It was only a matter of time until the government got around to taking aim at the CBC. Yes it is being explained as a “belt tightening” exercise, and a good time to rethink what the CBC should be providing to its followers in the future. And, of course it helps us to get to a financial surplus in the next federal budget.

But, I can’t help feeling this is really payback time. How many interviews have we witnessed where government spokesperson – be they ministers, well rehearsed MPs, their well trained smoke screen artists, or members of the caucus attack dog troop – get pinned down by local and national CBC reporters?

You can almost read the minds of the politicians who have had to endure probing, embarrassing, uncomfortable interviews. “Glad that’s over. Can’t wait for the CBC budget to come up for debate.”

So, what happens the next time the government wants to get its message out, and no press show up?