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Supreme Court ruling makes need for Competition Act reform urgent

History’s habit of repeating itself has once again hamstrung Canadian antitrust law when it comes to preventing media monopolies. This time, however, the Supreme Court of Canada has left the door wide…
CBC Ombudsman: Following Fortress

The complainant, Jenni Byrne of Bayfield Strategy, Inc., wrote on behalf of her client, Fortress Developments. She stated that one of the reporters involved in ongoing coverage of Fortress was biased and…
The death of the homepage is much exaggerated

With a significant portion of the audience arriving at news sites via social media and search, the imminent death of the homepage is a common refrain. One senior digital manager told me…
Why trauma and mental health must be discussed in journalism schools

A foundation for resiliency needs to be built up before journalists are in the field. Continue Reading Why trauma and mental health must be discussed in journalism schools
CBC OMBUDSMAN: Balance and Perspective

The complainant, Jackie Thipthorpe, objected to a story about visitors at a veterinary school open house. The research project featured involved a cow with a fistula which enabled participants to reach into…
GLOBE AND MAIL PUBLIC EDITOR: The fight against ‘fake news’

Earlier this week, I received a complaint about a Globe investigation into a fake news site. The writer, who is a Canadian professor, called the article “fake news.” The Globe story labelled…
Year of reckoning looms for Canada’s newspapers

As 2018 dawns, it’s clear that Canada’s news media are in danger of lurching into the abyss unless Ottawa takes action soon. Enforcing our country’s anti-trust laws to stop the corporate consolidation…
CBC Ombudsman: Truth Over Time

The complainant, Mary Spensley, disputed the accuracy of a story about an LGBTQ teaching tool created by the Alberta Teachers’ Association. She was also concerned that hostile politicians were using the information…
Toronto Star Public Editor: What’s written in the stars?

Astrology is not science, so why do serious news organizations still publish daily horoscopes? Continue Reading Toronto Star Public Editor: What’s written in the stars?
The news industry has always needed government support: A look back to the 1800s

It turns out that newspapers in the 1830s had extensive government support. Continue Reading The news industry has always needed government support: A look back to the 1800s