Not here, not now (except on billboards)

On Sept. 12, the revamped version of Here & Now was supposed to have launched on CBC Television in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The lockout of almost all of the CBC's employees in the region (not to mention the rest of the country) meant that that didn't happen.

Nonetheless - to the surprise of all of us on the picket lines - an advertising campaign promoting the new Here & Now rolled out, on schedule. We've seen buses carrying boards on their sides, and at least one billboard in the city.

Above, Karl Wells, Debbie Cooper and Jonathan Crowe pose in front of their likenesses.

This is the irony: people who put programs together are usually dying for a little advertising and promotional support. Often, it doesn't happen.

This time, great advertising ... and no show. Go figure.

Why continue with a campaign at this point time? Our understanding is that this decision was not made locally, but came down instead from the Broadcast Centre in Toronto.

Curious ...

UPDATE: The St. John's local of the CMG has issued a news release on the matter. A quote from Karl Wells:

"I'm especially concerned that they are choosing to promote, at this critical time for employees, a program they had promised to deliver to viewers on September 12th. It shows a remarkable insensitivity towards me and my on-air colleagues, as well as all CMG members."

A quote from Bob Sharpe, president of the St. John's local:

"It’s callous.  But besides that – I can’t believe they’re wasting money on a campaign for a show that doesn’t exist and likely won’t for a long time.  It’s an embarrassing gesture that shows how out of step CBC management is. What were they thinking?"

More on the issue is available here at the St. John's local CMG site.

Comments

[Hadeel]

Hi! This is Hadeel from Ottawa - can you please change the Mind the Gap blog address to the following: http://sparkslockout.blogspot.com

I had to make a special blog just for the lock out since it's dragging so much!

Thanks and keep up the great work!

hadeel

[Heather Patey]

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I saw this Metrobus ad the other day. But I took a picture, and it let a Canadian living in Switzerland know that not all's well on this front. I wonder how many other expats are bissfully unaware.