At a time when the CRTC should be seriously looking at abolishing the archaic regulations governing radio airplay by Canadian artists, the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting is lobbying to increase Cancon from its current 35 percent to 40.
Meanwhile, Canadian Association of Broadcasters president Glenn O'Farrell says "Radio faces unregulated competition in an open field of media and entertainment services."
This group seek to level the playing field by among other things introducing a bonus system of credits to encourage airplay of emerging artists and a reduction of Cancon levels to 25 percent for stations playing music recorded before 1985 - ie "oldies" stations.
And- oh yeah - the CAB would also like to see stricter guidelines on licensing new stations.
The two organizations will meet with the CRTC on Monday to make their pitches.
I have no sympathy for either of these groups of whiners.
First of all - to the FCB, this is 2006, not 1970.
Back in 1970 it was pretty tough to make a record in Canada. Recording studios were few and far between and there was little or no infrastructure to support Canadian musicians.
Today, for an initial investment of a few hundred bucks you can set up a high quality recording studio in your basement, burn your own CD's and upload them to any number of websites devoted to indie bands.
Your music will have instant exposure to anyone anywhere who has a computer and an internet connection.
But that's not good enough for FCB spokesman Ian Morrison who wants 25 percent of his proposed 40 percent minimum designated for "new and emerging genres and artists."
Here's a message for you Ian; if want to be exposed to "new and emerging Canadian genres and artists" I'll seek them out myself. I don't need idiots like you lobbying the CRTC dolts on my behalf.
As for the CAB; radio profits in 2005 reached their highest levels ever, and this at a time when member stations have cut staff and increased voice-tracking and infomercials.
Their own actions have helped to speed up the emergence and acceptance of new technology like iPods and satellite radio.
So a pox on all three of your houses CRTC, CAB,and FOB.
Oh, and you can toss the CRIA in there too.
Have your little "hearings," postpone any new policy changes while the world continues to evolve without you, and don't let the door slam you on your fat asses on the way out.