in media funding?

Stursberg is concerned that direct government funding could lead to editorial control and influence. He advocates for subsidies that do not allow the government to make editorial decisions, ensuring journalistic independence.

What is the significance of news in a democracy, according to Stursberg?

Stursberg believes news is fundamental to a democracy, as it enables informed public discourse. He stresses that without Canadian news, the country’s democratic system could be in jeopardy.

How does Stursberg feel about the general public perception of media subsidies?

Stursberg acknowledges that some people view subsidies as unnecessary and believe media should survive without government assistance. However, he disagrees, stating that media, particularly news, is a public good that requires support for the health of the nation’s democracy.

What is Stursberg's perspective on the proposed $650 million in subsidies for Canadian newspapers?

Stursberg agrees with the concept of subsidies but advocates for a more targeted approach, where the funding is directed to labor costs related to producing news, rather than benefiting executives or the sales team. He emphasizes that such a system should be automatic and free from government selection of 'worthy' news.

What advice does Stursberg give to political parties regarding media issues?

Stursberg advises political parties to prioritize the importance of a vibrant Canadian media landscape in their platforms. He believes it is essential for preserving democracy and Canadian cultural identity.