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The lockout web, tagged and fed
Some “tagged web” sites (and their associated feeds) worth checking out:
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Is “alternative programming” a good idea?
I just finished listening to CBC Unplugged from Studio Zero. And I got to thinking about CBC workers generating “alternative programming” during the lockout. What does that really mean? And is it necessarily a good idea?
As far as I understand, the lockout has prompted two different programming strategies. There’s the “business as usual” camp, which thinks CBC reporters and newsreaders should continue doing what they do best: reporting and reading the news, covering the same stories they ordinarily would were they inside the building. I would put Toronto’s (as yet unheard) World at Six replacement podcast and Calgary’s Eyepatch Radio in this category.
There’s also the “lockout propaganda” school of programming — reporting on the lockout itself. This seems to be what Vancouver’s CBC Unplugged is — “music, comedy, commentary, and the latest news in the labour dispute.” I would also include the various podcasts produced by CMG locals in this category.
What kind of message does this alternative programming send to the public? Advocates say it says, “We still care about public broadcasting. We care about telling Canadian stories. We want to work… we just can’t.”
On the other hand, critics say it undermines the Guild’s efforts, sending the message, “Hey look at us! We can still generate programming, even without any CBC resources!” Some say that picketing — not working — is a much better alternative, and sends a more powerful message. As Curious Monkey says, “Why not just walk back into the building and do it right?”
By generating alternative programming, are we shooting ourselves in the foot? I’m not sure yet. Personally, I don’t think the “business as usual” programming is the answer. And frankly, I worry that few outside of the CMG care about “lockout propaganda” programming.
Thoughts?
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More From the East Coast
From Warren comes a link to cbclockout.org, a website run by the Halifax local of the CMG.
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At the centre of the universe
I’m in Toronto now.
I arrived late Saturday night, and checked in with the CMG folks outside the Broadcast Centre yesterday. I plan to picket here this week, and am keen to compare/contrast my experience with union-friendly Windsor, Ontario.
Pickets run 24/7 here, and it’s a “show up whenever, stay as long as you want” system. Apparently, Monday-Wednesday are the busiest times. Any recommendations?
If you’re on, or passing near the line this week, and see someone who looks like this (I’m on the right), please come say hello. Would love to meet some new people.
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Lockout report from my hometown
Stephanie Domet has a lockout story in this week’s issue of The Coast:
I am, unbelievably, deeply sad about being locked out. It doesn’t feel like a vacation. It feels like a betrayal.