Last season saw CBC court younger viewers with a mix of reality, comedy and hipster news – looking to boost its ratings without tripping too many alarms about its mandate. And if the network’s recent sneak peek of its 2007/08 season is any indication, the likes of Dragon’s Den and George Stroumboulopoulos are still big with the suits on Front Street. But what about the public? What do they think of the new direction at our national public broadcaster? And so we ask:

‘Do you watch CBC? And if so, which shows?’

I watch hockey. Hockey Night in Canada! But when you try to watch CBC [news], it’s way over your head. My parents watch Coronation Street every Sunday morning. I don’t. CBC, I think, is more directed to older people.
Sarah Murray, 27,
Teacher in Toronto

Shows such as Fashion File, The Mercer Report and The Hour have become ‘must-see TV’ – except for one small problem. You can never figure out when they’re on! Shows are moved around so much that you lose interest. I love that CBC is trying to be progressive, and also keep a very Canadian slant… but I think they need to really establish ‘time loyalty’ with their viewers.
Lorie Clarkson, 46,
Accountant in Ottawa

Big fan of Hockey Night in Canada. I love it. I’m glad they televise all the playoff games, especially the Canadian ones. Other than [that and] Arrested Development, if I choose to watch TV, I’m not going to pick CBC.
Jamie Huynh, 22,
Waiter in Vancouver

I don’t watch CBC Television. I watch Newsworld all the time.
Mike Karapita, 44,
Journalism professor and CBC Radio part-timer in Toronto

I watch the news, I watch The Hour once in awhile, and I try to catch some documentaries, but there’s hardly any… they got into reality TV just when everybody is getting out. I don’t feel that it goes with their mandate.
Tamás Wormser,
Filmmaker in Montreal