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Canada's major networks have done well with Olympic overage?Aoxtout to get back to your favorite TV shows? Or would you rather see the Olympics extended another week, to take care of all those pctlpooemeflts — and delay summer reruns?TV coverage Itself has become s part of the Olympic story, as have questions about wnti's not being covered. And now we have the controversy about flip-flops with prime time hockey gamesDavaMaballCBC Calgary [as well as CBC Radio) has added a lot of regional color, andBob Nicholson continues to impress as a. host.live, la le-ni ght-enterla \ nmenlOl Tha HoraWYou’ve probably watched more hours pics thof Olympics than 1, and I'd welcome readers’ comments pro and con. But I'd say both Canada's major networks have done well in their coverage (especially when L think back to the disgusting job ABC did with the Los Angeles Games) but not surprisingly both have comeunder criticism.When you consider bow many peopleare watching the Calgary Olympics (especially in Alberta , you shouldn't besurprised to find TV viewers — who arepaying for the coverage, directly or indirectly - have ideas on bow it couldbe better presented. When you realise the profound differences between Ihe CTy and the CBC television networks, too, you. can appreciate that each is doing a credible job in its own way.As official ho6t telecasler, CTV has been well-paid to provide camera crews at every Olympic venue, full time. Its electronic images are being bounced around the world, and there have been few problems in maintaining high video standards. And how about those excellent ‘hots from Mount Allan. . , andlhase m*dal-winning moves by Karen Percy?At best, CTV coverage has brought ’as thrilling moments with Brian Orser and Matti Nykanen. At worst, it’s■brought us boring breaks in toe action, with banal ehll-chat from transparent “color” commentators. And who can forget those gushy “interviews by Jungle Jim Hunter?CBC Television, on the other hand, has had to content itself with events highlights in an hour-long, 9 p.m. package. Adding their own experts’ comments and updates to video supplied earlier by CTV, the CBC has taken the time to produce comprehensive, professional Olympic magazines,main reason the CBC Has looked good,- of course, is that the CTV coverage Is mainly live. CBC’s is toped, withOUR BEST? Alberta’s medal-class’ country star, K.D. Lang evidently pleased many fans with her Lethbridge show last week. But Just as obviously, the1 physical arrangements were less than ideal. The upper hall at Ihe El Rancho is a splendid place for banquets, balls, fashion shows, many uses. But it’s not suitable for a concert, when a low stage is put at Ihe far end of the hall. No wonder hundreds had to stand — they couldn’t see!All of which points out the need for a medium-siied concert venue in Lethbridge, midway between the capacity of the Yates and the Sportsplex. The old exhibiton Pavilkm is great for cattle shows, but It needs far too much decorating for most one-nighf shows.■ •The good news from Ontario is that both the endangered orchestras have been baited out by their city councils, and no doubt LeUibridge City Council would consider a one-lime grant if tkngs were that desperate here. Not• HBOTTOM LINE: Federal funding cuts and reduced grants from national companies have put many of Canada’s symphony orchestras in financial jeapordy, Vancouver's has shut down, Windsor and Thunder Bay have come clo6e, and it’s no secret the Lethbridge Symphony Association is facing financial shortfalls as well.surprisingly, many Southern Albertans have been in contact with Lethbri Symphony officials to ask aboutample opportunity to correct mistakes and miscues. . . just as on everydayshews.Another reason/to be sure, is that the CBC is a centrally-directed TV serv-' ice, not unlike tax-supported networks in almost all the world's literate nations. It's had decades of radio and TV experience in covering major events of all kinds. CTV, by contrast, is a recent collection of independently-owned stations in which national Canadian programming is produced in Just a few stations oufside Toronto CTV news, publicaffairs and some sports are the only network-produced shows, and affiliated•Pistations have recently cut back significantly on Uieir nalional news budget..?*!fei-jess11 RlwArAkVv I. AffflnfUlnAuWimrnmm*- v-'.-.vx1:'* *.-• - -lt;... immm.L‘.yfi/t'- -If ycw’re .tooWnff totofyfinances, and how they might help out. Happily, former mayor Aaiy Anderson agreed to spearhead a quick financial drive which netted $10,000 early this year. And beard membere are buty l dealing with the deficit situation, and'; the need to market the association's/ varied musical programs more effect lively. 'IWe’ll tel you know how they decide to ;■ attack the problem, and how we all can/ help preserve this vital cultural resource. . .. • -THE DESERT ROSE BANDand theOAK RIDGEB B prewnledbydUIOOJOO
Newspaper Details
Lethbridge Herald
Lethbridge, Alberta, CA
Fri, Feb 26, 1988
Page 25
Full Page
Clipped by
Jason P.
USA 24 Apr 2018
Other Publications Near Lethbridge, Alberta
Prairie Post
Lethbridge Sun Times
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