Radio networks and the redefinition of local private radio

Radio networking has generally been the exclusive domain of the CBC as the national broadcaster with the exception of a limited number of private radio networks that emerged in the early 1920's prior to the formation of the public broadcasting system. For the most part it was thought that private radio would fulfil the primary function of local broadcaster.; The thesis examines the resultant impact to local radio programming services of the CRTC policy permitting the licensing of private networks in the late 1980's. Several relationships are examined. Foremost of these is the dialogue between private radio broadcasters and the regulator. Notions of community local identity and the increasing use of broadcast technology are also taken into account. Since none of these issues have remained static, and continue in a dynamic fashion, an historical perspective has been adopted illustrating a policy shift away from broadcasting as a cultural/public paradigm, to a market/audience paradigm.; The thesis traces the growth of private radio networks from their beginnings as distributors of live sporting events to recent developments as deliverers of programming which has traditionally been left to the local broadcaster. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...