Field experiments for cultural protectionism

The [writers'] strike, Layfield noted, "is perfect timing for our January launch.  It'll give Canadians an opportunity to go and watch something different rather than watching reruns of American shows. "Once (Canadians) see ... the quality and the stories that they like, you win them over pretty quickly," she added.  CBC [a Canadian network] announced three new dramas, a sitcom, a daytime talk show and a reality series yesterday.

Here is more.  And on the other side of the border:

With the Writers Guild of America still on strike and no guarantee that a resumption of talks next week will bring any resolution, this should all be a boon for Canadian shows vying to air in the United States, right?...but there is no indication that U.S. programmers are looking to Canada in droves.

As for one new show, The Border, the Canadian producer remarked:

"Many test viewers who have seen this have said that it doesn't look like traditional Canadian television.  It's got a whole other level of energy, of entertainment value. There's never a dull moment," Raymont added.

Have you heard about cultural path dependence?  The simplest hypothesis, of course, is that once Canadian producers gain a foothold in their home market they will be able to keep it.  I'll predict no, but stay tuned for further reports next year...