CATA Supports Local Television and Calls for Virtual Mobilization on Second Life
Ottawa – The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) has joined the call of Ottawa TV station CTV, to support local TV across Canada by calling for a review of its regulatory funding regime.
“If we cut local community roots, we lose something invaluable as a nation. Media coverage is hugely important in establishing a reputation and product awareness.” said John Reid, CATA President, adding, “If the local TV companies falter, we will be facing another blow against creating Canada’s Innovation Nation — which is already weak because of the economic climate. We want to see local television continue to strengthen our communities. This system has to be fixed.”
As part of Canada wide mobilization, CATA is calling on High Tech companies to join the CTV petition, and to also gather for a “virtual protest meeting” in Second Life, a virtual 3D world where people can socialize, gather, chat and explore.
Call to Action
In Second Life you can join us in front of the Parliament building at the newly opened, Canadian Innovation Center, powered by Helix Commerce International Inc, on Friday, May 22nd noon to 1:00 PM EDT SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bountiful/195/189/26 Be sure to join the CTV group to receive updates and show your support.
In the meantime, CATA is urging its High Tech members to join CTV Ottawa’s Open House at 1500 Merivale Road in Ottawa on May 23, 2009 between 10am and 1pm. This is the community’s opportunity to tour the facilities and meet the professionals who deliver local television, both in-front of the cameras and behind the scenes.
“If you want to continue to have access to a powerful media platform, sign the online petition,” said Mr. Reid. He asked his members to visit http://www.savelocal.ctv.ca/ottawa and to support similar initiatives across Canada to help keep local TV news and programming available in the community.
