In the beginning, there was chaos, darkness and ignorance.
Then, in 1936 the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission took over a series of radio stations set up by the Canadian National Railway, which were amalgamated into one national crown corporation called the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
Since then, this bastion of knowledge with its trademark “Exploding Pizza” emblem has become so much a part of Canadian culture, there likely aren’t many living Canadians who can recall a time before its inception.
Growing up, most of my favourite TV programs aired on Channel 2 on my families’ old analogue set. The Nature of Things, The Royal Canadian Air Farce, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and The National — it’s amazing such important news and creative satire could bubble from one public-broadcasting brew pot.
Let’s not forget perhaps the greatest gift CBC Television gave Canadians and the rest of Starship Earth — Kids in the Hall. What lover of comedy doesn’t find joy in popping the occasional Chicken Lady or “My Pen!” reference into everyday conversation. Imagine my joy upon seeing the “fab five” back on the small screen in their ongoing mini-series, “Death Comes to Town.”
Although I am not myself a raging hockey fanatic, I imagine those who are appreciate CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada. And, for those who like quirky dramas, CBC’s Being Erica (in my opinion) satisfies that itch splendidly.
But if one were to limit their CBC enjoyment to just the TV programming, one would be cutting themselves off from what is perhaps the greatest contribution this happy partially government-funded organization offers a world yearning for enlightenment — CBC Radio.
Now I know there are plenty of public broadcasting radio stations around the world and I’m sure the Brits consider their quaint little BBC Radio 4 to be enduring in a European sort of way, but absolutely nothing can compare to edgy-inspiring, nation-building, culture-enhancing, intellect-enducing, fraught-with-awesome CBC Radio.
For example, The Debaters offers listeners the twice-weekly treat of Canada’s funniest comedians lambasting each other with insults and tossing border-on-offensive remarks about selected topics of the day, which might receive serious treatment elsewhere in the media.
As it Happens, aside from its funky jazz intro music, also gives Canadians a brief summary of everything going on around the entire planet, told through the smooth meditative voices of Barbara Budd and Carol Off.
In previous columns, I’ve sang the praise of my three favourite CBC Radio programs (Quirks and Quarks, Tapestry and Ideas), so I’ll say no more in this column, other than they are possibly life-changing programs that aid in one becoming a better person.
Quality programs I haven’t yet given my much-deserved “thumbs up” to include Definitely Not the Opera, Vinyl Café and Q.
There is a seemingly unending line of fantastic CBC shows and I couldn’t possibly give each the praise each deserves in one column — and it’s all commercial free too. A large number of the radio shows are available in podcast form for those looking to fill their MP3 players with quality edutainment (see www.cbc.ca or iTunes).
What makes CBC Radio (and TV) so enjoyable and, dare I say, important to Canadian society? How can such an ancient institution (by Canadian standards) remain so culturally relevant and, at times avant-garde?
I believe its success is, at least, partly owed to the vast distances and range of cultures within our nation that CBC has evolved to appeal to since its inception. Decades of providing genuinely interesting programming are perhaps why (as far as I can tell) Canadian public broadcasting seems to be thriving in the internet age and 2,000-channel digital universe. The CBC is a part of culture — it cannot fall behind that of which it is a part.
British import and Times-Herald reporter Rebecca Lawrence has been attempting to turn me into a BBC Radio 4 junkie. I admit, they have some lovely shows that tickle the intellect.
I agree with her that her country’s public broadcasting is high quality and indicative of a friendly nation, enthusiastic about culture and ideas, as is Canada. However, I must disagree when she insists the BBC is the better option. It just lacks that Canadian sensibility.
I don’t blame her for her misconception. She’s just supporting her home team. I’m sure CBC understands and loves her no less
The grace of our CBC be with you all. Amen.
