Q: Why am I sometimes not able to see the hockey game I want to see?
A: An organization such as the NHL has exclusive program rights with broadcasters that determine which game will be broadcast in which markets across the country. The right to broadcast specific events in particular markets depends on contractual agreements between the event owner/organizers and broadcasters. Here in Thunder Bay, the CBC would determine which game could be seen in our home market.
Q: How are you regulated as a broadcaster?
A: Broadcasters are federally regulated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
Q: Why do commercials sometimes sound louder than the programs they’re in?
A: Proper sound levels are a major concern to broadcasters both on a national and local level, with strict adherence to regulations set by Industry Canada. “Audio compression” is the most frequent cause of complaint, where a commercial’s sound track is recorded at a constant and maximum loudness level. Advertisers take advantage of this opportunity and compress their audio as much as possible, so when such a commercial airs within a program that features a relatively normal range of sounds, the contrast can be intrusive. Broadcasters can only control the overall audio level and do not have the facility to undo or reduce any compression.
Q: What is signal substitution?
A: As you flip through TV channels, you may notice that you're seeing Canadian ads on American channels. This is the result of signal substitution Signal substitution is when a distributor temporarily replaces the signal of one TV channel with another channel that's showing the same program at the same time. Usually, an American signal is replaced with a Canadian signal. Sometimes, a Canadian signal from outside your area is replaced with a local signal. A program that originates in the US may be showing in both Canada and the US at the same time. The Canadian broadcaster airs Canadian ads but the program is the same. So when program substitution occurs, the only difference is that you see Canadian commercials on an American channel.
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Q: Why is Coronation Street, or other CBC shows, sometimes moved or entirely pre-empted?
A: Coronation Street is a show favourite on CKPR Thunder Bay. Because our station airs the show at a different time than the main CBC network, it's subject to schedule changes on our station, particularly during hockey playoffs and live news events. Please check our listings page regularly.