Yesterday I gave my thoughts on what to make of CBC’s early season ratings slump. My theory is that CBC is changing but their built-in audience hasn’t yet, and to realize their vision, the public broadcaster will need some patience. Here’s what you had to say:
@tv_eh Re new shows at least: CBC doesn’t have the marketing muscle to launch a fall show. They should be launching new shows mid-season. — Paul Mather (@paulmather007) October 16, 2014
@BarryKiefl @tv_eh Just a thought: CBC is wide but promo reach is limited. Contrast with a media conglom’s diverse promo reach.
— Cathleen MacDonald (@motionpix) October 16, 2014
@tv_eh CBC is sadly trapped between noble ambitions to redefine their programming and a specific audience who resist that change. — JonathanLloyd Walker (@J_L_Walker) October 16, 2014
@tv_eh AMC went through a similar metamorphosis but it took years and deep pockets to achieve. I hope CBC can stay this new course.— JonathanLloyd Walker (@J_L_Walker) October 16, 2014
Some  offered other suggestions for why the ratings have declined besides fierce US competition, aging shows, and small marketing budgets:
@tv_eh imho the promo for Strange Empire was vague; didn't grab. One had to be committed to check it out & be pleasantly surprised.
— Cathleen MacDonald (@motionpix) October 16, 2014
@tv_eh We no longer get CBC. I am NOT getting cable for 2 channels #CBC #CBCNN I go to friend’s house. — susan n (@biosunu) October 16, 2014
@tv_eh Before the change in cable Northern Ontario got CBC and CTV without the cable requirement. I think that’s why ratings are declining. — susan n (@biosunu) October 16, 2014
@tv_eh maybe everyone is watching CBC on their phones, which is not measured… — Barry Kiefl (@BarryKiefl) October 16, 2014
And we all speculated on how they could build their audience, including patience:
@J_L_Walker @tv_eh it takes years to rebulid a brand (a brand that I would argue has been badly damaged over the past 10 years). — Richard Koo (@richard_koo) October 16, 2014
@tv_eh Keep the Murdoch/Heartland audience early evening, build the new audience at 10pm and PVR/online. Slowly re brand. — JonathanLloyd Walker (@J_L_Walker) October 16, 2014
What do you think – are you worried about your favourite show’s ratings? Â Ideas for how CBC can attract more viewers … or if that should even be their goal?