Goodbye CBC news, we will miss you.

Captain Mansbridge in his new skin: give the veteran his old chair and desk back, and let him do good journalism again. Photo: CBC

Two days ago CBC rolled out it’s brand new news programming, the biggest change in its history. Out with simple, strong, straightforward and substantial journalism, and in with quick, breaking, gimmicky infotainment. A bastion of reliable news gathering and dissemination is gone. The new sets leave Peter Mansbridge and co. standing awkwardly wondering where their normal desks equipped with chairs have gone. Viewers feel uncomfortable watching them stand. Tickers, popping bright colour and razzle dazzle graphics make it beyond distracting. I turned it off, and so have others. Blogs and forums alike are teaming with unhappiness over the make-over.

I have been watching cbc news, well, for my entire life. Thank you CBC for treating us all like 12yr olds video gamers who can’t sit still for 2 seconds. We came to see good journalism in action but instead we find shortened news items, more conversational/less in-depth journalism. The new pizazz is fake – Canadian’s don’t tune in to see a jovial and funny Peter Mansbridge, we just want good journalism from him and his team.

My (humble) advice to the CBC:

Leave the flash to CNN and Wolf Blitzer.

Stop treating us like adolescent idiots, you’ve ignored your core audience.

Remember there is strength in simplicity.

Bring the old (trustworthy, diligent, integral) CBC back.

One of my favorite times of year, Fall brings swift changes to the landscape, and to our lives. This image is from the Wedge Creek trail just north of Whistler, last Thursday. This is dedicated to my friend Dave, who was always there to help me navigate through the forest of life when it wasn’t clear to see. I’ll miss you buddy.