Agree, Phmontreal1.  However, I believe there is a smug, self-righteousness to much of the CBC culture that might be summed up in the phrase, "Give 'em what they NEED."  As if a seasonal fisherman in Nova Scotia has the same needs as the upper-end real estate agent in Greater Vancouver.  But, never mind, CBC knows best. 

Incidentally, I cringe when I see phrases such as  "These days," as if "give 'em what they want" was something new. It's not: 
The earliest evidence known of the phrase appeared in “The Washington Post” in 1941. A columnist relayed a quip made by the popular actor and comedian George Jessel: And there was George Jessel’s box-office-ish remark about a funeral which was drawing enormous crowds of people into a church door as he passed—”Well, there you are, you see,” said Jessel. “Give ’em what they want.”