First, let me apologize for being brief. I am rushing out the door to make
a plane for Manchester. But, this is a very important message that needs
your attention.

The CBC is currently doing a review into all of it’s ‘amateur’ sports
coverage. All sports and all coverage is under review and consideration.
The goal is to determine the future of the CBC’s ‘amateur’ sport coverage.
What will it look like? What sports will get priority?

Now, the sport of cycling has, and will continue to provide television
entertainment. No cyclist will argue with that. The CBC has committed
substantial resources to bringing the sport to the ‘airwaves’. But, that
may change.

In this review, it is felt that the CBC may adopt a ‘core-sport’ strategy,
where they cover a few sports (which they will call their ‘core’ sports)
with increased resources and cover a number of others with limited
resources. It is my impression that cycling is a sport (in all its aspects)
that is on the cusp – it could go either way.

Although many people I talk to enjoy watching cycling on TV, if they were
to be asked on the street what sports they did like watching on TV –
perhaps listing their top five – there is a good chance that cycling may
not make it to that list.

We need to do something to ensure that the CBC knows that their efforts in
covering the sport of cycling is appreciated. This is where you come in.

I am asking you – with the help of Pedal Magazine – to write a letter to
the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation with your support for the sport of
cycling – whatever discipline you may prefer. I wish I had the time to help
formulate a letter, but more basic and positive it can be to the
‘Corporation’, the better.

Address your letter to:

Nancy Lee

Executive Director, CBC Sports

PO Box 500, Station ‘A’

Toronto, ON M5W 3G7

I think we can make a difference in the decision, so please send your
response in.

Thank you,

Curt Harnett