Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the witnesses who are joining us here today.
In recent years, it's become clear that Canada has continued to have some of the greatest media consolidation in the world. We know that in recent years this has only become worse. At this point, Postmedia owns more than 80% of the newspapers that operate in Canada—I believe around 110 newspapers.
We know that the merger between Rogers and Shaw has led to the closure of media stations across the country. The most recent devastating announcement by Bell Media has led to the cancellation of local and regional newscasts in all mediums.
I've often said that Canada is made up of three media conglomerates in a trench coat. The reality is that Canada has a role and the federal government has a role not just to keep tabs on what's going on, but to put a stop to the entrenchment of this oligopoly, which has clearly only led to the shutting down of local news media, the laying off of thousands of reporters, journalists and people who get us the news and a limitation in the perspectives that we all expect to hear when we are accessing media. There's a need for diverse perspectives.
My question is for a few of the witnesses. Because I want to make sure we hear from a number of you, please keep your comments brief, if you can.
Is media consolidation in Canada a problem? Is there a role for the federal government to rein in the kinds of mergers we've seen recently, the buyouts we've seen recently and the kind of corporate expansion of media conglomerates that has led to the cuts we've seen in local media and beyond and has led us to the crisis we're facing right now?
First I'll go to Ms. Gerson. I think you mentioned the word “oligopoly”. I'd love to hear your thoughts.