Royal Commission on Radio Broadcasting

The Royal Commission on Radio Broadcasting, otherwise known as the Aird Commission, was chaired by John Aird and examined Canada's broadcasting industry. The report released its findings in 1929 when it concluded that Canada was in need of a publicly funded radio broadcast system. The Aird Report eventually resulted in the creation of the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission, the forerunner of the CBC.

History

From 1922-1932, the radio administration came under the Ministry of Marine and Fisheries.

A number of problems had arisen during 1920s, causing debates on how broadcasting should be managed. These problems included the feeling that religious radio stations had "...emerged as a new weapon with which one religious group could bludgeon another...",[1] and that U.S. stations unfairly dominated the airwaves despite an agreements to reserve some frequencies exclusively for Canadian stations. [2] In December 1928, P.J.Arthur (Minister of Marine and Fisheries) formed the Aird Commission to report on federal broadcasting policy. Sir John Aird, Charles A. Bowman and Augustine Frigon were members of this commission. Between April 17 to July 1924, the commission heard 164 oral statements, took 124 written submissions, and had the comments of nine provinces and controlled conventions.

Based on the report, a national company, the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission, was set up that would have power to operate and own all radio stations in Canada. Further control was given to the provinces to broadcast the content they want but within the provincial boundaries.

References

  • Ingrassia, Joanne (2000). "The Birth and Death of The Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission (1932-1936)". Archived from the original on 2006-10-10. Retrieved 2006-11-09.
  • Gasher, Skinner and Lorimer, Mass Communication in Canada. 7th ed. UP. 2012.Print. Sept, 25 2015.
  • * Vipond, Mary. Listening In: The First Decade of Canadian Broadcasting 1922-1932. (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1992)
  1. ↑ McGowan, Mark. "The People's University of the Air: St. Francis Xavier University Extension, Social Christianity, and the Creation of CJFX". Acadiensis. University of New Brunswick. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
  2. ↑ "Canada Radio Fans Fight Interference." Tampa (FL) Tribune, January 16, 1927, p. 12D.


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