Public Broadcasting at the Margins: The CBC and Canada’s Indigenous Voices

• In Event: Multicultural Studies & Radio & Audio Media Divisions - Research Presentations
  In Paper Competition: Multicultural Studies Divisions - Research Presentations

Abstract

“Public Broadcasting at the Margins: The CBC and Canada’s Indigenous Voices” is a multimedia
research program that examines the history, development, and work of the Canadian
Broadcasting Corporation in northern Canada. The project focuses on how the CBC, through
policy and practice, enables indigenous voices. Of special interest is Inuit-centric broadcasting
developed by CBC North in Yellowknife, NWT, which airs radio programming in eight
indigenous languages and features local performance and reporting. Framed within classic and
contemporary public sphere theory, this research project explores the role and responsibility of
public media to serve underrepresented constituencies.

The overarching purpose of this project is to investigate the concept, history, and outcomes of
indigenous radio service as developed and executed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Global public service broadcasting is generally understudied, and literature about the CBC’s
Northern service is especially thin. A central goal of this project is addition of useful and
accurate data and analysis to the academic record, focusing on the CBC generally and CBC North particularly. The project will also examine the role of Yellowknife residents in the construction, delivery, and reception of Inuit-centric content. As creators and audiences of CBC North, how do these members of indigenous communities view and use this radio programming? What kind of creative control is granted to the community?

Author

• Glenda R Balas, University of North Texas - Dallas