In 1920, the first radio broadcast took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and it marked a new era for technological beginnings. Later in the decade, hundreds of stations were established, including Canada's first radio station, which was based in Montreal. Although Canada tried to keep up with these new advancements, it was clear that the people of Canada began to look towards the United States for any and all means of entertainment because through their eyes, Canada was far too behind. .
Television became a standard household item in the 1950's; the Canadian Television Network (CTV) began operating in 1961 but by then many people living in Canada began to demand that American programs be aired. As the demand increased, many people just set up outdoor antennas to receive signals from America. Today in 2003, there are four main American television networks that are supplied to Canada: CBS, NBC, FOX and ABC yet there are only three major networks in Canada: CBC, CTV and Global. Of those three networks, CBC is the only one who broadcasts all Canadian television programs, including the news, the other two networks, CTV and Global mostly air American programs. According to a study conducted by CBC, a Canadian child will spend approximately 23 hours of watching television per week, meaning he or she will spend up to 13 000 hours of watching television by the age of 12. With a ratio 1:6, the odds of the children watching only CBC are very slim, meaning that they are watching a lot of American programs. As a result of this, the American programs receive higher ratings which in turn makes the American economy stronger and the their culture well known throughout Canada. Whether it is listening to the radio or watching television at home, Canadians have had and will always continue to have a gut-ranching thirst for the America culture, rather than creating and preserving its own.
Canada as a democratic society should make its own decisions, decisions that are represented by the majority of the people and their views, yet Canadian politicians continuously look over their shoulder for the "US stamp of approval" before making any colossal decisions.