Statistics Canada data shows that between 2001 and 2016 the total number of journalists in the country declined by only 7 percent – and it looks like hiring is starting to inch upwards again. Continue Reading There are fewer journalists in Canada than 15 years ago — but not as few as you might think
The complainant, Henry Heller, objected to a radio documentary recounting the experience of a Venezuelan doctor who fled the country. He said it represented a particular political view of a particular class and lacked wider context. It was the personal experience of a particular person whose background is mentioned against the backdrop of the current…
The complainant, Norman Swan, objected to an Opinion column critical of people having large families. He found it “disrespectful of family planning choices,” and he rejected the writer’s arguments for advocating for small families. It was a clearly-marked opinion piece on a contentious issue. Balance was provided by another article presenting a different point of…
In the wake of accusations of sexual impropriety involving teenage girls against Alabama senate candidate Roy Moore, CBC News provided a feature story about the phenomenon in some Christian fundamentalist communities that encourages marriage between older men and teenage girls. One of the interviewees was Canadian and described as a member of the Mennonite Brethren…
Today’s digital-driven world demands new media literacy skills to create understanding of powerful platforms. Continue Reading Toronto Star Public Editor: Digital media literacy matters to all
The complainant, Nimra Amjad, asked that articles about her be de-indexed. She thought that this would protect her from harassment that she said arose from them, but still maintain the record. Ms. Amjad was a candidate for school board trustee in Calgary. She is still in the public eye related to that campaign. The material…
The complainant, Marjaleena Repo, thought that important information about an interviewee was absent. An Iranian exile who has been supporting a movement of women protesting mandatory wearing of hijab is also an employee of VOA – Voice of America. That information should have been included, she said, as well as the fact that it is…
The reality of the permanence of online news stories leads to requests for removal of articles. The right to control over one’s information and the right of free expression can sometimes clash. The norm in most news organizations is to resist requests to remove stories. “Unpublishing is rare.” Masse Sahar asked that a story about…
As far too many newsrooms continue to struggle for their very survival, it’s a good time to place more emphasis on diversifying the stories they cover. Continue Reading What Canadian media (and government) can learn from Black Panther
The complainant, Steve Zradicka, objected to the use of the f-word in an interview with two of the women who accused Albert Schultz of sexual misconduct. He pointed out his two children were in the car with him and it was unacceptable to use foul language, and that the warning ahead of time was not…