Dispelling the Arguments Surrounding Canadian Television Programming: An Analysis of Food Network Canada

Abstract

<p>Since its introduction to the country in 1950, Canadian television has faced numerous obstacles in its attempt to reflect the culture of Canadians through original programming. Various media scholars are quick to point to three identifiable causes for this particular failure. Firstly, they argue that it is impossible to represent Canadian culture because one identifiable culture does not exist due to the country’s emphasis on bilingualism and multiculturalism. Secondly, they argue that Canadian television is a failure due to the high level of regionalism inherent in the medium, particularly programs tendency to focus on the province of Ontario. And thirdly, Canadian television is viewed as a failure due to the notion that Canadians will always prefer American programming. In recent years, the concept of food television has gained substantial popularity; first leading to the creation of the US based Food Network, and then its Canadian counterpart, Food Network Canada. This article raises the question, <em>“To what extent do the programs on Food Network Canada undermine arguments of homogenization of Canadian culture on Canadian television?”,</em> ultimately arguing that Food Network Canada’s original Canadian programming, specifically there instructional programming, dispels these three main arguments presented by media scholars. Following a literature review discussing the issues media scholars present concerning Canadian television, this argument is proven firstly through an extensive discursive analysis of episodes of Food Network programs <em>Chuck’s Day Off, Chef at Home, Everyday Exotic, French Food at Home, Fresh with Anna Olson</em> and <em>Ricardo & Friends, </em>and secondly, through an in-depth analysis of program ratings.</p>