Opinions
Manitobans rally for local TV
WINNIPEG – Over 1000 people crowded into the east court of Portage Place Mall on Saturday, May 23 to show support for local TV stations in their bid to share in the fees that cable and satellite companies pay to other channels.
CTV hosted the rally with anchors, reporters, managers and staff on-hand to meet people who lined up to sign a petition or postcard protests to the CRTC. They also lined up for autographs and photos with CTV personalities, and a tour of the CTV newsroom and studio. 
“It was a gratifying – and humbling – demonstration of the value that Manitobans have for their local stations and the urgent need to ensure the critical role that these stations provide to our local communities can continue,” said Bill Hanson, vice president and general manager of CTV Winnipeg.
CTV veteran Sylvia Kuzyk cut short a vacation to emcee the event, which included speeches from Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz, MP for Winnipeg South, Rod Bruinooge and Winnipeg Police Chief Keith McCaskill.
“As Manitobans, it is important for us to support efforts to keep local television programming. Canada is a large, diverse country and we must be able to tell the stories and reflect the news that is unique to the citizens and the communities of Manitoba,” Premier Gary Doer said.