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CBC Ombudsman: Bias by Omission

By Esther Enkin, CBC Ombudsman The complainant, Art Toft, thought that merely reporting about the closing down of an activist group’s space because the building was being torn down was unacceptable. He believed it was biased not to mention the political positions taken by Beit Zatoun. He felt the article praised the organization. The politics…
Toronto Star Public Editor: This is no job for the faint of heart

By Kathy English for the Toronto Star I would like to welcome Sophie Borwein to the ranks of us public editors tasked with the responsibility and privilege of holding news organizations to account for high journalistic standards on behalf of their readers. We are a relatively small group of public editors, readers’ editors and ombudsmen…
CBC Ombudsman: Interpreting Perspectives

By Esther Enkin, CBC Ombudsman The complainant, Hans Dekkers, thought that any discussion of the Middle East peace process must mention that the Palestinian Authority and Hamas do not recognize Israel’s right to exist, even when the article is an Opinion piece. In presenting opinion, the writer gets to frame the argument. Lack of this…
Globe and Mail Public Editor: Trump, truth and the journalistic endeavour: The Globe’s readers weigh in

It’s a new world of journalism. It’s time for journalists to rethink how they work. The Globe’s readers have said what they want to see
Toronto Star Public Editor: What’s the public interest in the future of Canadian media?

A new report from the Public Policy Forum takes on the future of media business in 21st century digital Canada.
CBC Ombudsman: The sober business of news

The complainant objected to the host and panelists on Sunday Talk drinking on air during the New Year’s day programme.
CBC Ombudsman: Emotional Reporting

The complainant thought an interview with a World War II vet during a live Remembrance Day special was exploitive and inappropriate.
CBC Ombudsman: Assuring Accuracy

Time pressure is a daily reality of journalism. A complaint is an illustration of the cost.
Toronto Star Public Editor: When you were the editor

Almost 11,700 Toronto Star readers participated in the 2016 You be the Editor challenge.
CBC Ombudsman: Crime Reporting—Naming names in the digital age

The complainant, Paul Walton, thought it was not fair or balanced to provide the names in some crime stories, but leave them out in others.