I guess the question is what Tait means by serving rural communities. If it’s a question of broadcasting stuff from elsewhere into small towns, then CBC is doing fine. But the CBC mandate includes
to contribute to the development of a shared national consciousness and identity; to reflect the regional and cultural diversity of Canada; and to contribute to the development of Canadian talent and culture
IMO “shared” means that the conversation is flows in multiple directions. What you’re describing is mostly unidirectional. CBC’s Canada happens in urban regional hubs and is broadcast to rural areas. Rural Canada gets representation during call in shows, and when some local organization sends a press release to the regional office. That’s not bad, but it’s not great either.
One great option would be for CBC radio to broadcast Canadaland
CBC already doesn’t produce everything they broadcast, so syndicating additional alternative programming covering other viewpoints would be a spectacular use of the system.
I don’t have strong feelings about CBC’s viewpoint. It makes me sad that CBC radio finds time to broadcast This American Life in place of CanCon. But whatevs.