Consumers cheered and broadcasters shuddered upon hearing that the CRTC will, at this month’s BDU hearings, consider letting the likes of HBO, ESPN and Nickelodeon into Canada – doing away with the genre protections that help keep Canadians in business. And so we ask the uncomfortable question:

If you had to let one – and only one – U.S. channel into Canada, which one would you pick?

The DIY Network. My feature…about a man obsessed with masturbating, would be great late-night viewing for
do-it-yourselfers.
Spencer Rice,
Actor/writer, Confessions of a Porn Addict

All of them should be allowed in…
The global digital delivery of content
across the Internet and mobile devices makes imposed cultural content barriers irrelevant and ineffective.
Marty Keltz,
EVP, GS New Media and cofounder of Scholastic Productions

As a viewer I’d love to see HBO and Showtime dramas, and Bill Maher, but as a producer I’d rather have the Canadian networks license their content and plow the profits back into Cancon. So I’d have to pick the Tennis Channel, the one channel I’d probably never watch.
Allan Novak,
Executive producer, Indivisual Productions

I wouldn’t pick one. I get hundreds of channels on my digital box.
Michael Sparaga,
Writer/director,, Maple Flavour Films

Let HBO into the country…Rather than exist in a bubble of our own choosing, let the big guys in, and let the games begin. We’ll be pushed to be better at what we do.
Scott Smith,
Director, As Slow as Possible, playing at Hot Docs

I would love to see the expansion of CurrentTV in Canada. It’s a novel way of cross-platform storytelling that seems to actually be working…What better way to ensure that regional voices are heard than in this grassroots approach – represented in a cable channel and integrated website?
Matt Hornburg,
Executive producer/partner, marblemedia

Spice, for the documentaries.
Min Sook Lee,
Director, Tiger Spirit