The Conservative MP for Kapuskasing-Timmins-Mushkegowuk has asked the feds for more financial support for local radio.
Speaking in Parliament the day after the latest budget, Gaétan Malette said when the power goes off, forest fires burn wild and highways close, Canadians go to their local stations for breaking news. Yet the government only spends three percent of its advertising budget on local radio.
“So without spending an extra dime,” he asked, “will the government give local radio its fair share of federal advertising?”
The parliamentary secretary for Canadian Identity and Culture, Madeleine Chenette replied that the government is already encouraging broadcasters to have what it takes to make a difference for Canadians who need local reality.
Malette went on.
“Rural communities depend on these radio stations for breaking news. Will the minister commit to redirecting greater share of existing advertising dollars to local radio?’
The parliamentary secretary told Malette the government is already putting money into local radio and to help local journalists. She added that local news has tremendous value for citizens.
