Mr. Kotto, since you want a written response, I would simply say that we need a strong public network in Canada and in the world. This also seems to be the consensus around this table. It would be an utter mistake to abdicate this universe to the free market. However, we have to come up with inventive and creative solutions.
It is all well and good to talk about technology, whether satellite, Internet or portable phone, but at the end of the day, it is content that matters. Change in content has to come from citizens taking part in discussions on public television or through a public spokesperson.
As long as we maintain the mentality that a broadcaster does not have to change paradigm, but convert to new technologies, we will lag behind, which will prevent us from entering this realm. The CBC/SRC cannot decide its future on its own and speak on behalf of the Canadian public. Our responsibilities go beyond that. To accomplish something, the existing agencies and citizens have to band together.