This is a problem that may arise again in future. If CBC was authorized to borrow funds from the government or the private sector... If advertising revenue continues to decline, perhaps things will never be the same. As you know, private broadcasters say that the industry is in crisis and will never bounce back, that the system is broken and that we can't go back to the time when advertising guaranteed a return on our investment.
There may be a problem. If CBC continues to count on advertising for one-third of its revenue and the taxpayers' share represents two-thirds of its spending, what will happen in 24 or 36 months if advertising revenue continues to plummet? CBC is already having problems with advertising that does not guarantee value for the private monies invested, and in addition it would have to repay any funds borrowed from banks.