I Want My Radio 3 TV

Radio 3 is, arguably, the CBC's success story of the decade. I say arguably because you can argue about anything but if you choose to argue with the above statement, you're wrong.

Radio 3, in addition to the radio station, is one of the most successful podcasts in Canada, and one of the most popular music podcasts in the world. It is extremely popular with young people (an area in which the CBC usually strikes out) but not only with young people. I've personally talked with people from 14 to 50 who listen to Radio 3.

It is not only successful in it's own rite, it has helped to promote Canadian arts and culture (in this case music) and by extension Canada - something the CBC is supposed to do. It has made Canadian music increasingly popular not only in Canada but around the world and is, I believe, at least partially responsible for the rise of such acts as Broken Social Scene, the Arcade Fire, the New Pornographers, Feist, the Dears, the Stars, and the Hidden Cameras.

Now CBC television isn't doing as well as it could, especially with young people. It is also seeing an annual decline in funds (at least in terms of real dollars) - so why not capitalize and expand on what works?

The possible formats are numerous - a half hour once a week, a half hour 3 times a week, an hour once a week ... whatever works, (you could even stick in on after the Hour) but Radio 3 already has most of the content. Build the show primarily around Canadian music videos - throw in some music news (new albums, tour dates etc), add the occasional interview or even an in studio performance by whoever happens to be in town and viola, Radio 3 TV. It has a built in audience, can be promoted for free on Radio 3 (and even Radio 1 and 2) and it's cheap to produce.

I'm sure there's an excellent reason why not, but I can't think of what it would be personally.