Why should AIG and General Motors have all the fun? The networks are bleeding red ink with the best of ’em and, word has it, have gone cap in hand to the feds looking for a handout. Something in the ballpark of $150 million, if you please. Which raises the question: Should Ottawa bail out the private broadcasters?

After denying our public broadcaster some bridge financing? No! They should ‘Bale’ out the private broadcasters – like in that Christian Bale freak-out clip. And who knows? Maybe some furious screaming would motivate them to up their Canadian content.
Geri Hall,
Comedian, This Hour Has 22 Minutes

It’s a tough call. Although I have never been a big fan of government support in our sector, if the result of doing nothing means we lose yet another door to knock on, I’m all for it.
Tom Powers,
President/executive producer, Open Door

The creative community has been living in a recessionary economy for the last 10 years as broadcasters have year by year spent less on quality Canadian programming and more and more to buy U.S. shows. There was no bailout for screenwriters, actors, producers and directors… The answer should be a resounding ‘No.’
Maureen Parker,
Executive director, Writers Guild of Canada

Business models in our industry are evolving and I think we all need to see this as an opportunity to change without seeking government support.
Andrew Williamson,
Director/producer, The Green Film

My response is ‘Do whatever you have to do to support the Canadian television industry.’ Or, more succinctly, ‘yes.’ But then, if I was working in the cotton candy industry, I’d be saying, ‘Where’s my cotton candy manufacturer’s bailout?!’
Dennis Heaton,
Showrunner, My Pal Satan