Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Transport and Communications

Issue 14 - Minutes of Proceedings

ST. JOHN'S, Monday, April 18, 2005
(36)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications met this day, at 9:00 a.m., in the Fort William Room, Salon C and D, of the Fairmont Newfoundland Hotel, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Chair, the Honourable Joan Fraser, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Eyton, Fraser, Munson and Tkachuk (4).

In attendance: David M. Black, Special Advisor to the Committee.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, October 19, 2004, the committee continued its examination of the current state of Canadian media industries. (For complete text of Order of Reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 1, dated October 7, 2004.)

WITNESSES:

Newfoundland Broadcasting Company:

Scott Stirling, President and Chief Executive Officer;

Douglas W. Neal, Senior Vice-President;

Jim Furlong, Director of News;

Jesse Stirling, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing.

As an individual:

Ivan Emke, Professor, Department of Social Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Le Gaboteur:

Steven Watt, Director General.

As individuals:

David V. Jones;

Craig Westcott, Current Affairs Editor, The Express;

Patrick J. K. Hanlon, Member, Catholic Civil Rights League of Canada.

Mr. S. Stirling made an opening statement and the Newfoundland Broadcasting Company's representative made a video presentation, after which Messrs. S. Stirling, Neal, Furlong and J. Stirling answered questions.

At 10:25 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 10:35 a.m., the committee resumed.

Professor Emke made a statement and answered questions.

Mr. Watt made a statement and answered questions.

At 12:37 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 1:16 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Jones made a statement and answered questions.

Mr. Westcott made a statement and answered questions.

Mr. Hanlon made a statement and answered questions.

At 2:16 p.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Till Heyde

Clerk of the Committee