CIUS protests RCI's closure (01/14/96)

CIUS protests RCI's closure

EDMONTON - The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) announced on December 12, 1995, that it would discontinue funding for Radio Canada International (RCI) as of April 1996. The Department of Foreign Affairs, which provides half of RCl's funding, also said it had no money to continue to pay for an international radio service.

The Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta noted in a press release that it considers this decision of the government of Canada and of the CBC to be unwise. It also believes that eliminating Canada's presence on the international radio airwaves to save $16.5 million as a deficit-reduction measure simply does not make sense.

CIUS released the following statement.

"If the decision to close RCI is allowed to stand, Canada will lose an important tool of international communication even as globalization becomes an increasingly important factor in our daily lives. The maintenance of a credible presence on the international airwaves is more vital than ever before. Despite new communications breakthroughs, such as the Internet or satellite TV, broadcasting radio is still the most effective and efficient means of reaching the greatest number of people overseas.

"RCI provides a useful service to the Canadian government and citizens. It broadcasts vital information on Canada to Canadians abroad, as well as international news from a Canadian perspective. It generates political benefits and international good will for the Canadian government and its citizens who live abroad. RCI also benefits Canada economically by broadcasting information about Canadian companies and their goods and services.

"It is particularly distressing that the Ukrainian section of RCI should fall victim to the proposed closure of RCI. Broadcasting by Western governments to Ukraine is still very important in the period of Ukraine's transition from communism to democracy. Canada's voice needs to be heard in Ukraine.

"It is ironic that the Ukrainian section of RCI is due to be closed when RCI has finally gained rights from Ukraine's state radio authorities to rebroadcast RCl's Ukrainian section programming on Ukraine's AM state radio on a daily basis - for 45 minutes on weekdays and for one hour on Saturdays and Sundays. Ukraine's AM state radio broadcasts reach every household in Ukraine. The potential audience, then, is 52 million. Through this contract, Canada has gained a wonderful opportunity to inform Ukrainians about our country, people and way of life, including information on Canada's businesses, products and services."

The CIUS added that by closing RCI, including its Ukrainian section, Canada will harm its ability to conduct an effective foreign policy. The proposed closure is thus contrary to Canada's national interest. The CIUS has registered its protest in Ottawa and urges all Canadians, Canadians of Ukrainian descent, as well as those listeners of RCl's Ukrainian program in other countries, to do likewise.

Letters may be written to the following Canadian government authorities: Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien, Prime Minister, 80 Wellington St., Ottawa, ON KIA OA2; fax, (613) 941-6900; or Hon. Andre Ouellet, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tower A, Lester B. Pearson Building, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON KIA OG2; fax, (613) 996-3546.

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