In recent days, the Senate committee examining CBC's mandate has made news over the government broadcaster's disclosures about the salaries of its senior hosts. But that's an unfortunate distraction, says Senator Dennis Dawson, the committee chair.

The public broadcaster is in crisis, he told CBC Radio's As It Happens, saying an antiquated Broadcasting Act and changing media landscape have made it difficult for CBC to meet its mandate.

Listen to the interview by clicking on the audio clip above.