Everything about Dragons’ Den, eh?

In the news: “Watch Canadian TV and nobody gets hurt”

Vinay Menon of the Toronto Star has an unusual take on what’s great about Canadian TV:

Watching TV? Watch your back
“Why don’t Canadians inflict physical harm on one another over a petty issue like watching TV? Do we have more perspective? Are we simply a kinder, gentler nation? Or could this national shortage of TV rage somehow be related to Canadian TV itself?” Read more.

Brad Oswald of the Winnipeg Free Press gives some alternatives to American shows as the writers strike drags on:

Canadian nights in Canada
“The U.S. writers strike is providing an opportunity to investigate homegrown TV, and you know what? Some of it is really good!” Read more.

Marise Strauss of Playback reports on the CBC’s winter season and its appeal to advertisers:

Buyers upbeat on CBC
“The longer U.S. writers remain on the picket lines, the better for CBC, according to media buyers, who are optimistic about the new offerings on the pubcaster’s winter slate, which were unveiled last week.” Read more.

Photo courtesy CBC. Natalie Brown as Sophie.

Dragons' Den

From Marise Strauss of Playback:

CBC readies winter slate
“Potential candidates for the Tuesday 9 p.m. timeslot, which will be left vacant after Tudors airs its final ep on Dec. 4, include new 13 x 60 series The Border, an actioner from executive producer Peter Raymont, and JPod, based on the novel by Douglas Coupland.” Read more.

Kate Taylor of the Globe and Mail interviews Richard Stursberg:

CBC’s No. 2 sees kindred spirit in new boss
“‘If it’s a public broadcaster and it’s paid for by all the taxpayers, then it has got to make an offer that is the broadest possible offer,’ Richard Stursberg, vice-president of CBC-TV, said in a recent interview reviewing the current television season and defending the network’s still unproven scheme to boost ratings with populist formulas. ‘It’s not a service that is built for elites.'” Read more.