B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell is the only Canadian premier who has written to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission endorsing CTVglobemedia's bid to take over CHUM. In a letter dated March 28, Campbell wrote that he is "pleased to support the application".

Campbell's letter was posted on the CRTC Web site ( www.crtc.gc.ca /) shortly before the Straight went to press on April 4. "CTVgm has worked hard to establish itself and to branch out beyond television across Canada," Campbell wrote. "It has become an industry leader in ensuring the editorial and operational independence of its various media holdings."

Before the 2005 provincial election, the Globe and Mail , which is owned by CTVgm, ran a special supplement lavishly praising B.C.'s economic performance. For more on CTVgm's application to take over CHUM, click here.