In terms of the first question you posed, Mr. Scott, about the dependence on CBC—of course we're always uneasy with saying that we're dependent on anything in this region, since we're always being accused of over-dependence—there's no question, with the current distribution techniques, whether it's satellite or digital cable or Internet television, that the dependence on the over-the-air CBC signal is not the same as it once was. I think now what we're looking at is dependence on the kind of programming that only the CBC seems to be willing to do.
I haven't studied the mandates of the other broadcasters. I kind of imagine they're supposed to be doing more regional programming, original programming, quality drama, and so on than they're actually doing. But the evidence for many years has been that it's the CBC that does that. Certainly in this region, the other broadcast media are doing very little in terms of original quality local programming or programming from this region going to the national networks. It is clear, I think, in a straightforward reading of the CBC's mandate, as it is in the act, that it's to reflect the regions to themselves, reflect the regions to the rest of the country, and reflect the rest of the country all over the place.
In response to the question about whether it's resources or management choices, I expect it's both. Having met on public occasions some of the current management of the CBC, and even going back for a few years, I would say there doesn't seem to be currently a really strong commitment to the regions. It's probably inevitable, when you're based in Toronto, that you hang around with the crowd in Toronto, and the television industry is basically based in Toronto.
I remember on one occasion sitting in a cafe across from the CBC building, the broadcasting centre, with a senior executive from the CBC, with our expensive appetizers and drinks, and realizing that the rest of the world, the rest of Canada could go away now and we wouldn't miss a thing. We were totally self-sufficient there. We had everything we needed. We were surrounded by the most talented people in the country and the best food and wine and the big building. So what do we need Newfoundland for? The fog could close in, the network could close down, and you wouldn't miss it. So as long as that attitude is there, it's going to be a problem.
As you say, obviously you can't order them not to think that way. But again, if you look at the mandate as it's stated, there is clearly a large regional component, and it's never been a mandate of any national organization in this country to forget about anything that is outside of the core around the CN Tower.
I'll just leave my comments at that.