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 “Media and ‘Fake News’” had the headline “NATO research centre sets sights on Canadian website over pro-Russia disinformation”. The article, by chief political…
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 and cutbacks in local news coverage would help to stanch the bleeding in the short term, but Canada’s Competition Bureau has recently shown little…
Hildy Johnson, in her pinstripe suit and jaunty hat, enters the office of her editor, Walter Burns. She’s quitting. She won’t be dissuaded by quick-talking Walter, her former lover. She’s through with the dirty business of journalism, wants to settle down and start a family. Walter doesn’t believe her. She’s a journalist, through and through.…
Daniel Dale was the most mentioned Canadian journalist, while @CBCNews led media organizations. Continue Reading Canada’s top media tweeters in 2017
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 to attack the toolkit. The CBC News stories were accurate, and journalists cannot refrain from reporting controversy because of the way it might…
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?
It’s been a year of highs and lows for Canadian media. Continue Reading The top 10 most-read stories on J-Source in 2017
2017 was another big year for journalism workplace restructurings, job losses and news outlet closures across Canada. However, not all news was grim this year: some journalism outlets launched new initiatives that created jobs, while several media unions negotiated collective agreements, ensuring that workers receive long-term protections. Here’s a recap of some of the year’s…
As local community and daily newspapers close across the country, their archives – and their stories of local politics, controversy and culture – are at risk. “Community newspapers tell us a story of time and experience,” said Claire Gilbert, an archivist and librarian at the Royal British Columbia Museum. “They’ve got everything from the way…
Donald Trump may be ushering in a golden age of journalism. Continue Reading Journalism’s secret friend?