In closing, independent community television remains a prime alternative to the reduction of time allocated for local and regional news by the major networks. It is the people themselves who organize around a community media outlet rather than allow themselves to be organized by the business interests. Of course, money is required to maintain a media outlet, whatever it may be. The independent CTVs are unfortunately no exception to that rule, and are in most cases very poorly funded. The transition to digital technologies requires the acquisition of new production equipment. On the other hand, the very production of programs, particularly news and public affairs programs requires more and more qualified and better-paid human resources. In tough financial times, there is therefore a risk of financial exhaustion.
Despite the financial and technical challenges, the independent CTV is a true complementary solution to the media that reduced their supply of local or regional news. Our elected representatives and communicators must state this. They must also come to its defence because it adds another voice to our television landscape: the voice of “Television for Citizen Values”.
We thank you for your attention.