MPs seek support for A Channel

London-North-Centre Liberal Glen Pearson says the threatened loss of local television programming is a serious concern

By KATHY RUMLESKI, FREE PRESS REPORTER

Spurred by fears London might lose its TV station, a Liberal MP is pressing Ottawa for stimulus package money to keep the cameras rolling at A. London-North-Centre MP Glen Pearson said he's not seeking a bailout for TV stations, but "putting money toward innovative" programs. "When community groups lose their local programming, then they're in serious trouble," Pearson said yesterday.

He said he will ask Finance Minister Jim Flaherty to put aside money in his economic stimulus package to invest in local news programming. At least one political observer expressed outrage at the thought private stations might get government money.

"It's both morally and economically objectionable," said Paul McKeever, leader of the London-based Freedom Party of Ontario. Saying the revenue model for conventional television is "broken," corporate parent CTV is cutting 48 jobs in the London area in a move that also ended the morning show on London's A station. The problem goes beyond the station, said Pearson, who said all media should be supported. "(Media) is essential to community life. Government should be funding programming to empower citizens to take a deeper part in the political process," he said. "The money hasn't gone out yet and also there will be a second generation of funding at some point."

The government unveiled a $32-billion economic stimulus package in January.

Pearson isn't the only London MP looking for solutions.

West Conservative MP Ed Holder and London-Fanshawe NDP MP Irene Mathyssen along with Pearson are asking the community to rally by e-mailing and calling their offices to express support for the station.

Holder will appeal to Industry Minister Tony Clement. "My best sense of this issue is it's about revenues and how stations and various media outlets are able to draw their revenues," Holder said. "We're taking it at different angles. That's a pretty good way to do it. We're all trying to find the same resolve."

The London of Chamber of Commerce is also considering contacting the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission, the federal broadcast regulator, to voice concern about what's happening to the station. "If we can show we're working together, that sends a signal to the government," Pearson said. TV station employees facing unemployment were bolstered by the show of support by politicians and viewers, who have started a Facebook group, Save A Channel in London.

"I'm glad to see everyone pouring their hearts into trying to save this," said sportscaster Brent Lale, who will be out of work Aug. 31. Unionized employees given severance packages are deciding this week whether to leave or exercise bumping rights based on seniority. Bob Smith, the newscaster for A Morning, had 29 years of service at the station and said he will leave rather than bump. "I think I'll take it and run. There are 42 other people with less seniority and fewer options than I have," Smith said. "I feel badly for that."