Whereas the substantial staff cuts affecting television journalists, radio personalities and multiple on-air programs have had a sudden and direct impact on the lives of many residents in Kingston and the surrounding area and signal a further erosion of community engagement and democratic participation for people who live, work and play in this region; and
Whereas the removal of on-air personalities from two radio stations in the market means a dramatic reduction in locally produced content that reflects activities in Kingston; and
Whereas the significant reduction in television news staff has already been felt throughout the community, with local coverage of news and events severely diminished; and
Whereas local news and radio are the foundation of democracy in any community, ensuring that its residents remain well informed and are able to hear about and engage in civic-related and other matters; and
Whereas the continued disappearance of local coverage in many municipalities should be alarming to all levels of government as it means fewer ways for citizens to engage in community activities, political and otherwise, and an overall reduction in ways to remain well informed;
Therefore Be It Resolved That Kingston City Council encourage the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Kingston’s Members of Provincial Parliament and Members of Parliament to make this increasingly dire situation a priority and ensure their respective levels of government are taking steps to provide adequate and additional support to local journalism, ensuring the long-term viability of local media, in the name of community engagement and democratic participation; and
That a copy of this motion be forwarded to The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, P.C., M.P. Minister of Canadian Heritage, Mark Gerretsen, Kingston and the Islands, M.P. Scott Reid, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, M.P.P. Ted Hsu, Kingston and the Islands, M.P.P. John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston.