Government enmity toward journalists a global phenomenon
The detention of two Reuters reporters in Myanmar should concern every reporter in Canada. Continue Reading Government enmity toward journalists a global phenomenon
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The S-word
Stop pushing student journalists to the side. Continue Reading The S-word
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What Canada’s major media are forgetting when they report on oil
Uncritical coverage of industry projections means climate change is left out of the picture. Continue Reading What Canada’s major media are forgetting when they report on oil
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CBC Ombudsman: Tough talk – confrontational interviews
The complainant, Laura Finsten, was appalled – as were many others – at a question put to a senior Israeli political figure regarding the number of Palestinians killed by the IDF during protests at the Gaza-Israel border. She also thought there was no regard for Israel’s perspective. While the phrasing was harsh, it is legitimate…
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CBC Ombudsman: Twitter Turmoil
In April, a man driving a van deliberately ran into civilians on a stretch of Toronto’s Yonge Street. The complainant, Mohamed Jiavdheen, objected to a tweet describing the driver, based on an eyewitness as “Middle Eastern.” He thought it irresponsible to publish that description before the information was verified. While live reporting breaking news will…
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New journalism textbook News Writing and Reporting is a straightforward guide for students
Bruce Gillespie’s book focuses on the nuts and bolts of news reporting — and that’s a good thing. Continue Reading New journalism textbook News Writing and Reporting is a straightforward guide for students
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CBC Ombudsman: Election balance on Ontario today
The complainant, Marc Poitras, thought the host of Ontario Today behaved differently to the callers on the edition which focused on the Progressive Conservative party, during the recent provincial election. He felt she was rude and dismissive. The host was challenging, as she was during episodes focused on other parties. There was no violation of…
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Toronto Star Public Editor: Western media’s failure to properly cover the developing world
Conflicts, coups and catastrophes: These are the stories Canadians are most often told about the world beyond our borders. Media coverage of international affairs has long been driven by dramatic breaking news events while deep reporting on the ongoing issues affecting the developing world has been as scarce as the GDP of some of the…
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Globe and Mail Public Editor: When weighing anonymous voices, consider the source
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 credibility, but you need those insider voices for many stories to get beyond the press releases and speeches. They are crucial when the news can’t be…
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Can reporting on vulnerable people do more harm than good?
Journalists need more than good intentions when venturing into Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to tell its stories. Continue Reading Can reporting on vulnerable people do more harm than good?