Columns

Off the record, a source said; a senior government official said on background; according to an insider. How important are anonymous sources in reporting? Overuse or misuse can hurt… Continue Reading Globe and Mail Public Editor: When weighing anonymous voices, consider the source

The complainant, Bodgan Gawroński, objected to an interview with historian Jan Grabowski on CBC Radio programme Day 6. He thought it was biased and that Mr. Grabowski represented an extreme… Continue Reading CBC Ombudsman: Polish perspective

The headline, published in the newspaper and online this week, reported on yet another victim of the terrible toll of Toronto’s deadly streets: “Elderly pedestrian killed at crosswalk,” it stated.

… Continue Reading Toronto Star Public Editor: The age old issue of reporting on age

The complainant, Ira Zbarsky, objected to a story covering pro and anti-Kinder Morgan pipeline demonstrations. He said they were framed as equal. Programmers agreed with his assessment shortly after the… Continue Reading CBC Ombudsman: Framing creates balance

The complainant, Christopher Budgell, wanted to know why Sunday Edition host Michael Enright was able to attend the Canadian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies’ week-long lecture series in Cambridge, England.… Continue Reading CBC Ombudsman: Pay the piper

Readers, do we understand each other?

As consumers of news and information, do you have a clear sense of the how and why of journalism and its role in a… Continue Reading Toronto Star Public Editor: Do journalists and the public understand each other?

The complainant, Isi Erez, thought Carol Off showed her personal feelings through an angry interview with an Israeli politician. Tone is somewhat subjective – the interview was probing but I… Continue Reading CBC Ombudsman: Tough, not biased

Two greatly admired and creative people died by suicide this week: On Tuesday, designer Kate Spade, known for her colourful handbags and clothing, and today, chef, traveller and television… Continue Reading Globe and Mail Public Editor: Suicide coverage an opportunity to help

The complainant, Eric Wredenhagen, Registrar and CEO of the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia, thought an analysis piece regarding the deficiencies in reports about disciplinary actions from various… Continue Reading CBC Ombudsman: Writing analysis: Conclusions require attribution and explanation

The complainant, Adam Lewis, said that there was an error of fact in a piece about a Russian-owned, U.S.-based uranium mining company. There had been an ongoing controversy regarding the… Continue Reading CBC Ombudsman: Precision matters