That's a reasonable point. Since 7% is the average, you'd like to think WBFO would research what stations are doing 10% or higher to determine how they reached and exceeded their membership goals.
There are a few major issues at hand relative to WBFO attempting to draw more Canadians into the listener and membership mix. First: Altering the programming to suit the needs of Canadian listeners will very likely (adversely) alter the number of listeners on this side of the border. Second: The CBC provides a consistent quality product to serve the needs of Canadians far better than anything WBFO can offer. Third: Technology, specifically the NPR app which allows for greater flexibility, time shifting and personalization. It's quite impressive, one of the finer radio apps. Equally of concern, how the NPR app has affected the way people listen (or don't) to radio, specifically WBFO, and by extension how they contribute (or don't) to WBFO.
Although Channel 17 draws a substantial number of Canadian viewers and members, TV viewing and radio listening are an entirely different kettle of fish. Interests differ, listening habits and needs differ, and the approach to programming differs.
Those of us who live here understand that Canada isn't "the 51st state," but a unique, sovereign nation with customs and interests that don't necessarily mirror those "across the border." The United States couldn't have a better neighbor. Many issues and interests unique to Canada simply don't translate and Canadians understandably wouldn't want them to be "Americanized."
For example, Canada's parliamentary form of government, pronunciations and terminology... eh. Pronounce "lieutenant" or "schedule." Canadians don't go on vacation, they "go on holiday." This is the tip of the iceberg. Seemingly small, these are important reasons, among many far larger, why WBFO runs a risk attempting to appeal, serve and depend on listeners in Southern Ontario. Most Canadians like being our neighbor, but they don't like being told "how it's done in the States." Oh... and the programming WBFO offers to appeal to Canadians can be heard on the CBC stations in real time.
Canadian radio and TV offer a different perspective than US media, in most cases, refreshing and having a certain European flavor. Log on to CBC.ca to get a taste. Canadian radio talk shows, for example, are not nearly as bombastic as those heard on commercial talk stations. Issues are fervently discussed, but not shouted upon. And most Canadian radio talk show hosts present themselves in a presentable, reasoned and almost collegial manner. That's not to say they're vanilla. They're fiercely opinionated, but well-reasoned. WBFO would best be served by doing the many things it does right and programming primarily if not exclusively to US listeners.
