CMT Reply!!!

Dale Bessant · Post by **Dale Bessant** » 1 Nov 2003 5:47 am

I sent CMT Canada an email regarding the lack of "real country music" on their programming, here is the answer I received...

Dear Viewer,

We are sorry to hear that some of our recent programming has been
disappointing to you. We have launched a new schedule and as you can
appreciate, with the start of each new fall season, programming changes
on all networks can be expected. Our goal is to deliver an entertaining
destination for our viewers with programming focused on country music.
By including non-video programs it is our intent to offer a wider range
of programming that will appeal to a broader audience.

We want to assure you that we take our responsibility as a broadcaster
very seriously. We continually work to ensure that all of our
programming complies with the regulations, codes and standards expected
of us as a member of the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC). We
regularly make internal judgments regarding appropriate content and all
changes are the result of careful consideration. Our Conditions of
License state:

"Not less than 70% of all programming broadcast by the licensee (CMT)
shall be drawn from music video clips. No more that 14 hours of the
programming broadcast during any broadcast week shall be drawn from the
following categories: ongoing dramatic series, ongoing comedy series
(sitcoms), specials, mini-series, made-for-TV features films or
theatrical feature films aired on TV."

These conditions ensure that the main focus of CMT continues to be
country music.

We are confident that our exciting fall line-up will be a positive
change for our network and our viewers. CMT is seen in almost 8 million
homes across Canada and although we would like to make all of our
viewers happy, as a national network, it can be a challenge. Even with
the best of intentions, we simply aren't going to be able to meet the
viewing requirements of every audience member.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us. At CMT we always appreciate
hearing from our fans and recognize the importance of viewer feedback.
Be assured that your comments will be forwarded to our Programming
Department for their consideration.

Regards,
CMT Viewer Relations Department
[This message was edited by Dale Bessant on 01 November 2003 at 05:50 AM.]

Larry Robbins · Post by **Larry Robbins** » 1 Nov 2003 6:41 am

Where I come from we call that "the run around"

------------------
Sho-Bud ProII
"there's been an awful murder, down on music row!"

[This message was edited by Larry Robbins on 01 November 2003 at 06:42 AM.]

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 1 Nov 2003 7:09 am

Dear Viewer..

"Please stay on the line an operator will be with you shortly.."

"We appreciate your viewership and value you as a viewer, an operator will be with you shortly"

"Your call be answered by the next available representative..you are number 14,675 in line..your wait time is estimated at 3 months 4 days 12 hours and 4 minutes..please stay on the line..we appreciate your viewership"...

Donna Dodd · Post by **Donna Dodd** » 1 Nov 2003 7:22 am

. . . and we also suggest that while waiting patiently for the next representative, we encourage you to fill your bathtub with water, take your telephone and blow-dryer with you and float them around on top of the bubbles like little boats. Have someone plug in the blow dryer and watch the bubbles blow!
Someone will be with you shortly.

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 1 Nov 2003 11:07 am

The reply says NOTHING about real or traditional country music. Its run by New Yorkers.

Leigh Howell · Post by **Leigh Howell** » 1 Nov 2003 11:59 am

What a bunch of garbage!!! You could even be talking about politics. Same kind of a runaround to a simple question!!!

Leigh

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 1 Nov 2003 4:35 pm

I don't understand the reply, but I'm glad they still keep broadcasting the live portion of the Grand Old Opry in Canada.

CMT in the US does not.

I always tape it and often find several minutes of worthwhile music.

I'll bet if I send them a letter complaining about the content on any given sitcom I'll get the same reply.

Leslie Ehrlich · Post by **Leslie Ehrlich** » 1 Nov 2003 6:50 pm

Every time I've tuned into CMT I saw something about Shania Twain. I guess there's no way of avoiding her or any of the other 'new country' superstars.

I don't watch CMT any more, nor do I listen to commercial radio. If I don't like what I see or hear, the 'off' button sure comes in handy.

John Cox · Post by **John Cox** » 1 Nov 2003 7:50 pm

Well when they say "broader audience" they mean country-like music. It won't be long now before ICE-T/SPIKE-T and all the pop stars will have their spot on the Opry. Problably in the next 10 years or less. I hope not/but it looks that way.

John Macy · Post by **John Macy** » 1 Nov 2003 7:51 pm

Gee, some of the biggest country fans I know are New Yorkers...

Rick Ulrich · Post by **Rick Ulrich** » 2 Nov 2003 1:43 am

I happened to tune into one of our so-called country music stations today, which I usually don't do. Keep a tape in the car for the real stuff. This DJ was describing one of these so-called "Super Stars" and I just about lost it when he attached the word LEGEND to this guy. Now this particular guy isn't too bad of a singer, but a LEGEND, he is not. I put my tape back in.