Me and the WGC
I’ve isolated myself up north to get a big chunk of writing done with no distractions. It’s snowing and quiet (except for the sound of a brown dog snoring) and I’m… procrastinating.
So, really quickly, I recently became a member of the Writers Guild of Canada and I wanted to share this story that comes from them…
The History Channel in Canada is granted a broadcasting licence by the CRTC to:
… provide a national English-language specialty service consisting of historical documentaries, movies, mini-series and history programs which embrace both current events and past history, with a special emphasis on documentary and dramatic programs related to Canada’s past.
That mandate seemed to be pretty clear to the History Channel, until some eagle-eyed folks at the WGC noticed that the History Channel had begun broadcasting CSI: New York several times a week.
What does CSI: New York have to do with Canada or, you know, history you might ask? Well that’s what the WGC wondered too. They sent a letter to Atlantis Alliance (owner of the History Channel) and the CRTC asking that same question.
Turns out that Atlantis felt that CSI: New York was a historical show because it takes place in New York a historical city where 9/11 took place.
Say wha? Really? You sure that’s the best thing you could come up with? I’ve seen yoga instructors who can’t pull off that kind of a stretch.
The CRTC recently came down with a ruling and not surprisingly, they’ve asked History Television to stick to, uh, history. From their decision:
the mere fact that the drama is set in a city which was victim to a significant historical event is not a sufficient justification for broadcasting the program on a service that is mandated to be devoted to history programs.
Nice work WGC. And speaking of work, I’d better get back to it…
