CMNS 230: Case study SYLVIA ROBERTS Communication librarian

Case Study assignment “Rather than making an argument or a thesis, you are analysing an organisation, a problem or an issue. It involves acquiring and in-depth understanding of the operations of the organisation or issue and its impact on the wider media/cultural industries and society.”

TELEVISION INDUSTRY CBC CTV CRTC Friends of Canadian Broadcasting

Requirements Do some preliminary research first before settling on a topic to ensure you are able to find sufficient appropriate sources. Each essay should include a minimum of five sources, with at least one of your references from an academic source (something from your course readings is acceptable to meet this requirement). Proper APA citation and referencing format should be followed. You are encouraged to use graphics such as charts of organisational structure, if that will strengthen your study – but be sure to reference all figures appropriately.

Choose an entity from the following A) A regulatory / policy institution (e.g. CRTC, BC Film Commission) B) An advocacy organization (e.g. OpenMedia) C) a media or cultural company (e.g. CTV, CBC, Vancity Theatre)

In-depth understanding Organization web site – “about”, “history”, reports, governance Annual reports Financial statements Books, by and about (e.g. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Articles in Canadian news and business databases (e.g. CBCA Fulltext business) CBCA Fulltext business

Industry research sources Business Source Complete and : industry analysis, news, trade publications Business Source Complete Sector focused databases: news & views, profiles (e.g. Music Index) Industry associations: reports, statistics, advocacy Industry associations Think tank reports: analysis, profiles Parliamentary and government sources for policy environment: consultations, legislation, reports, press releases consultations Interviews with key players (competitors, founders, legislators)key players

Policy Institution Institution web site to find mandate, annual reports, budget information, reporting structure e.g. CRTCCRTC Communication, business & policy article indexes for history, regulatory scope, future of institution, stakeholders Academic journal articles, trade publications, news sources Academic journal articlestrade publicationsnews sources Also books & reportsbooksreports Government sources stakeholders, impact on industry, future e.g. Parliamentary committees, government departmentsParliamentary committeesgovernment departments Trade/industry associations e.g. CMPACMPA

Advocacy Organization Organizational web site e.g. OpenMediaOpenMedia Social media e.g. Twitter, FacebookTwitterFacebook Funding: charitable status?charitable status CRA charities registry Also articles in academic journals, stakeholders, news reports, etc.

Company research FIRST, is your company: Profit or not-for-profit? Private or public? Independent or subsidiary? e.g. CBC, CTVCBCCTV Annual reports, financial statements, operations, plans Article indexes for news, trade publications, industry and company profiles: Business Source Complete CBCA Fulltext business Trade associations  e.g. Canadian Association of BroadcastersCanadian Association of Broadcasters

Questions On Canvas, research guide pages at bottom of modules On the SFU Library web site: Search for “cmns 230” or via the Browse Research Guides linkSFU Library web site Ask a Librarian Sylvia Roberts