Canadians disapprove of Bell-Astral Merger, Forum Poll

6 in 10 Canadians oppose
Bell takeover of Astral.

Toronto, August 23rd, 2012 – In a random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll among Canadians 18 years of age and older, 6-in-10 disapprove of the purchase of Astral Media by Bell, when told the resulting company would control 38% of the TV market and 29% of the radio market in Canada (60%).

Disapproval highest in Ontario; among Bloc supporters

One quarter approve of this takeover (24%), and 1-in-7 has no opinion (16%). 

Disapproval was highest among Canadians living outside of Manitoba / Saskatchewan, especially in Ontario (64%), as well as federal Bloc and NDP supporters (78%, 65%, respectively). Males were more likely to approve of this merger than were females.

"Media concentration might appear to be wonkery, but it is clear that Canadians have their own opinions about who should own the national airwaves," said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.

Full details on the Forum Poll.