COMMENTARY: Is the economic crisis a cautionary tale for our broadcasting system?

By Paul Temple

WHAT A DIFFERENCE a day makes. Or so they say in politics. Perhaps in the broadcast and cable regulatory environment it takes a little longer than a day, but the world has most definitely changed since last spring’s broadcast distribution undertaking and specialty & pay policy framework hearing in Ottawa. A quick look today at the headlines tells us in no uncertain terms that “Canada heading for recession, say economists” (CBC.ca), and that “Investors panic, markets plunge as crisis spreads in Europe, Asia” (Globe and Mail). As the credit crunch deepens and consumers begin to rein in their spending, what’s...