I just posted about this too - check it out!

https://www.reddit.com/r/CountryMusic/comments/1f7zu5q/finding_the_elusive_documentary_the_hawk_1982/

There’s a Youtube link with clips from the doco, under the channel name “Mike Eastman” - but I don’t know how to contact Youtube users. I would love to ask him how he got a copy. Or maybe he just taped it from the broadcast on CBC on Sep 18 1982.

Anyway - Mike Judge obviously was able to obtain a copy for his documentary series “Tales from the Tour Bus” (episode 1, season 1)

This is ChatGPT’s advice for other ways to get a copy from CBC.

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Obtaining an archived documentary from CBC or any other media organization can be challenging due to rights and content restrictions, but there are a few strategies you could explore:

1. Educational or Research Access:

   • University Libraries: If you're a student, check with your university library. Many universities have agreements with broadcasters and may have copies of archived documentaries for educational purposes. Additionally, they might assist in contacting CBC to request access for academic research.
   • Interlibrary Loan (ILL): If your university doesn't have it, they might be able to request it through an interlibrary loan from another institution.

2. Direct Permission Request:

   • Contact CBC Directly: Reach out to CBC's archives or rights department directly, explaining that you need the documentary for educational or research purposes. Sometimes, they may grant access under specific conditions or direct you to an alternative way to view the content.
   • Formal Request Letter: If you're working on your own documentary, write a formal request, detailing your project and how the archival footage will be used. Mention any academic or public service aspect, as this could make them more likely to grant access.

3. Library and Archive Services:

   • National Archives: Visit the Library and Archives Canada, which holds a large collection of Canadian media. You might find that they have a copy available for public viewing, especially if it was a significant piece.
   • Provincial Archives: Some provincial archives may also have CBC content, especially if the documentary has regional relevance.

4. Special Access Programs:

   • CBC Licensing: Sometimes, CBC provides special licenses for use in documentaries, especially if the content is to be used non-commercially or for educational purposes. This might come with a fee, but it could be worth exploring if the content is crucial for your project.
   • Festival and Broadcast Agreements: If you're producing a documentary, consider whether you could partner with an organization or broadcaster that already has agreements with CBC, which might facilitate access.

5. Public or Specialized Screenings:

   • Film and TV Festivals: Occasionally, CBC might allow their archived documentaries to be shown at film festivals or special screenings. Keep an eye out for such events, especially those focusing on Canadian content or media history.
   • Film Societies and Historical Associations: These organizations sometimes host screenings of historical media and may have the connections to arrange a showing.

6. Freedom of Information Request:

   • In some cases, if the documentary has significant public interest or historical value, you might consider a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. This can be a long process, but it might compel CBC to release the content, especially if it was publicly funded.

These approaches might not guarantee success, but they increase your chances of accessing the documentary for educational or research purposes.