In a country like Colombia, investigative journalism is practised only by the most courageous reporters. One of the most daring publications was the weekly magazine Cambio. It broke numerous stories that challenged government, including an expose of illegal wiretapping by the country’s intelligence agency of opposition politicians, activists and even Supreme Court judges. It also…
Iceland could have used the services of more incisive investigative journalists over the last few years. Very few reporters foresaw the breadth or severity of that country’s financial collapse, which has witnessed the failure of major banks and devaluation of the currency. Now comes word that a proposal to be filed with Iceland’s parliament could…
The Utne Reader has announced the founding of its Dead Magazine Club. Is this ghoulish, or a fitting memorial?
New technology does not always mean a new tool for journalists. Maria Conde looks at Google Buzz and its impact on journalists for editor’s weblog. “This new networking tool that mixes some of the programs Google has created over the years and could prove very useful for journalists…”
Online Journalism Review’s David Chase argues hyperlocal news sites can benefit from national or international events taking place inside your community. “Hyperlocal sites, by definition, are focused on their local community. However, periodically something happens in your community that has national significance that can draw some broader attention. More important is how it can accelerate…
Retired Major-General Lewis MacKenzie reasonably, in my opinion, criticized media coverage of the murder case involving Colonel Russell Williams. But at the same time, he smeared all journalists in much the same way he accuses journalists of smearing the Canadian Forces.
Heavily indebted CanWest Global Communications Corp is being effectively acquired by cable and satellite company Shaw Communications Corp., the companies announced. “While there is much work still to be done, Shaw’s commitment represents an important step towards a successful financial restructuring of Canwest and is supported by the Company and the members of the Ad…
NewsBritish Columbia’s attorney general promises sweeping changes to make the province’s courts more open in the wake of a Victoria Times Colonist investigation that exposed inconsistent access practices at courthouse registries. Mike de Jong says an outdated policy that authorizes clerks to withhold an entire file when a publication ban protects a name or other…
The Sierra Club of Canada filed a damning complaint against Canwest and Shell Canada, alleging they “violated the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards.” The complaint concerns a series of advertorials about the tarsands, paid for by Shell, which in some formats cannot be distinguished from news …
Well, dang Poynter’s Eric Alterman anyways, for popping the bubble of my favourite New York Times story this year: “Sinatra Song Often Strikes Deadly Chord.” The tale of how Philippines are killing each other over karaoke versions of “My Way” was so plain weird it was darkly funny. The kind of story you stop to…