Canceling CBC Search Engine – Extinguishing a Torch in our Digital Democracy

Just heard that CBC has decided to cancel the award-winning Search Engine. To me, a show like Search Engine is so important in shinning light on issues important in our digital age. Have a listen of this week’s show of Jesse interviewing Minister Prentice about the Canadian DMCA (Bill C-61) (mp3 file).

It is shows like Search Engine (I think this is the only show in Canada of this type) that shines light on issues vital to the prosperity of Canadians in the digital age. This may sound a bit too poetic but I do think canceling CBC Search Engine is like extinguishing a bright torch in our digital democracy. If we want Canadians to stay informed and be engaged in well-reasoned debate, we can’t afford to see shows like Search Engine, an intensely focused source of information, be canceled.

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I think we can help in the following manner.

We can start by calling CBC Audience Relations at
Toll-free phone (Canada only): 1-866-306-4636
and tell them what Search Engine means to you and how much you love (or hate (smile)) the show. Ask the operate to enter your comments into the system for the record.

And after talking to Audience Relations, we can call the same toll-free number again and press “0” to get the operator and ask to speak to Chris Boyce – Executive Director of Programming (Radio)

I spoke with Chris for 5+ minutes telling him why and what I love about Search Engine and how important the show is in shining a light on digital issues relevant to our democratic rights and processes. Chris was very nice and listen to what I have to say.

If enough of us tell CBC we love the show and want the show back, I think they will try to find a way to work the budget to bring us back this award winning show.

You can find mailing address and a web form here, http://www.cbc.ca/contact/

P.S. If someone will create a group to bring back Search Engine, I will be the first to join.

P.P.S. While I understand Chris’ explanation that it is good to have Jesse reporting in more prominent shows like “The Current”, “Sunday Report”, and I added may be even “The National”, I feel that the “Search Engine” team serves as a great focus to bring us issues important in the digital age. The team can constantly scanning and reporting important digital issues to us as they have digital stuff as their prime focus. Whereas the above more prominent shows may have more in-depth pieces or coverage once in a while only.

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20th June, 2008 Update: Someone has started a Saving CBC’s Search Engine Facebook group. I’ve joined and become a member and hope this will help CBC change its mind to bring back Search Engine for a season 2. Good luck to us all.

21st June 2008 Update: Here is my short video trying to save CBC Search Engine.