Technology could be catalyst for CBC renewal

Michael Geist writes:  "... While the 500-channel universe may have eroded the need for publicly-funded programming choices, the necessity for support of new technologies in the public interest has never been greater. Canada is among the most connected countries in the world, yet lags behind many other countries in using that connectivity in innovative ways. ¶ To its credit, the CBC has taken some baby steps in this direction. CBC Radio offers the equivalent of "Internet timeshifting" by streaming its local radio broadcasts. Moreover, several programs now feature podcasts so that listeners can access the content at their convenience. CBC News employs Really Simple Syndication (RSS), which keeps Internet users instantly updated on breaking stories, while the CBC Archive provides streaming video of CBC news coverage of noteworthy past events. ¶ With its labour woes behind it, the CBC should demonstrate its value to the public by building on these initiatives. Following the lead of other public broadcasters, it should leverage the Internet to provide unparalleled access to content, grant Canadians the right to use its content in creative new ways, and become an active public interest participant in the Canadian Internet policy process. ..."  Link:  Toronto Star.  Thanks to Tod Maffin's iloveradio.org for the tip. --Dennis