initially, Canadian audiences preferred syndicated US shows (e.g. a western entitled “The Lone Ranger” and big-band entertainment programs)
US shows → more sophisticated than Canadian programs
many Canadians (including Liberal and Conservative politicians) became concerned about the popularity of American radio programs
1928 → government of PM William Lyon Mackenzie King established a royal commission to investigate radio broadcasting in Canada
royal commission’s report: recommended establishing a government-owned system similar to BBC
1932 → to combat the “insidious American influence” of US radio programs and to win over Canadian listeners, PM R.B. Bennett’s government established the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission
"The Happy Gang" | A variety show that was broadcast from coast to coast from 1937-1959.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
after King returned to power, his government transformed the broadcasting commission into the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in 1936
CBC’s mission → to develop a Canadian radio network and to regulate private broadcasters
CBC ran Canadian-produced music and entertainment programs in English and French
French programming in Quebec = very popular; many English-speaking listeners still tuned in to popular US shows
by 1940 → 90% of all Canadians could listen to CBC radio broadcasts
Source: Counterpoints, pg. 90 and handout, pg. 171