The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance is planning a virtual rally on Friday to show support for local news.
John Reid, who heads the alliance, says losing access to local news would be a "disaster for tech firms."
The group is also calling for cable and satellite firms to pay fees to access television signals distributed by broadcasters such as CTVglobemedia and Canwest Global Communications Corp.
Canadian broadcasters are currently at odds with the CRTC over their ability to develop new revenue streams to support local programming.
CTVglobemedia and Canwest Global have said they would like to charge cable and satellite companies for transmitting their network programs, as is done with specialty channels.
It is estimated that the so called 'fee for carriage' would boost broadcasters' revenues by about $300 million.
The rally to support local news is planned for Friday from noon to 1 p.m. in the virtual world Second Life, which is used by approximately 15 million people who live virtual lives with electronic avatars.
Attend an open house at CTV Ottawa on May 23 and help SAVE LOCAL TELEVISION.
