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Memo: CBC will no longer approve paid appearances by on-air journalists

On-air journalists must ensure outside activities do “not represent any real or perceived conflict of interest.” CBC/Radio-Canada holds itself to the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Our standards and practices are among the most rigorous in Canadian media.   However, a changing environment in which the public expects more transparency from institutions and the media…

On-air journalists must ensure outside activities do “not represent any real or perceived conflict of interest.”

CBC/Radio-Canada holds itself to the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Our standards and practices are among the most rigorous in Canadian media.
 
However, a changing environment in which the public expects more transparency from institutions and the media is making the practice of paid outside activities for our journalists less acceptable to audiences.
 
At CBC/Radio-Canada, any on air journalist who wishes to accept an invitation to speak, to moderate debates or to take part in other public appearance must make sure that the activity does not represent any real or perceived conflict of interest. He or she must also get permission from his or her supervisor to do so.

Given that paid appearances can create an adverse impact on the Corporation, CBC/Radio-Canada will no longer approve paid appearances by its on-air journalistic employees. In order to further our commitment to transparency, we will continue to disclose all appearances on our websites.

We are fiercely proud of our content and our people. We believe this approach will allow us to remain focused on our primary goal of delivering quality journalism to all Canadians.

Jennifer McGuire
General Manager and Editor in Chief 
CBC News and Centres     

Michel Cormier
​Executive Director, News and Current Affairs
French Services​