E04: Did Competition Policy help kill Maclean's magazine, local news and Canadian culture?

Monopolies Killed My Hometown

This is part 1 of 2 where I look back at the article "Trade Secrets of the Combines Detectives" by Peter C. Newman in the May 24, 1958 edition of MacLean's magazine. In part 1, I take a detour into the 1994 merger of MacLean Hunter and Rogers Communication. I revisit some of the claims made at the time of the merger, like Rogers needed to grow to protect Canadian Culture from the US, and I point out that some of the "efficiencies" gained were just accounting tricks, not actual improvements.

I also explore how I think this merger could have led the roll-up of local newspapers and radio stations, which ultimately destroyed the way communities are able to talk with and amongst themselves. Listen to hear about me being on the radio leading up to Little League Baseball's 'tag day' fundraiser, learn which prominent Canadian journalist (not a Senator) got their start at CKDH in Amherst, and my surprise when I learn who first bought CKDH from our local owners.

Links from today's show:

• Trade Secrets of the Combines Detectives, Peter C. Newman
• MacLean's: The First 100 Years
• Rogers shutting down remaining video stores
• Rogers succeeds in Maclean Hunter bid
• The Next Hurdles, John Daly
• The Suprise Platform, John Daly (There's weird formatting sometimes in the MacLean's archive.)
  • Ted Rogers quote about needing to stand up to the telephone monopolies
• CRTC Decision 94-923
• The destiny of an unwilling executioner, Peter C. Newman
  • Ted Rogers quote about preserving Canadian broadcasting and culture
  • How taxes play a major role in this merger.
• History of Maritime Broadcasting System
• Rogers takeover of Maclean Hunter creates new media giant
• Comcast to buy Cable Operations of Maclean Hunter for $1.27 Billion
• Prominent Canadian Journalist starting at CKDH in Amherst