Abstract
The media and sport can play a significant role in the creation of national identity, but when both have foreign origins, national identity may be compromised. This article explores the question of Canadian cultural sovereignty in an era of globalization and the role of the state with regard to cultural policy in an open economy. Technological advancements and the search for new markets led to the establishment of Sports Illustrated Canada. The Canadian government, employing a protectionist policy designed to limit cultural incursions, halted the production of SI Canada. A content analysis of the SI Canada issues reveals that the periodical offered more “Canadian content” than the American Sports Illustrated; however, it did not meet the 80% level required by Canadian law. Furthermore, the “Canadian-ness” of the periodical declined dramatically during its 3-year existence.
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