Inside: The former editor of a small Nova Scotia newspaper quit over a public apology she says never should have happened.
LOCKEDLOCKED OUTOUT ATAT THETHE CBCCBC
THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF JOURNALISTS WINTER 2006 • VOLUME 11, NUMBER 4 • $3.95 L’ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DES JOURNALISTES–
Winter 2006 Volume 11, Number 4
Publisher Nick Russell INSIDE Editor David McKie
Books Editor DEPARTMENTS Gillian Steward 4 First Word It’s time for the brokers of government information to emerge from the shadows. By David McKie Legal Advisor Peter Jacobsen (Bersenas Jacobsen Chouest 5 JournalismNet That email you just received may be from a person pretending to be someone you know. Thomson Blackburn LLP) But don’t worry, there are ways to verify the authenticity of that message. By Julian Sher Designer Bonanza Printing & Copying Centre Inc. 6 Profile A feisty editor of a small-town Nova Scotia newspaper quit after management found her front-page story on the death of a resident to be offensive. Now she’s collecting Printer Bonanza Printing employment insurance. & Copying Centre Inc. By Kim Kierans Editorial Board 8 Writer’s toolbox Are you looking for ways to improve your writing? Our writing coach, Don Gibb,explains Chris Cobb, Wendy McLellan, 12 ways to look for inspiration. Sean Moore, Catherine Ford, 10 Books briefly Investigative books on Canadian injustices make their mark. Michelle MacAfee, By Gillian Steward Lindsay Crysler, John Gushue, Rob Cribb, 13 Ethics We need to tone down the rhetoric over blogging. Rob Washburn By Stephen J.A.Ward Advertising Sales John Dickins 14 Fine print The sponsorship scandal should force the government to improve the federal access to information law. Administrative Director John Dickins By Dean Jobb (613)526-8061 Fax: (613)521-3904 E-mail: [email protected]
MEDIA is published three times FEATURE a year by: Canadian Association of 16 The future of the CBC Given its lack of resources, the public broadcaster is not the service it used to be. Journalists, By Tony Manera 1385 Woodroffe Avenue., B-224 Algonquin College Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2G 1V8 18 Time for a change The CBC’s English television can’t maintain the status quo if it is to become a viable alternative for Canadians looking for higher-quality programs. Reproduction without the written By Donna Logan & Beth Haddon permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden
20 Looking in the mirror The CBC must re-examine the way it serves Canadians — and its employees. Media is a publication of the By Ross Eaman Canadian Association of Journalists. It is managed and edited independently from the CAJ and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the Association. DEPARTMENTS 23 Computer-assisted reporting The fight for data in Canada continues.Along the way we do experience success. Subscriptions: $14.98 (GST incl.) per year, By Fred Vallance-Jones payable in advance
24 Opinion Objectivity is impossible.And the concept of fairness, equally so. Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index. Feroza Master explains how her studies in Britain helped her reach this conclusion. Canada Post Publications Canadian Mail Sales Product Agreement 26 The Last Word The water crisis in Kashechewan seemed to take the nation — and its federal politicians — No. 182796 by surprise. The question is, why are we so out of touch with the problems besetting ISSN 1198-2209 aboriginal communities? Cover Photo By David Wiwchar Ken Furness FIRST WORD BY DAVID MCKIE Our information age and democratic deficit Access to information is being thwarted by politicians and bureaucrats who prefer to operate in the shadows
ur democracy has been at a critical point procedure that has become common practice for guidance of the CNA, were able to expose these for some time now.Never,it seems,have we rooting out pesky requests called Amber Lighting. undemocratic practices is a good beginning. Ohad the promise of so much access to Though by law bureaucrats and politicians are not Gomery part two is yet another opportunity to information about the inner-workings of supposed to know the names of the individuals push for better laws, lower user fees, and a new governments at the federal, provincial and making the request,they have devised a system for spirit of cooperation on the part of bureaucrats municipal levels, and yet the disenchantment tracking the occupations of the requesters. and politicians. But journalists must push by citizens feel about their governments is Knowing that a request is coming from a exposing secretive practices and doing stories increasing. So what's going on? And what can journalist or politician allows the political when bureaucrats or politicians attempt to journalists do about it? apparatus to go into high alert, crafting a message operate in the shadows. Well,for starters,perhaps we can engage in "a to counter the damaging story that might ensue, We must also fight against the tendency of struggle to advance transparency," a phrase or in some cases crafting policies to deal with governments to create special bodies to deliver Alasdair Roberts refers to in his excellent new problems the requests might bring to light. services.Jobb writes in Media Law:"As the federal book entitled Blacked Out: Government Secrecy in Fixing problems that have been identified by government has created agencies, or shifted the Information Age. In it, Roberts chronicles the requests, or revealing the names of individuals responsibility for government services to outside prominence of the duelling forces taking place in making the requests are indicative of a system organizations, the new entities have tended not to many democracies, especially the United States. badly in need of reform in Canada and in other be subject to the access law." Among the agencies, On the one hand,there is a tendency towards more countries where we, as journalists, may also want are Corporations such as Canada Post and the disclosure, the result of access-to-information or to file access requests. Roberts' book helps us Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. freedom-of-information laws, combined with a understand what we may be up against,and spells And speaking of the CBC, we are devoting a lot voracious 24-hour news cycle and, in the case of out what I believe is at stake if the struggle is lost: of space in this edition to the lockout that was the U.S., an equally robust political process that the ability to prevent a future ad scandal or any of settled at the beginning of October, shortly after uses information as a weapon of mass the other government debacles that preceded it. federal politicians returned to Ottawa from their destruction. On the other hand, administrations, It is against this backdrop that our media law summer holidays. For almost two months, the like those of our neighbour to the south and in columnist Dean Jobb sounds his own warning corporation's full-time, temporary workers and Britain, have attempted to staunch the flow of this about the federal Access to Information Act, an freelancers from coast to coast to coast were information, especially when it comes to national embattled piece of legislation badly in need of forced to carry picket signs, decrying their security. In the middle is a public that seems reform. While part one of the Gomery report was treatment. Because of an obvious conflict of disenchanted by the whole process and expresses explosive, it is the second part, due in February, interest (I'm on the corporation's payroll), I left that frustration when questioned by pollsters. that could take on more significance. That's the job of planning our CBC coverage to my board Canada, too, is caught up in this dynamic, because the report will discuss ways to fix the of directors. which Roberts, also a frequent contributor to democratic deficit described by Prime Minister Our contributors examine why the lockout Media magazine, explains in chapter 4 when Paul Martin.The Access to Information Act will be happened, and how similar disputes can be describing how bureaucrats attempted to deal part of that discussion. avoided. To help us address some of those with the now-infamous ad scandal. Citing There are some encouraging signs that questions, board member Chris Cobb called upon testimony from the Gomery inquiry that went journalists have been willing to push for greater former CBC president Tony Manera, who in his largely unnoticed, he describes how certain discussion. Recently, they joined efforts to shine a piece reasons that: "Either the CBC is funded at a officials tried to limit the amount of internal light on the system.In his new book Media Law for level which is appropriate to its mandate, or the information about the program, lest it become Canadian Journalists,Jobb describes a project that mandate is changed to fit the available resources." public. And when it did become public, thanks to was spearheaded by the Canadian Newspaper For Donna Logan and Beth Haddon, both the efforts of the Globe and Mail's Daniel LeBlanc, Association (CNA). journalism professors and former CBC managers, officials broke the law by disclosing his name,then The project "found that federal departments, the problem resides with the corporation's "prodded the department to develop guidelines to school boards, public health agencies, municipal television service, which is still struggling for an create the impression that the program contained governments,and police forces complied with less identity. They view the lockout as "a wake-up call appropriate controls against political interference than two-thirds of requests for basic information and a signal to those inside and outside the on spending." Then, the kicker: "The guidelines about their operations. The requests covered such corporation that real change, particularly in had no real effect on the operation of the program: routine subjects as classroom sizes, reports of English television, is the only hope for survival." they were drafted, the official conceded, 'for schoolyard bullying, the annual costs of sick leave And, finally, in his analysis, journalism cosmetic purposes.'" for civil servants, plans for street repairs, the professor Ross Eaman trains his sights on the Though such an admission may be shocking results of restaurant inspections, and the number managers. "The future of the CBC depends not to the uninitiated, it is hardly surprising to of complaints filed against police officers." only on whether governments can once again journalists who use the federal Access to Efforts to obtain information are made difficult recognize its indispensability, but also on whether Information Act in Canada, the United States and by the deliberate efforts of some bureaucrats and its own management can do better at nurturing elsewhere. Roberts also describes another politicians. The fact that newspapers, under the and replenishing its creative soul." MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 4 JOURNALISMNET BY JULIAN SHER You’ve got Email... to trace! You can take many steps to ensure that an email message is genuine
e all get email, way too much of it. And identification. Think of it as the street address on •Click Properties sometimes it can come from your house. It is usually shown as a four sets of • Click the Details tab Wanonymous sources or people claiming numbers separated by decimal points, like CNN's • Click Message Source button to be in important positions in a company, "64.236.24.28". • Highlight, copy and paste that text government or agency. But how do you really Similarly, every time you log on to the Internet • Or, you can use the keyboard shortcut know where an email comes from? The return to send an email — whether at work, at home or CTRL+F3 to open the Message Source email address can be easily faked. Try it yourself. in a web café — your computer is assigned an IP window and then cut and paste. Just go into the settings of your favourite email number. (Often, many computers in the same (For those of you who use corporate email program (such as Outlook, Outlook Express or office or Internet café share the same IP address). programs such as the CBC's Groupwise, there are even web-based services like Hotmail and Gmail). So the task in tracing an email is first, to find the more detailed steps on my web page at In one of the configuration buttons,it will ask you originating IP address and second, if possible, to http://www.journalismnet.com/people/trace.htm) what email address you want to be shown. You figure out where that address is located. Okay. Now assuming you've completed all the can type in [email protected] or steps above, you should see what amounts to a [email protected] and that's the email address READ THE HEADERS travel diary of the steps that email took to bounce that will flash across anybody's screen when you its way across the Internet to your inbox. For send a message. To locate this key information,you have to probe example, I recently received an email from It's a ruse that only goes so far: if they hit behind the simple face of an email. Most mail someone saying he was with the U.S. Department "reply" you'll never get their answer, whether programs, to keep things smooth and easy, hide of Justice. The message header looked something you're really in a cave or the White House or not. all the technical data that comes with every email. like this: But the point is, on the web, what you see is often You usually just see the From:, To:, and maybe the not what you get. CC:, information just above the subject line. X-Gmail-Received: 0ac5ff953e33e7c61391d4 Alternatively,anyone can create a "real" front by 994b8031f57180a017 setting up a genuine email account that then Delivered-To: [email protected] bounces (forwards) their return email to your On the web Received: by 10.64.179.14 with SMTP id main (hidden) server. For example, one of my b14cs1173qbf; public emails, [email protected] does that what you see is often Thu, 27 Oct 2005 13:01:52 -0700 (PDT) for me. But someone else could have set up that Received: by 10.64.193.7 with SMTP id account, pretend to me, and receive replies to that not what you get. q7mr1977781qbf; email address. Thu, 27 Oct 2005 13:01:52 -0700 (PDT) So every journalist should be wary ofemail Return-Path:
Maggots had fallen from the ceiling into the taxi to race around taking photos of such a sad event." stand. The maggots led a worker at the taxi stand As anticipated the front page story and photo upstairs where he found the badly decomposed provoked reaction. Three people wrote letters to body of Kenneth Gilroy, who suffered from severe the editor criticizing the coverage as too diabetes. descriptive and sensational. Those were the only The story,Belliveau said,was "a calm outline of three letters the paper received. facts." She wanted people to understand that Cummings said the phone at the paper "rang Gilroy was first and foremost a person — a quiet off the wall" all week long with people guy, a diabetic, a carpenter who liked camping complaining about the photo and story. He said and fishing. He had told his family he was going people stopped him on the street to complain and away, so nobody missed him. Belliveau also advertising clients said they were "appalled" at wanted to put rumours to rest.Word was out that the coverage. The newspaper didn't keep a record it might be a drug hit. (Gilroy died of natural of the calls. No one cancelled subscriptions causes.) because of the story. As a seasoned reporter,Belliveau knew that the Belliveau flew off to Alberta to receive an award colour photo of police in white suits and wearing for editorial excellence from the International masks carrying out the grey body bag would Society of Newspaper Editors.She returned home upset some readers. She knew the graphic details to find the paper had published a front-page of the news story mentioning maggots would also apology on July 13 for "the graphic story be a problem. pertaining to the death of Mr. Gilroy." The Belliveau e-mailed her photo to her publisher, manager of The Record, Kevin Cummings, signed Leith Orr of Advocate Media in Pictou. "He said, it. Belliveau was stunned. 'Go ahead, front page,'" Belliveau recalled for After receiving an angry phone call from the journalism students at the University of King's victim's father, Orr and Cummings had reviewed College. the photo and story and decided to print an The photo and story of the Gilroy death was the apology without consulting Belliveau. Belliveau knew this was the most disturbing story she had ever covered in her front-page of the tabloid (circ 2,300). After all, it "Knowing Susan, she would have had 15 17 years at The Record. was the talk of the town. The advertising manager reasons why we should not publish an apology. I at The Record, Kevin Cummings didn't see the he tip came into The Record in Springhill, story before it went to press. When he did, he was Nova Scotia, on Monday morning, June 27 — "totally amazed at the graphic nature" of the story. Tdeadline day.Yellow police tape was strung The reference to maggots, he said, went too far. around the taxi stand on Main Street. Editor Cummings is a third generation Springhiller Susan Belliveau grabbed a camera, her notepad and has spent 22 years in advertising with The and headed off. Little did she know this story Record. (Belliveau is from nearby Amherst). would leave her jobless and homeless. "This was the week of graduation. People were When she arrived at the scene a crowd had expecting nice photos on page one. The Gilroy gathered.Word in the town (pop.4,100) was out.A story should have been on page three. The photo body had been found in the upstairs apartment. should have been in black and white to lose "Despite the 31-degree heat, folks filled the impact and the story should have taken out the streets, driving back and forth or simply parking references to maggots.It had no news value," said and watching," Belliveau wrote. "Everyone's eyes Cummings. were glued to the building where the body was, Because she knew people would be upset, waiting for it to be brought out." Belliveau also wrote an editorial to accompany Belliveau started talking to people, gathering the story and photo to help readers understand information and snapping photos. She spoke to what reporters do. people at the cab company, friends of the victim, "Like it or not,death is news.Evidence of that is and police. Belliveau knew this was the most the number of spectators at the death scene," she disturbing story she had ever covered in her 17 wrote. "But if you ask any journalist, particularly years at The Record. a small-town reporter, most will say that In her farewell letter of Aug. 10, Belliveau wrote The body had been in the apartment for days. providing this type of coverage is the worst part it was painful to cover such a horrible story, People working in the cab company spoke of a of the job, partly because it's so macabre, but but she made no apologies. funny smell wafting down from the apartment. mostly because it seems too insensitive and cruel
MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 6 PHOTO CREDIT: Ian Porter PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Creagan PHOTO CREDIT: Blair Purdy felt a need to act to maintain the integrity of the newspaper," said Cummings. "I was caught up and never really thought about it, the consequences to the paper. It's a small community and to go into great details was a little bit overboard," Orr said. "There was nothing not true in the article, but why so much detail? Who benefits from it?" "That apology not only wreaked havoc on my credibility and made me look mean. It made my paper look gutless and that's the worst insult you can say about a newspaper," Belliveau said. "I don't regret the apology at all," Cummings said. "If Susan feels her integrity as editor was jeopardized with the apology, I say it happened when she wrote the article." Belliveau felt betrayed. She went back to Orr and asked for editorial control; she offered to go part-time and work from home, a company apartment above the newspaper; she asked for a Belliveau knew that the colour photo of police in white suits and wearing masks carrying out the public apology to her and the newspaper. grey body bag would upset some readers. She knew the graphic details of the news story mentioning "I hoped my publisher would do the right maggots would also be a problem. thing to restore my credibility and the paper's credibility. I won't work for a newspaper unwilling to print the news," she said. "If it happened once, it could happen again." After three weeks of waiting, Belliveau resigned.That move left her jobless and without a home. As soon as she resigned she and her 13- year-old daughter had to leave the company apartment. In her farewell letter of Aug. 10, Belliveau wrote it was painful to cover such a horrible story,but she made no apologies. "I felt that my duty was to provide the news as it was presented to me by those I interviewed and the things I observed. I reported it in the same manner as I have reported every other news story I've written for this newspaper — with integrity and accuracy." To this day Belliveau maintains she did the right thing. "The publisher failed me as a journalist, my paper, and my readers who depend on the news," Belliveau also wrote an editorial to accompany the story and photo to help readers understand she said. "The publisher should provide what reporters do. "Like it or not, death is news. Evidence of that is the number of spectators journalists with the tools they need to do their job at the death scene," she wrote. properly. He needs to step back and stay out of paper goes to press. If he's not comfortable with editorial decisions unless he has a strong editorial After 17 years with the paper, Belliveau is something, he said he'd approach Gooding. background." suffering from a loss of identity. "I'm finding it There are now weekly staff meetings. The six Now that it's all over, Orr says he would have difficult to cope with how things could go so people — two reporters,a designer,the receptionist handled this differently. "I probably would not be desperately wrong in such a short period of time. and sales staff meet to go over the news agenda so quick to do an apology and take more time, It's weird to say, but it has some of the very same for the week. Cummings sees no conflict. wait to get input from the editor." elements of heartbreak. I feel so incredibly "I feel comfortable with this," Cummings said."I Orr has nothing but praise for Belliveau. "She's betrayed. want to make sure the readers get the best product a great reporter and I had hoped she would have "Perhaps the worst part is the loss of identity. I we can produce. We have a good understanding reconsidered and stayed." used to be 'The Record lady.' I'm not that anymore and news and advertising can exchange ideas and The new editor, Christopher Gooding, is a and I am left to wonder who I am now." While help each other." Cummings admits that's Springhiller. He has been a reporter with The Belliveau wrestles with that, The Record will something Belliveau would not have accepted. Record for two years. He said that it's business as wrestle with its direction. The paper has lost a Belliveau moved with her daughter to a nearby usual at the paper. "I'm not into titillation; I'm feisty and courageous editor. I wish The Record rural community in November. Her federal into all information." and Gooding well. unemployment insurance benefits claim was Since Belliveau stepped down, Cummings said approved without a penalty for resigning.So while he is "taking greater interest in the editorial Kim Kierans is the director of the school of some of the financial pressures are off, she's still content of the newspaper." That means he scans journalism at the University of King's College in dealing with the emotional upheaval. headlines, photos and leads of stories before the Halifax.
PHOTO CREDIT: Blair Purdy MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 7 WRITER’S TOOLBOX BY DON GIBB Twelve ways to look for inspiration It’s important for journalists to remind themselves why they do this job
ournalists’ have a lot of hang-ups. covering National Nutrition Week — the passed and another looms. Who hasn't heard They often revolve around a lack of satisfaction is in finding a better angle than last "you're only as good as your last story" or that the J confidence in their reporting and writing year. only feedback you get is when you have done abilities and a lack of encouragement from One of my reporting friends would tell me he something wrong? newsroom bosses. They have fears and doubts was going to "write a story onto Page One." I Be open to constructive criticism.In fact,search and plenty of critics to remind them of their thought he was arrogant until I realized this was it out.Find a reporter or editor you admire to talk weaknesses — readers, contacts, editors, other how he put his "game face" on, this was how he about where you need to improve as well as what reporters, and retired English teachers. challenged himself on even the most mundane of you do well. Recently, my attention was drawn to a note stories. Who doesn't want to be on Page One? Every month or so, go back and re-read your from a reporter who had attended a seminar for Who says I'm going to write this story onto B9? stories to see what you did well and what you can writers and editors. "After a few weeks of hating One more thing — get rid of the word "routine." improve. You will have less emotional attachment my job," she said, "it (the seminar) inspired me to them and will be more likely to find ways to and reminded me of why I love this job." We all improve. need inspiration and to be reminded of why we do Remind yourself often Lower your standards. This isn't a licence to do such a crazy job. poor work,but an acknowledgment that often we So the letter inspired me to think of ways for of why you do this job. are too hard on ourselves. We expect to do good reporters (and editors) to regain their inspiration If you don't know why, work all of the time … and that's particularly true and enthusiasm for the job. But before you of the perfectionists in the newsroom who can't read on, you have to leave your baggage at the keep thinking. Otherwise, bear to hand in a story if even one word seems out door.You have to rid yourself of negative thoughts of place. An obsession for perfection can be and concentrate only on those things over which you might want to switch debilitating. you have control.You have to agree not to expend Remind yourself that some days you are a hack valuable energy grumbling about those things to a job with better hours, whose job it is to get it done, get it right and get it beyond your control. better pay and less in.There is much to be satisfied with in doing I should caution you. There's nothing down 'n' dirty reporting to deadline. In fact, you revolutionary here. Just 12 thoughts, ideas or excitement. often discover that writing flows better when you suggestions to take your mind off the don't have time to let a cluttered mind — should I distractions. put this in,should I take that out? — get in the way Read a book on the craft. I know reporters Such a mindset will make a story routine.I've had of telling a story. and editors who once a year re-read On Writing too many stories that proved to be anything but Take risks. Easier said than done, but it is the Well, by William Zinsser, or The Elements of Style, routine once I got into them.The challenge was to only way you will see your reporting and writing by Strunk and White. Do it. "Writing means take them beyond the routine. grow. Will all of your risk-taking be successful or believing in your writing and believing in Understand the tools of reporting and appreciated? "No" and "no." yourself, taking risks, daring to be different, improve your use of them. Stephen King says But you need to get beyond doing stories the pushing yourself to excel. You will write only as good writing is about making good choices when same old and safe way. Maybe you want to tell the well as you make yourself write." Zinsser reminds it comes to picking the tools to work with. We're story in the first person or through narrative rather us that while writing is the hardest thing people all working with the same basic writing tools, but than straight news. Maybe you want to try a do, it's a privilege. it's how we use them that makes our writing stand delayed lead where the news is in paragraph four. Other interesting books on my reading list: out. Try it.All of mine didn't work,but I found it gave Writing For Story (Jon Franklin); On Writing So commit yourself to sharpening your skills me a sense of freedom and challenged me to (Stephen King); The Art and Craft of Feature on writing leads,mastering the nut graph,making experiment. Writing (William Blundell). your quotes sing, strengthening your transitions, You learn more from your failures. U.S. writing Accept the challenge of routine assignments. on structuring and organizing a story, learning coach Don Murray once said, "I wish you I think reporters get a degree of pleasure out of good narrative technique, and on creating visual instructive failure." In other words,only failure can another reporter's misery, knowing that the images for readers. lead to learning and better writing.Too many of us supposedly crappy assignment you got means If you concentrate on improving just one aspect fear failure when we should embrace it. Overcome they didn't.I had reporters scoff at my assignment of your writing — leads, let's say — and you this and you're on the road to liberation. on National Hugging Day. I thought it had notice improvement, you will want to do more. Appreciate a good editor. I know this is hard to potential. The piece made it onto Page One along Be honest with yourself. Determine your swallow because of the "us" and "them" attitude with a picture (and four more inside) taken by my writing strengths and weaknesses. It's hard to among reporters and editors. I learned that a good delighted sidekick photographer. The challenge improve if you won't acknowledge there's room editor could save me from myself. He (in my case) always is to find an angle.And on those stories for improvement.Part of this comes from working would catch those little errors that cropped up in that come around every year — your third year in a fast-paced newsroom where one deadline has my copy (a name spelled two different ways), MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 8 remind me that not every anecdote was adding to my story, and ask a question I hadn't answered. If you are trying something different (as in taking risks — see above),you need to be prepared to explain what you are doing,defend it and discuss it.No point arguing with an editor if you can't make your point about why you wrote the story the way you did. Generate your own story ideas. Don't consider this a chore. You should be looking for story ideas all the time. Good ideas can be found in many places, often when you are working on another story. I once discovered a novel idea by simply asking Call for Entries for an interviewee if his farm was inside the city limits. It was, so I uncovered a story about the city's hidden farms that included a farmer raising beef cattle in an empty field next to an apartment Canadian building, just down the street from a shopping mall.Look for ideas as part of your news gathering. It's more fun and satisfying to do a story you found. Journalists Be a mentor. For those of you with experience, take younger reporters under your wing. Show them who to talk to,how to nurture contacts,how to The Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy established in write a crisp lead, how to handle intimidation from 1988, is an award designed to further the tradition of local politicians, how to get people to talk to them. And show them your passion for the craft. As a liberal journalism and commitment to social and mentor, you will learn more about your own work, economic justice fostered by Joseph E. Atkinson, former too.It forces you to think about what it is we do. publisher of The Toronto Star. Organize your own in-house training. Someone has to take the initiative, so set up noon- It will be awarded to a full-time journalist for a one-year hour meetings and invite some of your community's experts to talk about what they do research project on a topical public policy issue, and how they can help reporters. culminating in the publication of results in a series of The chief librarian can tell you what kind of articles, which the journalist is then free to develop archival information can be quickly obtained into a book. when you need it.The administrator of the registry office can tell you how to search land sales. Or one of your own reporters can talk about how he or she The Fellowship includes a stipend of $75,000. As well, a got that story. budget for research expenses of up to $25,000 is also Everyone won't be able to attend, but if you available. The research year begins September 1, 2006. make this a regular monthly feature, everyone should be able to make a few meetings.Hit up your Application forms will be available as of January 16, editor for a pot of coffee, some muffins or sandwiches, a small gift for your guest speaker. 2006. The closing date for entries is March 20, 2006. Remind yourself often of why you do this job. Maybe it's because you do different stories The Fellowship is sponsored by The Atkinson Charitable every day, because you like searching for the truth, Foundation, The Toronto Star, and The Beland Honderich you like talking to new people,you like writing,you Family. like interviewing, you like surprises, you like getting out from behind a desk. If you don't know why, keep thinking. For Application Forms: Otherwise, you might want to switch to a job with Elizabeth Chan, better hours, better pay and less excitement. Coordinator, Don't say "none of this stuff will work in our The Atkinson Fellowship Committee newsroom." We can't do that. Impossible. "They" won't allow it. Nothing will ever change. One Yonge Street, If you don't try to change the culture, nothing Suite 1508, 15 Floor will work. If you continue to believe your editor Toronto, Ontario M5E 1E5 won't allow this, nothing will change. Telephone inquiries: (416) 869-4034 Don Gibb teaches reporting at Ryerson's School of Journalism. He has been and remains an idealist who loves the craft of journalism. MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 9 BOOKS BRIEFLY BY GILLIAN STEWARD Investigative books are making their mark ... and so does an updated book on ethics
here is ample evidence that investigative Two CBC investigative journalists — Susanne to quit her job is the kind of situation the book journalism is far from dead in this country Reber and Robert Renaud — have delved into the addresses.) Should we name men charged by police Teven though so many news organizations are gut-wrenching story of an aboriginal teenager with soliciting under-age prostitutes? In the second loath to invest in it anymore.The evidence comes in found frozen to death on the outskirts of Saskatoon edition of Morals and the Media: Ethics in the form of recently published or soon-to-be- 15 years ago. Their book, Starlight Tour: The Last, Canadian Journalism (UBC Press, 306 pages, pb published books written by Canadian journalists Lonely Night of Neil Stonechild (Random House $39.95) former journalism prof. Nick Russell (also that take readers way beyond the usual diet of daily Canada, 432 pages, hc publisher of Media news. Kim Bolan, a reporter for The Vancouver Sun, $35.00) is not just magazine) takes on has been researching and writing about the Air about the fate of one these questions India bombings since 1985 when she was just fresh aboriginal boy. It is and many, many from journalism school. In her new book Loss of really about the more. This is a Faith: How the Air-India Bombers Got Away with systemic and violent highly readable Murder (McClelland & Stewart Ltd., 380 pages, racism that has and informative hc $36.99), Bolan pulls together the story of infected policing, and book with lots of the bombings, the life in general, in recent examples of victims, the police Saskatoon. Stonechild both sound, and investigations, and was but one of several not so sound, the trials. But this is aboriginals found decisions made by more than a rehash of frozen to death on the Canadian news organizations, and others. what we have already city's outskirts in the Remember the ghastly photographs of Saddam seen and heard. For past 30 years. How did they get there? Well, Hussein's sons taken after they were killed by Bolan takes us substantial evidence indicates city police dropped American troops? Was it necessary to run them? Or behind the scenes, them there, although no one has ever been charged the photographs of the dead young women killed brings us into the in connection with the deaths. Two police officers during the Montreal Massacre? Russell presents homes and hearts of were convicted in 2001 of dumping Darrell Night on hundreds of such queries and also provides ethical victims, witnesses a deadly winter's eve, mainly because Night lived to guidelines for editors and reporters. In the case of and suspects. She tell the tale. photographs that have the potential to offend he explains her relationship with the prosecution's key Reber and Renaud are based in central Canada suggests decision makers run through a short witness and makes that anonymous woman come with the CBC (Toronto and Ottawa, respectively), so checklist of questions; alive. She also details the threats and violence she unlike Bolan with the Air India bombings, haven't ✔ Is it to provide audience thrills? was subjected to as she dug deep into this story. been involved in coverage of this story since day one. ✔ To boost circulation? The loss of faith in the title is Bolan's. And for me And much of what they write about — such as the ✔ To communicate some social message? this was the most compelling aspect of the book. recent public inquiry into Stonechild's death — has ✔ To show off an outstanding picture? When she began covering this story, Bolan believed already been reported extensively, especially in ✔ Or is it because the picture has some that right would win out. Now that two Sikh Saskatchewan. Nevertheless, they add important indisputable, intrinsic news value? extremists long suspected of master-minding the detail regarding the lives of the main characters, Russell covers all forms of media in the book,but bombings have been acquitted, Bolan is not so sure. such as Neil Stonechild's mother, and provide some he tends to over-emphasize examples from print She regrets having counseled people with chilling examples of vindictive police surveillance of media, perhaps because they are so much easier to information about the bombings to go to the police, witnesses and their families. And there's no capture. And while readers may not always agree for in the end they were not believed. She saw other question that a strong narrative that wraps together with his take on certain ethical questions, that's people get killed for speaking out. Journalists like to all the people, events, news coverage and behind- beside the point. This book is valuable because it is believe that exposing the truth will somehow make the-scenes drama of this tragic tale leaves a much designed to get people thinking, and talking, about things right. Bolan shows us this is not necessarily so. deeper, and lasting impact than regular news the dilemmas of journalism in the newsroom, the Another book by a Vancouver journalist about the coverage. classroom and the living room. Air India disaster — Margin of Terror — is due for End Note: All you investigative reporters, as release in February. It's written by Salim Jiwa of The A QUESTION OF ETHICS well as dedicated fans of the New Yorker,will be Vancouver Province and Don Hauka (formerly of happy to know that you can now get over 4,000 The Province) and to be published by Key Porter Journalists are well known for talking on into the issues(half a million pages) of the magazine on Books. Hauka says it is the "definitive" take on the night about themselves and their work. While there DVD for $100(U.S). For more information and bombings and is the personal odyssey of Jiwa, who is no end of things to argue about,ethical questions ordering of the eight DVD-ROMS go to was covering Sikh militants long before the Air India often draw the most heat. Should we have run that www.newyorker.com where they describe the flight went down on the coast of Ireland. Jiwa is also footage of mangled bodies, or distraught package as a "journalistic goldmine." the author of The Death of Air India Flight 182 (W.H mourners? (Kim Kieran’s story on page 6 about the Allen, 1986). ethical dilemma that forced a Nova Scotia journalist Gillian Steward is Media's books editor.
MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 10
CallCall forfor EntriesEntries Michener Award 2005 Michener Award 2005 7KH0LFKHQHU$ZDUG
The “TheMichener Michener Award Awards is presented are distinguished annually fromto the other Canadian media media awards, organization because they judged emphasize to have contributed thethe outstanding arms-length examplepublic benefit of meritorious that is generated public byservice the journalistic in journalism. work” Now in its 34th year, the Award was established— former by Governor the late General Governor Adrienne Clarkson General, The Right Honorable Roland Michener,Entries P.C, are C.C.invited for the 2005 Michener Award for Meritorious Public Service in Journalism. The AwardVisit is presented our Website annually to forthe news full organization details: whose www.michenerawards.ca entry is judged to have made a significant difference to the public. Past winners, from media giants to small weeklies, have been chosen on the basis of hard-hitting impact, journalistic professionalism and the resources available for the project. Media organizations eligible for entry include: Submissions for the 2003 Award must The Award is open to all Canadian print, broadcast and online journalism,have or any combinationbeen published thereof. (An entrywithin may include,the newspapersfor example, (regardless joint print and onlineof publishing print and broadcast frequency); stories.) The Award is open to all media, from periodicals and small weeklies to networks and metropolitancalendar dailies. year 2003. Five copies must news agencies and services; be provided of a written description of magazines;Submissions for the 2005 Award must have been published during the calendar year 2005. FIVE copies must be submitted of a written description of the public service performed,the aspublic well as servicefive copies performed, of the story or as series. well as radio andFor broadcast television entries stations; FIVE copies of the written description are requiredfive andcopies one tape of orthe DVD story of the or story series. or series. For radio and television networks.A registration fee of $50 must accompanybroadcast each entry. entries, five copies of the The 2005 Awards will be the 36th since Governor General Roland Michener,description PPC, CC, establishedare required the annual and competition one tape in 1970. The 2005 finalists will be announcedof the in March story 2006. or series. Visit our web siteEntries for full should details: be www.michenerawards.ca sent to: During JanuaryMichener 2006 Awards only, entries Foundation should be sent to: Michener Awards Foundation The Ottawa Citizen,c/o The 1101Ottawa Baxter Citizen Rd., Box 5020 1101 BaxterOttawa, Road, Box Ontario 5020, Ottawa, K2C Ontario, 3M4 K2C 3M4
DEADLINEDeadline for FOR 2005 SUBMISSIONS: submissions: JanuaryJanuary 27, 31, 20062004
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TheThe MichenerMichener-Deacon Awards Fellowship Foundation is Canada’s was premier establishedhave in included 1982 inquiries to advance into the relationship education between in thepharmaceutical field of award to encourage excellence in the pursuit of companies and research funding at universities, the future of public journalism and to foster journalism that serves thebroadcasting, public interest. threats to privacy, To that and issues end, arising one fromMichener- Canada’s Deaconinvestigative Fellowship journalism of that $22, serves 500 the publicis granted interest. annuallydiversified (when racial mix.warranted) The completed to project, a journalist or a summary, for must fou be r The Fellowship is granted annually to a mature journalist for made available for publication by the Michener Awards Foundation. monthsfour months’ out-of-office study leave. study It provides time $25,000 aimed to allowat enhancing the the applicants competence as a journalist. winner to complete a project that serves the public interest and The fellowship is named after the late Right Honourable Roland Matureenhances applicantsthe journalist’s with competence. an interest Canadian in public citizens serviceor Michener through and the latejournalism Paul S. Deacon, are former invited Foundation to presidentapply andfor residents of Canada who are active in Canadian journalism are generous benefactor. theeligible 2004 to fellowship.apply. Proposals Visit of direct our CanadianWebsite interest for full are details: www.michenerawards.ca
preferred. Applicants must submit written outlines for their Entries for the 2006 Michener-Deacon Fellowship should be sent to: proposed projects. Study at a CanadianFellowship university may applications be part should be sent to: of a successful application but it is not required. University approval must accompany applications whoseMichener projects include Awards MichenerFoundation Awards Foundation such study. 130 Albert St., Suite 1620 130 Albert St., SuiteOttawa, # 1620 Ontario, K1P 5G4 All applicants must provide copies of academic recordsOttawa, and relevant Ontario www.michenerawards.ca K1P 5G4 work history. They should include a written authorization for leave and set out any additional means of financial support that may be available such as continuing salary and travelDEADLINE expenses. Past FOR fellowship APPLICATIONS: projects Deadline February for receipt 13,of entries: 2004 Friday, February 17, 2006 $ATELINE (ONG +ONG ! 7ORKING &ELLOWSHIP FOR #ANADIAN *OURNALISTS
!PPLICATION $EADLINE *ANUARY
(ONG +ONG !SIAS WORLD CITY IS A 3PECIAL !DMINISTRATIVE .EITHER THE (ONG +ONG 3!2 'OVERNMENT NOR THE #!* 2EGION OF THE 0EOPLES 2EPUBLIC OF #HINA RUN BY (ONG WILL HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER OR RIGHTS TO THE WORK OF THE +ONG PEOPLE UNDER THE h/NE #OUNTRY 4WO 3YSTEMSv PARTICIPANTS 4HE FELLOWS WILL ENJOY FULL EDITORIAL FREEDOM PRINCIPLE (ONG +ONG IS ONE OF THE MOST OPEN EXTERNALLY ORIENTED ECONOMIES IN THE WORLD BUILT ON FREE ENTERPRISE %ACH APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE A RESUME A WRITTEN PROPOSAL AND FREE TRADE LAYING OUT WHAT IS TO BE ACHIEVED AND A WRITTEN STATEMENT OF SUPPORT INCLUDING A LETTER OF INTENT FROM THE EDITOR 7ITH #HINAS UNPRECEDENTED ECONOMIC GROWTH (ONG +ONG PRODUCER TO PUBLISHBROADCAST THE STORIES IN THE RESPECTIVE HAS BEEN USED AS THE GATEWAY TO THE EMERGING -AINLAND NEWSPAPER MAGAZINE OR ELECTRONIC MEDIA #HINA MARKET )T HAS ALSO SERVED AS THE SPRINGBOARD FOR THE -AINLAND COMPANIES TO GO OVERSEAS )N ITS RECENT 2EPORT ON 4HE PROPOSAL CAN CONCENTRATE ON ANY AREA OF LIFE IN (ONG (ONG +ONG THE 'LOBE AND -AIL DESCRIBED (ONG +ONG AS A +ONG INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BUSINESS TRADE POLITICS h "OOMTOWNv AND A h$EAL MAKING #ITYv (ONG +ONG INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT )4 TOURISM HOUSING EDUCATION HAS BEEN RATED THE WORLDS FREEST ECONOMY BY THE (ERITAGE CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT ETC &OUNDATION THE #ATO )NSTITUTE AND &RASER )NSTITUTE 3ELECTION OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE MADE AND 7ORKING JOURNALISTS ARE INVITED TO EXPERIENCE (ONG +ONG ANNOUNCED IN LATE &EBRUARY 4HE TRAVEL MUST BE COMPLETED AT lRST HAND AND WRITE OR REPORT ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF BEFORE THE END OF -ARCH THIS GREAT CITY BY APPLYING FOR THE h$ATELINE (ONG +ONG !PPLICATIONS MUST REACH &ELLOWSHIP v ORGANIZED BY THE (ONG +ONG %CONOMIC AND 4RADE /FlCE #ANADA (+%4/ IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE 4HE #ANADIAN !SSOCIATION OF *OURNALISTS #ANADIAN !SSOCIATION OF *OURNALISTS #!* 7OODROFFE !VENUE " !LGONQUIN #OLLEGE /TTAWA /. +' 6 4WO WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED A PACKAGE EACH INCLUDING A WEEK LONG VISIT WITH BUSINESS CLASS AIR TRAVEL AND HOTEL "Y -ONDAY *ANUARY ACCOMMODATION 7HEN IN (ONG +ONG THE WINNERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT VARIOUS POINTS OF INTEREST &OR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT -R 3TEPHEN 3IU AND MEET WITH PEOPLE OF DIVERSE VIEWS AND CULTURAL !SSISTANT $IRECTOR 0UBLIC 2ELATIONS OF THE (ONG +ONG BACKGROUNDS %CONOMIC 4RADE /FlCE AT OR E MAIL STEPHEN?SIU HKETOTORONTOGOVHK OR #!*S %XECUTIVE $IRECTOR -R *OHN $ICKINS AT 4EL OR E MAIL CAJ IGSNET ETHICS BY STEPHEN J. A. WARD Piercing the Blogger’s Rhetoric There are six reasons why journalists on both sides of the debate need to tone down the rhetoric
ood journalism is the lifeblood by which a Fourth, the rhetoric reflects an inadequate They can advocate, secretly or openly, for political society collectively informs and reforms understanding of how news media should parties or lobby groups.Being "non-profit" hardly Gitself, in a critical and open manner. If you contribute to democracy. To be sure, let a guarantees virtue, and an impartial devotion to strip away the ethical qualities of journalism, thousand voices bloom in the blogosphere; let the public interest. there is not much left that is truly admirable.Take them critique and supplement the mainstream. The first step, then, is to turn down the volume away journalism's desire to unearth truths, to act But let us not lose sight of the fact that a healthy on new media rhetoric. Then we might be able to as watchdog, to give voice to a diversity of views public sphere needs more than diversity of have a meaningful discussion among journalists and to serve the public interest, and you are left opinion and strong, individual commentary. It of all types on what standards need to be with a hollow shell that is called "journalism" but also needs a serious, public journalism that has maintained, redefined, or invented. We need to is really more like public relations, entertainment the knowledge, organization and resources to stop fighting among ourselves and have a or propaganda. provide carefully verified information, in-depth dialogue in terms of what standards will best Today,the challenge for ethics runs deeper than and expert analysis, and complex investigations protect and enhance the ethical qualities named reducing unethical behaviour by journalists. The for the deliberation of self-governing citizens. above. problem is that we are no longer sure what Fifth, the rhetoric can skate perilously close to In this media-saturated age, it is unrealistic to journalism ethics should look like, in this multi- being inconsistent or, worse, hypocritical. In hope that this expanding universe of online voices media world. The pace of change questions the October 2004, after the United States presidential will suddenly eschew the pleasures of rumour and adequacy of existing principles and causes a sort ranting, and adopt a sober traditional ethic of of ethical vertigo where principles lose consensus, responsible communication. But perhaps we can or force. Journalism is in the middle of a difficult Journalism is in the middle hope that,at the centre of our news media system, transition from a traditional ethics to a "mixed of a difficult transition there remains — or emerges — a substantial core media" ethics, yet to be fully constructed. of responsible journalists, practicing all forms of How might journalists begin the task of re- from a traditional ethics media, and still committed to serious, public constructing their ethics? One starting point is to to a "mixed media" ethics, journalism informed by a respect for verification develop ethical standards and practices and impartiality. appropriate to the peculiar nature of online yet to be fully constructed. Despite the rhetoric, the ethical distance journalism, while piercing the over-heated between traditional and new media journalists is rhetoric that surrounds new media. The rhetoric election, academic researchers surveyed the top not as great as might be assumed. For example, goes something like this: Bloggers, and other new 100 news-related blogs in the United States. More several codes of ethics for bloggers have been media writers,are the true "citizen journalists" — than 90% of the bloggers said accuracy — proposed.They embrace principles found in more online super-heroes saving democracy from the especially fact-checking the traditional media traditional codes — accuracy and honesty, big, bad, sold-out corporate media. They are free — was important. Yet nearly 90% opposed minimizing the harm of reporting, transparency spirits unfettered by "traditional" principles. editorial controls or accuracy checks on their own and accountability. But first we need to end the Unlike the mainstream media, they don't "gate- content prior to posting. They also rejected the posturing and bravado that feeds off the keep." Why is this "over-heated"? I can provide six idea of using an editor to check postings for excitement which surrounds any new form of reasons. accuracy.How can a journalist claim both that she journalism or media. First, it is ludicrous to claim that new media is concerned about accuracy and yet opposed to In the end, the crucial question is not whether writers are the only "citizen journalists." This pre-publication methods to ensure accuracy? bloggers are journalists, or which form of simplistic attitude divides journalism into two Please explain. journalism is superior. The crucial question is camps — of saints and sinners — and ignores If the reply is that bloggers use a different form what sort of media system does democracy, or the thousands of mainstream journalists who of verification — correction by a blogging global humanity, need; and what standards and work every day in the public interest. community after posting — how adequate is this practical measures are needed most urgently. Second, it is ludicrous for some bloggers and self-corrective system? If I post a rumour that Surely,in our evolving media system,there should web-site operators to claim they don't "gate-keep" blogger and professor John Doe is suspected of be room for everyone who takes their journalistic or "censor," when their work abounds in the sexually assaulting a student, and it turns out to responsibilities seriously, regardless of their form selection of content and sources. be false, am I off the ethical hook by correcting it of media. We need to get down to the task of re- Third, the rhetoric ignores the fact that as later — rather than checking the rumour before inventing journalism ethics for a new age. bloggers gain social and political influence, and posting? their sites attract thousands of readers a day, they Finally, the claim that new media journalists Stephen J.A. Ward is a columnist for Media cannot escape the responsibility to provide are more credible than the mainstream because magazine. He also teaches at the University of informed opinion and verified information. Don't they are "non-profit" (or "non-corporate") is not British Columbia's School of Journalism. You can bloggers have such responsibilities, whether or persuasive. Bloggers, like any other type of also check out his new ethics web site at not we call them journalists? journalist, can be biased. They can have agendas. www.journalismethics.ca.
MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 13 FINE PRINT BY DEAN JOBB Gomery has important lessons The sponsorship scandal should spark overdue reforms of the federal access to information act
s expected,Justice John Gomery has blamed former prime minister Jean Chrétien and Asome of his closest allies for the $250- million debacle known as the sponsorship program. In a scathing report delivered in November, Gomery found "clear evidence" of political meddling in the awarding of contracts to Quebec advertising firms.Kickbacks,inflated commissions and other wrongdoing flourished due to "insufficient oversight." The program's administration was shrouded in a "veil of secrecy." There was a "culture of entitlement" among political officials and bureaucrats involved with the program.That's what happened.The Quebec judge is now immersed in the second phase of his inquiry — he must file a second report by February 1, 2006, recommending measures to help prevent such abuses from happening again. He can start by pressuring the federal government to give journalists, opposition party researchers and concerned citizens the tools they need to expose government waste and mismanagement — and to hold politicians accountable to the people they serve. The sensational revelations at the Gomery inquiry — envelopes stuffed with cash, clandestine meetings, Liberal party workers on ad firm payrolls — did not come to light because Prime Minister Paul Martin wanted to do the right thing. Nor was the sponsorship scandal blown open by Auditor General Sheila Fraser's report, even though it forced Martin to set up Gomery's investigation. The mess began to unravel in 1999, when reporter Daniel Leblanc of The Globe and Mail filed an access-to-information request after hearing "rumblings" about the little-known sponsorship program and the official in charge, Chuck Guité. In the years that followed,Leblanc and colleague Campbell Clark exposed examples of the waste and mismanagement at the heart of the program, basing many stories on records unearthed using the Access to Information Act.Their efforts won the paper the 2004 Michener Award for public service journalism and a CAJ award for investigative journalism. Gomery embarked on the second phase of his inquiry last summer. He convened a roundtable Aline Chrétien seems to be consoling Jean as he heads off for work the morning that the discussion in Moncton — the first of four held across Justice John Gomery released his first report into the sponsorship scandal. It was The Globe and the country — to canvass the opinions of academics, Mail's use of the federal Access to Information Act that led to questions about a program that was former politicians and retired civil servants. under the control of the former prime minister. As a newly minted assistant professor of journalism at the University of King's College in MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 14 PHOTO CREDIT: Jonathan Hayward/Canadian Press Halifax with experience using freedom-of- Ottawa's information commissioner John Reid, The new office of the Ethics Commissioner is information laws, I was among those invited to the has complained of "a deep distrust"of the act "at all exempt from the access law even though its Moncton session. It was held behind closed doors levels in government." Administrations from Brian predecessor, the Office of the Ethics Counsellor, — Gomery's idea, not mine — but participants Mulroney to Paul Martin, he charged, have ignored was not. were free to disclose what was discussed. the letter and spirit of the law. Under its proposed whistleblower legislation, the My role was to lead a discussion of the "There is simply no question," Reid concluded in Liberals want to impose a 20-year blackout on civil effectiveness of the Access to Information Act. his 2003-04 annual report, "that a strengthened act servants' revelations of government waste and Should it be expanded? Does it ensure that public corruption. It also wants to restrict access to draft servants enforce the spirit, as well as the letter of Justice Gomery has been asked internal audits — a rich source of examples of the the law? mismanagement of taxpayers' money — for The rationale for the 22-year-old act, I to tinker with the roles and duties anywhere from two to 20 years. reminded those present, is to make government of ministers and senior officials, Justice Gomery has been asked to tinker with the information available to the public, with "limited roles and duties of ministers and senior officials, and specific" exemptions to protect personal but stronger access legislation — but stronger access legislation — and its threat of privacy, cabinet secrets and the like. and its threat of public exposure public exposure — is the surest way to keep "Access should be the normal course," the — is the surest way to keep government honest. He should challenge Ottawa to Federal Court of Canada has declared. The call off its attack on openness on these and other Supreme Court of Canada says the legislation's government honest. fronts. "overarching purpose ... is to facilitate democracy Paul Martin has lamented our "democratic by helping to ensure that citizens have the will lead to a higher degree of accountability and deficit." Improving access to government records information required to participate meaningfully integrity on the part of elected and appointed would prove those were not idle words. in the democratic process and that politicians and officials." bureaucrats remain accountable to the citizenry." Evidence abounds of the Martin government's High-minded words. The reality — as every hostility towards greater openness and Dean Jobb is an assistant professor at the University journalist who has filed an access request knows accountability. Instead of extending the disclosure of King's College journalism department, and is the — is disheartening. Many agencies are not law to 18 crown corporations now exempt from author of Media Law for Canadian Journalists,a required to disclose their records. Officials err on access requests — a list that includes Via Rail and legal guide for journalism students and working the side of caution or deliberately thwart access by Canada Post, which were immersed in the journalists, published this fall by Emond Montgomery applying exemptions to records that should be sponsorship mess — the Liberals have the issue Publications (web link: http://www.emp.on.ca/ released. under advisement. books/0934.html).
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MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 15 FEATURE BY TONY MANERA THE CBC: LOOKING AHEAD The CBC today continues to have many strengths, but it is far from the service that it could and should be
ith the lockout of CBC's 5,500 employees who are members of the WCanadian Media Guild now officially over, questions are being asked and opinions are being expressed, not only about the lockout, but also about the future directions of the CBC. As a strong supporter of public broadcasting, it's impossible for me to remain indifferent to the impact of the lockout on CBC audiences and on CBC employees and their families.I sincerely wish it hadn't happened. Public broadcasting is, above all, a public service. It does not exist for the purpose of making a profit or employing people. It is a service paid for by taxpayers who deserve and expect value for their financial contribution. Because of Canada's unique history and geography, public broadcasting has, from its very beginning, been seen as a nation-building instrument. Canadians have easy access to American media products, the world's largest source of information and entertainment, on television, radio, print, Internet and so on. But we also want to develop our own cultural identity, and to be informed about world events from a Canadian perspective. The CBC was created with this objective in mind. The objective is just as valid and important today as it ever was,but it has Heritage minister Liza Fulla braved hostile CBC employees on Parliament Hill towards the become increasingly difficult to achieve, end of the lockout. She pushed for a resolution, while defending her government's record particularly for the English-speaking population. on its support for public broadcasting. It was a tough sell. The reasons are many, but lack of sufficient resources is the single most important factor. Over the past several years,huge cuts have been mandate, or the mandate is changed to fit the enable the CBC not to be obsessed with ratings,but made to the CBC's parliamentary appropriation. available resources. The CBC does not have the to concentrate on programs appealing to smaller In 1984, the CBC was fat and wasteful. It could power to change its own mandate, only and under-served audiences. The point is made and did absorb those early cuts. In 1990, further Parliament can do that. But, after countless that CBC Radio carries virtually no advertising, significant cuts were made. By then, the CBC, parliamentary reviews (the most recent being resulting in a distinctive and highly valued service although still not as lean as it might be, was "Our Cultural Sovereignty: The second century of by a significant number of radio listeners across unable to absorb those cuts and vital services to Canadian broadcasting," submitted to the federal Canada. Eliminating commercial advertising from regions were decimated. Thousands of people government by the Parliamentary Committee on CBC Television is at first blush an attractive protested, including many Members of Canadian Heritage in June 2003), Royal proposition. But in the real world, it would have Parliament. In 1995, further and much deeper Commissions and other extensive studies, some very serious consequences. For example, cuts were made, in order to help eliminate the Parliament has chosen not to make any how would one replace the lost revenue, in the federal budget deficit. That deficit was significant changes to the Broadcasting Act of order of $300 million? An optimist might say that eliminated, and Canada has posted budget 1991, which sets out the mandate of the CBC. It's the government would make up the loss. surpluses for several years now, but CBC's per fine to say, "let the private sector do this and do Unrealistic as this may be, let's assume that it capita funding, in inflation-adjusted dollars, that." But the private sector will only be interested would in fact happen. Would eliminating remains at about one half of what it was twenty in producing programs that are profitable or advertising be the best use for such additional years ago. Meanwhile, the CBC's mandate, subsidized. And if you eliminate from the CBC funding? I don't think so. There are far better uses adopted in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, schedule programs that make money, the result to which these resources could and should be put. remains unchanged. So, my position on this issue will be a need for more funding, not less. More Canadian drama, better regional news has been quite consistent over the years.Either the Another common idea is for CBC Television to coverage, a stronger presence on the international CBC is funded at a level which is appropriate to its eliminate advertising.The theory is that this would scene are only a few of the under-funded areas that
MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 16 PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Sharina could use a substantial boost in resources. Having annual report about the extensive measures in said this, I would welcome a modest reduction in place at the CBC to ensure the most objective, fair advertising on television, if it can be achieved. and balanced news coverage. I believe the public Given the financial reality, and a mandate that would benefit from having greater knowledge of is not properly funded, the CBC's options are these processes. limited. It should, of course, continue to seek Professional sports have been a controversial greater efficiencies, a process that applies to any topic for a long time. Critics who believe that well-run organization. But,given all that has been "sports" do not qualify as "culture" take a rather done to improve efficiency in the past, significant narrow and elitist view of what culture is. In fact, additional savings that do not harm quality are the public values CBC's coverage of NHL hockey, unlikely. Any organization that finds itself in this and the CBC has generally been able to recover its type of dilemma should identify its core strengths costs from advertising, therefore not relying on and protect them as much as possible. For the taxpayer subsidy. I see no reason why the CBC CBC,that is news and current affairs,as well as the should abandon such coverage, especially now that ways have been found to minimize the conflict with the evening national news program. Drama is costly, but important, because it's a vehicle for telling Canadian stories that enhance The CBC's per our understanding of ourselves. But given the resource constraints, I would do less drama, but capita funding, in with higher production values. It is better to show one hour of top-notch drama, well-written, inflation-adjusted directed, and produced than several hours of mediocre programming. dollars, remains at Comedy has been a success story at CBC Television (Royal Canadian Air Farce, Twenty-two about one half of Minutes, The Mercer Report, etc.) but it needs constant renewal. The challenge for CBC what it was twenty Television is to air programming that attracts years ago. large enough audiences to justify the cost,without pandering to the lowest common denominator. Dumbed-down and vulgar programs, even if they attract large audiences, should have no place on the public broadcaster's schedule. radio networks. While a free press is a pre- The CBC must offer its programs on as many requisite for democracy to work, it must also be a platforms as possible.Digital cable, satellite radio, diverse press. The CBC helps to ensure that the web, and the recent phenomenon of podcasts Canadians have access to a broad variety of are vehicles for dissemination of CBC content,and independent sources of information. the CBC is properly moving forward to take full The CBC's information services enjoy a very advantage of them. As technology evolves, high level of credibility, based on the application traditional broadcasting may be further of rigorous journalistic policies and practices, by transformed, so constant innovation and a very professional team of journalists,producers, experimentation will be essential. editors and other staff. News coverage is closely In summary, the CBC today continues to have monitored by the CBC itself, and extensive use is many strengths, but it is far from the service that made of independently conducted opinion it could and should be. There are too many gaps surveys to assess the public's perception of the in its programming, and there is too much trustworthiness of CBC information dependence on commercial advertising on programming. Over the years, I have read many television. Numerous submissions have been such reports, and while there is always room for made by CBC management to parliamentary improvement, when it comes to trustworthiness, committees, but the results have been CBC news ranks well above other Canadian and disappointing. Perhaps the CBC board, which is American broadcasters. There are also two appointed by the federal government, and which ombudsmen, one for the English-language includes several individuals with an impressive information service, and the other for the French- record of achievement in the cultural domain, language information service. Both operate should consider taking on a more sustained role independently of network management, and have in lobbying decision makers to address the traditionally been persons of impeccable funding issues. If the CBC board won't speak up reputation as journalists, whose reviews of for the CBC, the message, by default, will be that complaints from the public about the CBC's they don't care. journalistic coverage are quite rigorous and balanced. I am disappointed, however, that, aside Tony Manera is a former president of the CBC, from a brief reference to the role of the CBC's two and the author of A Dream Betrayed - the Battle ombudsmen, hardly anything is said in the CBC's for the CBC.
PHOTO CREDIT: CP/Jonathan Hayward MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 17 FEATURE BY DONNA LOGAN AND BETH HADDON It’s time for a new direction The slippery slope of compromise has taken English television to the land of the banal
he inside joke among program managers is could give back some of that money to increase degrading and disengaging programming the that you can make change at the CBC; you their support for the creation of Canadian world has ever seen." Tjust can't talk about it. Because, if you do, programming through the Canadian Television Viewers look to public television as an everybody from parliamentary backbenchers to Fund.That could indirectly help CBC television by alternative; they turn to the PBS channels, to the your next-door neighbour will tell you what they earmarking more money for CBC co-productions. provincial educational channels and some of the don't like about what you are doing. And that's to And, such a change might provide an opportunity specialty channels for relief. CBC should be the be expected, because, as they say, "the airwaves for Parliament to restore the money cut from the primary place that Canadians find such relief. belong to the people." CBC over the past 15 years. It's estimated that if An end to commercials,except in sports,would But the recent "labour disruption" is a wake-up CBC were funded, per household, as much as the be a competitive advantage for the CBC, just as it call and a signal to those inside and outside the British, German, Japanese and French has been for TV Ontario, and might well result in Corporation that real change, particularly in an audience increase. English television, is the only hope for survival. The debate about sports at CBC television has The status quo in English television is not a gone on so long that it could be put to music. sustainable or defensible option. This was made CBC English television When the suggestion is made that CBC should get painfully evident at the recent parliamentary out of sports,the argument is that it can't because committee hearing on the CBC. should be more of a sports makes money. The facts have never been Some observers would argue that this has been clear. There are those who argue that the money obvious for at least 10 years. That's when a public broadcaster that sports brings in goes to producing sports and Mandate Review Committee delivered a report to the CBC enterprise as a whole is no further ahead. government, which contained a vision for the and less of a Meanwhile, the dominance of sports, which is CBC. The report, like many before and since was well-covered by commercial television,hijacks the "blown out of the water;" "sunk like a stone;" "was commercial wannabe. identity and the public purpose of the CBC. There stillborn" — pick your metaphor — because, are entire channels devoted to sports coverage among the changes, it called for increased public The dominance of and the main commercial channels offer a wide funding. sports, which is well range of sports programming. Let's cease the No consideration was given to some of the debate and at least curtail sports programming, other ideas in that report. And there were some covered by commercial as suggested 10 years ago by the Mandate Review recommendations, particularly regarding English Committee. television, which should have been looked at and television, hijacks the The third suggestion — "that English are still relevant today. television should concentrate on being a high- Published in January of 1996, "Making Our identity and the public quality Canadian alternative" is, in effect, a new Voices Heard" concluded that the CBC English idea. Insiders at CBC have never seen themselves television "should phase out its commercial purpose of the CBC. as an alternative — they think of themselves as advertising activities… except in areas such as the dominant player in the field. They haven't sports." The report also said that "television been number one in the ratings for some time,but should dramatically reduce its emphasis on the memory keeps them from thinking in creative sports" and "concentrate on being a high-quality governments fund their public broadcasters, the alternative-programming ways. This confusion Canadian alternative …." corporation would receive $3 billion! It receives over identity, this cognitive dissonance, stifles The message from that group of experienced, about a third of that. creativity and inhibits great programming. knowledgeable "eminent persons" — one of Many inside the CBC believe that the loss of Has English television realized its potential as whom was present-day CBC board member Peter commercial revenue would gut the budget even a pubic broadcaster? In many ways, it has. But it Herrndorf — was that CBC should deliver a more and make it impossible to program. Others is not a strong enough or distinctive enough national television schedule of quality and maintain that without the prod of commercials, programming vision to generate a resounding distinction; it should go "up market" and invite which compel programmers to watch the ratings, "yes." The scheduling in prime time of old feature the Canadian people, who are smarter than TV the CBC would become too self-indulgent or too films such as Pretty Woman, combined with the programmers seem to think, to come along. In elitist. But elitist isn't what it used to be. presence of The Simpsons in the afternoon short, it should be more of a public broadcaster The modern television landscape could use a children's block, do not make for a high-quality, and less of a commercial wannabe. Let's look at little 'elitism.' Television programming has distinctive, fresh, challenging, surprising, vital, those three ideas beginning with a phase out of become a swamp of police drama, celebrity committed public broadcasting service. These are commercials. worship,sex,violence,consumerism and programming decisions born out of compromise A CBC withdrawal from advertising would witlessness. Former PBS President Pat Mitchell by people looking for solutions to money result in a windfall for private broadcasters. They called "much of today's television …the most problems and ratings for advertisers. That
MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 18 Sources_AD
Spoofed here on the Ottawa picket line, CBC television, especially in the regions, has been the real-life victim of cuts that have diminished its ability to deliver an effective service. slippery slope of compromise has taken English To reach this goal, vision, determination and television to the land of the banal. courage will need to be in abundance in the top CBC Television should be predominantly levels of management. With no increased Canadian, as much of the prime time schedule funding, the only way programming that is already is. But above all, it should be excellent; it excellent and distinctive can flourish is to reduce should be the best quality, the gold standard, with the number of programs and concentrate on news as the cornerstone surrounded by great quality, rather than quantity. This, in turn, would current affairs (now a sadly deteriorated form) mean that fewer production people would be and by documentaries and drama and the best in needed and the resulting savings could be children's programming. reinvested in new or revitalized shows, or in new Would such a move be enough to stem the services as technology advances. audience erosion in a multi-channel universe? Ten years ago a call for real change at the CBC Some would argue that the idea of a flagship was rejected. Since then the CBC has become channel which has something for everyone is no more marginalized and diminished. Canadians longer viable when there are specialty channels missed the CBC during the recent disruption of for everything from pet ownership to space service; many expressed surprise that they did science. Market fragmentation meant the death of and they realized they do want a public most general-interest magazines and many argue broadcaster. They just want a great one. that the same thing is happening in television. Perhaps,but if CBC Television were able to raise standards in all its programming so that it became truly distinctive, then it would have a Donna Logan is director of the School of niche in the multi-channel universe: excellence. Journalism, a graduate program at UBC. Beth The fact that it was Canadian would be a bonus. Haddon is the former managing director, English And what better escape from the swamp of police Programming Services, TV Ontario and now drama,celebrity worship,sex,violence and teaches at the UBC School of Journalism. Both are consumerism that dominates most channels? former news executives at CBC.
MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 19 FEATURE BY ROSS A. EAMAN Public Broadcasting as a renewable resource The CBC’s major downfall recently has been its failure to maintain the kind of working environment necessary for high levels of creativity and dedication
he CBC, it continues to be said, should stop trying to be all things to all people.It should Tcontent itself, the argument goes, with playing a much narrower role in the increasingly fragmented multi-channel universe.Its leadership is routinely criticized both for failing to articulate its own vision of this smaller role and for refusing to act upon various external blueprints for reduction. But why would we want our only national public broadcaster to define its purpose in some narrow,singular way? Why would we want it to see itself as playing merely a complementary role? Singular visions are sometimes dangerous, usually undemocratic, and invariably boring. A gallery with a single vision of art would soon become a dull place to visit.A university with but one vision of education would be a stultifying experience. The CBC does not need some new, unitary vision imposed upon it from either within or without; it needs many visions, inspired by the diverse ways in which broadcasting can enhance our lives. That being said, the CBC still needs to set priorities if it is to be successful. But the question Amanda Putz, radio host of the Ottawa-based program Bandwidth, is: by what criteria, primarily, should its success wears a sign that speaks for itself. be judged? The conventional answers in terms of relative Canadian-ness, audience reach and assumption that the media professionals government or the board (itself a set of satisfaction, and even audience size and audience responsible for providing programming that government appointees) is less vital than what the share are not entirely off the mark. But the most serves the public interest will bring to their task a board sees as its larger role. If it is to facilitate significant measures of the CBC's performance higher-than-normal level of commitment and representative public input, it should not regard should be derived first and foremost from the fact energy, but can expect to receive in return a more itself as a synecdoche for all Canadians,but rather that it was created as a public enterprise rather considerate, fulfilling, and humane working try to ensure that various forms of public than private enterprise broadcaster. environment. feedback are actually utilized in programming As a public-enterprise institution, there is a From this philosophy of the CBC's role as a decisions. As a first step in this regard, it should clear expectation that the CBC's programming public-enterprise broadcaster, a number of encourage the president to revitalize the CBC's decisions will be based above all else on what can conclusions can be drawn about its priorities and research arm, which has been allowed to wither best be judged to be in the public interest. In performance. First, the provision of almost away in favour of "communications" as mainly making such judgments, there is a further entirely Canadian programming should be taken public relations.As the most informed interpreter expectation that there will be a broadly less as an accomplishment,mark of distinction,or of public reactions to programming, the audience consultative process with the public itself.While a sign of virtue than as the sine qua non (though by research unit should be directly involved in higher level of accountability to the public's no means a guarantee) of serving the public program planning. elected representatives is also an earmark of interest.That the funding given to the CBC should Thirdly, programming in the public interest public enterprise, in the case of broadcasting the go to Canadian programming should simply be must not only enable us to participate as citizens main concern of these representatives should be taken for granted so we can get on with other in a democratic public sphere, but also provide us that the broadcaster is indeed listening to the matters. Secondly, the question of whether the with inspiration,fantasy,and humour in our daily public and seeking to fulfill its expressed CBC president, who should obviously chair his lives.We need drama and documentaries that can programming needs. Beyond this there is also an own board, should be appointed by the uplift as well as anger us; music, dance, and other
MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 20 PHOTO CREDIT: Ken Furness The most significant CAJ NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2006 measures of the CBC's CHANGING TIDES performance should be derived first and May 12-14, 2006, Halifax foremost from the fact Set your course for Halifax this spring! that it was created as a The 2006 CAJ national conference, Changing Tides, public enterprise rather will feature keynote speaker David Asper, than private enterprise executive vice-president of CanWest Global broadcaster. Communications and chairman of the National Post. Our exciting lineup of panels and roundtables will ask, and hopefully answer, questions like: Can you be a performing arts that can delight as well as parent and a journalist without losing your mind? enthrall us; and comedy that can help us to laugh Why do journalists get no respect? Is radio dying, at ourselves as well as engage in social criticism. and will free dailies kill the newspaper business? We also need programming that reflects the We’ll also have workshops on computer-assisted importance of certain sports in Canadian culture, though not necessarily produced according to reporting, developing sources, life at rural and other cultures' models; let the CBC continue to small-town publications, and the art of the broadcast hockey and football, but have it do TV interview and radio documentary. something more innovative culturally between periods and halves. Despite the massive cuts the CBC has suffered Also confirmed is filmmaker, actress and author to its funding and employees in the name of Nelofer Pazira, along with award-winning feature writer reducing the (now non-existent) deficit, it has and author Ian Brown of The Globe and Mail. fulfilled much of the promise of a public All that and lots more — we hope you’ll join us! enterprise broadcaster. Its major downfall recently has been its failure to maintain the kind of working environment necessary for high levels CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF JOURNALISTS of creativity and dedication. The future of the NATIONAL WRITERS’ SYMPOSIUM CBC depends not only on whether governments OTTAWA, NOVEMBER 12-13, 2005 can once again recognize its indispensability, but The Canadian Association of Journalists would like to say a special thank you to also on whether its own management can do those sponsors and advertisers whose contributions made the National Writer’s better at nurturing and replenishing its creative Symposium in Ottawa a success: soul. The CBC needs to be a place where a broad range of media professionals can have mobile, Platinum Partner: CNW Group rewarding, and reasonably secure careers. Its programming personnel cannot be treated as Platinum Advertiser: Desjardins Financial piece-workers whose talents are narrowly Friend of the CAJ: CIDA assessed and fixed by their initial contracts. Silver Sponsor: The Toronto Star In addition to improving relations with the Friend of the CAJ Sponsor: Reader’s Digest lifeblood of its enterprise, CBC management The cost of putting on an event like the NWS and national conference is significant, and delegate fees simply do not needs to become more pro-active in terms of cover the full costs that are incurred. As such, we rely on the support received from non-media and media organizations restoring lost funding. In particular, it should who have recognized the importance of professional development for journalists, regardless of the medium worked in. As such, we are grateful to these organizations and thank them for their support. devise a performance-based funding mechanism tied to its public-enterprise priorities and present it for the government's consideration. Positive • Sex Fully revised and expanded public assessments of the CBC's contribution to • Blogs AND MORALSTHE MEDIA our lives should be rewarded with enhanced • Codes Ethics in Canadian Journalism opportunities to provide more of the same. • Privacy by Nick Russell • Conflict “A must-read for journalism students, Ross A. Eaman is a member of faculty in the • Violence would-be journalists, senior journalists, politicians, media marketeers, and advertising sales staff.” School of Journalism and Communication at • Vulgarity Shelley Fralic Carleton University and author of Channels of • Budget cuts Influence: CBC Audience Research and the At any good book-seller, • Convergence ISBN 13: 978-7748-1089-0 Canadian Public (1994). $39.95
MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 21 3TUDENT *OURNALIST (ONG +ONG &ELLOWSHIP %XPLORING (ONG +ONG n !SIAS WORLD CITY
!PPLICATION $EADLINE *ANUARY
(ONG +ONG !SIAS WORLD CITY IS A 3PECIAL !DMINISTRATIVE 4WO WINNING STUDENT JOURNALISTS WILL BE AWARDED A PACKAGE 2EGION OF THE 0EOPLES 2EPUBLIC OF #HINA RUN BY (ONG EACH INCLUDING A WEEK LONG VISIT WITH AN ECONOMY CLASS AIR +ONG PEOPLE UNDER THE h/NE #OUNTRY 4WO 3YSTEMSv TICKET AND HOTEL ACCOMMODATION 7HEN IN (ONG +ONG THE PRINCIPLE 3ITUATED AT THE SOUTHEASTERN TIP OF #HINA WINNERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT VARIOUS POINTS OF (ONG +ONG IS ONE OF THE MOST OPEN EXTERNALLY ORIENTED INTEREST AND MEET WITH PEOPLE OF DIVERSE VIEWS AND CULTURAL ECONOMIES IN THE WORLD )T IS ALSO CONSIDERED THE BEST BACKGROUNDS 4HE WINNING STUDENT JOURNALISTS MUST PUBLISH SPRINGBOARD TO TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN THE GROWING OR BROADCAST SOME STORIES ABOUT (ONG +ONG AFTER THEIR TRIP #HINA MARKET IN THE LOCAL MEDIA OR IN THEIR UNIVERSITYSCHOOL JOURNALS OR NEWSLETTERS BUT THEY WILL HAVE COMPLETE EDITORIAL FREEDOM (ONG +ONG HAS BEEN RATED THE WORLDS FREEST ECONOMY BY THE (ERITAGE &OUNDATION THE #ATO )NSTITUTE AND 4HE AWARD IS OPEN TO ANY JOURNALISM STUDENT WHO IS &RASER )NSTITUTE CURRENTLY IN A RECOGNIZED UNIVERSITY OR POST SECONDARY COLLEGE LEVEL JOURNALISM PROGRAM !PPLICANTS MUST BE A 7HAT MAKES (ONG +ONG TICK AS A GREAT WORLD CITY AND A PAID IN FULL MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF THE #!* .ON WORLD CLASS lNANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE ARE ITS UNRIVALLED MEMBERS MAY TAKE OUT MEMBERSHIP UPON MAKING AN LOCATION ITS FREE AND LIBERAL INVESTMENT REGIME ITS LOW AND APPLICATION &OR APPLICATION PROCEDURES PLEASE VISIT THE SIMPLE TAX REGIME ITS TRANSPARENT COMMON LAW LEGAL SYSTEM #!* WEBSITE AT WWWCAJCA AND RULE OF LAW ITS WORLD CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE ITS FREE mOW OF INFORMATION ITS ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AND A TRULY INTERNA &OR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT -R 3TEPHEN 3IU TIONAL LIFESTYLE !SSISTANT $IRECTOR 0UBLIC 2ELATIONS (ONG +ONG %CONOMIC AND 4RADE /FlCE AT STEPHEN?SIU HKETOTORONTOGOVHK 3TUDENT JOURNALISTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE OR CALL -R *OHN $ICKENS %XECUTIVE $IRECTOR OF THE #!* ABOUT (ONG +ONG AND SEEING (ONG +ONG TO GAIN lRST AT HAND INSIGHT ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR THE h3TUDENT *OUR NALIST (ONG +ONG &ELLOWSHIPv ORGANISED BY THE (ONG +ONG %CONOMIC AND 4RADE /FlCE #ANADA IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE #ANADIAN !SSOCIATION OF *OURNALISTS #!* COMPUTER-ASSISTED REPORTING BY FRED VALLANCE-JONES The fight for data continues...... and we do experience success along the way
recently had one of those dreadful Clean emissions testing program. When it It was the worst of all worlds. Innocent experiences that sometimes befall Canadian released the testing data to us, after a three-year motorists were being hosed for 35 bucks, plus Ireporters talking CAR with an American fight, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment taxes, for a test they would almost certainly colleague. Brad Heath of the Detroit News and I insisted on removing anything that even hinted pass, while owners of old beaters just kept on were sharing beer and a sandwich before our at individuals, but there was still plenty to polluting. Some did it legally by driving through presentation at the Crossing the 49th conference examine. a huge loophole called the conditional pass. It in Windsor on the weekend of Oct. 22. Brad is a Drive Clean is one of those programs that lets cars keep on belching if repairs are too smart young reporter who specializes in quick tests your car every couple of years to see if it is expensive. turnaround enterprise pieces. a polluter. If it is, you're supposed to fix it, then Other motorists bent or broke the law, by We got around to that perennial topic among try to pass the test again. If you can't pass, your testing their cars over and over until they CAR types, obtaining government databases. passed, or engaging in outright fraud. Our As it turns out, Brad recently blew the lid off analysis showed that thousands of cars failed the locations of convicted sex offenders in a tests, only to pass miraculously just moments Motor City neighbourhood using an electronic later. Our story won the 2004 National list of offenders' addresses he got off the Newspaper Association award in the Internet. He layered those locations on a map, Because of our investigations category. and showed which offenders lived closest to privacy laws, data The Ontario government ordered an early schools. review of Drive Clean, and the latest speech It was a simple little project, knocked off in a here has to be from the throne promised an end to pointless few days, one we can only dream of in Canada and wasteful tests on newer cars. because of our governments' obsession with "anonymized," with Meantime, the Ontario Provincial Police protecting the privacy of criminals. cracked down on fraud,laying charges against I felt good that day, because Brad went home any details that would several men associated with Drive Clean shops smiling.He was finally able to leave a journalism in Scarborough, in the east of Toronto. There conference feeling good about access to records reveal an individual's is no question that Drive Clean is going to be in Michigan.He'd found a place where it is much around in the future,but it is going to be a better worse: Ontario, Canada. identity scrubbed program than it is today, more effectively North of 49, the fight continues for such basic targeted at cars that are the real polluters. The data as a copy of the municipal tax assessment out… to protect independent review recommended getting rid of roll. Even when we get data, we sometimes have bureaucrats who the current automatic exemption for cars 20 to fight for years to get information that is freely years or older, and to tighten up the rules on available on the Web in the U.S. might otherwise have those get-out-of-jail-free cards, the conditional We owe the privacy "experts" a debt of thanks passes. for helping us develop a uniquely Canadian to account for One big, broken system is at least partially brand of CAR, one that delves into issues fixed because journalists keep fighting for data. involving people, without ever knowing who the the failings in the Just recently, the Ontario government lost the people are, at least from the data. last of three appeals launched by The Spectator Because of our privacy laws, data here have to programs they over the Drive Clean data. The government had be "anonymized," with any details that would been holding out that the vehicle identification reveal an individual's identity scrubbed out, administer numbers of cars constituted the personal ostensibly to protect the individuals, but mostly information of vehicle owners because for $12, to protect bureaucrats who might otherwise you can look up the name, but not the address, have to account for the failings in the programs of a vehicle at a transport ministry office. The they administer. information and privacy commissioner This has forced us to be creative. car can't get its sticker renewed. In Ontario, the dismissed that argument, and the VINs are now We analyze the anonymized data for trends, tests are done by private garages for a cut of the public along with the rest of the data. then go looking after the fact for people to put a profits. It's not quite Michigan, but we'll take what we human face on what we uncover. We've become But as our analysis showed, there was trouble can get. great at stories that reveal big,broken systems.If in paradise. By looking at more than 12-million we can't find sex offenders, at least we can out Drive Clean testing records — every test from Fred Vallance-Jones is a reporter at The the bureaucrats, or the cops or the drug the start of the program in 1999 to March, 2004 Hamilton Spectator, and part-time journalism companies. — we found not only were almost all new cars instructor at Ryerson University. He is webmaster It was our turn at The Hamilton Spectator passing the tests, many polluters were slipping of carincanada.ca. You can reach him at when we shone a spotlight on Ontario's Drive by, too. [email protected] MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 23 OPINION The impossibility of objectivity Feroza Master thought objectivity was obtainable — that is, until she went to study in England
ame-sex marriage. Gay bishops. Decline of Whenever I sat down to write my script for a TV "To represent all sides of the story," another your own religion. story, I would ask myself: "Am I objective? Have I answered. S balanced my story?" I raised my hand and said, "It's what a These are topics that may make some By doing so I thought I was doing my job. It journalist should ultimately strive to achieve in journalists salivate at the thought of instant front- wasn't until many months later that my way of every story." page bylines. For those who are religious, or for thinking was blown out of the water. My professor was silent. He looked about over those who have opinions for or against the issue,it I wasn't satisfied with staying in Canada. I felt the class and shook his head. strikes them in the gut. People carry a lifetime of as a journalist I should spread my wings and He replied, "Every year I ask this. Every year I experiences that shape their thoughts. Each get the same answers from you. It doesn't matter individual also has opinions on many where you are from.You want the answer? Let me controversial issues. Some people have a religion. tell you the ones you gave me were wrong, wrong Others do not. But everyone has morals. And and wrong." whether we like it or not,journalists have to report "Objectivity in My stomach did a bit of a back flip.I felt like my on these issues.The question is,how do we do this world was caving in around me.How is objectivity to the best of our ability? journalism is not important to a journalist? I think reporters in this country are too focused The professor continued, "Objectivity in on objectivity and balance. All you end up seeing rubbish. It is journalism is rubbish.It is impossible to attain. in the papers is what each side says about an impossible to And add to the list the concept of balance." issue. And they ignore what the citizen says. For I was stunned. I looked about the room. My example, in an article published on July 21 by the attain. And add to classmates were also surprised. Four years of National Post about the same-sex marriage bill journalism school in Canada told me that becoming law, it began with the bill being signed. the list the concept objectivity is the one thing...the THING to Then they report on politicians who support the achieve. And now all of a sudden it means law, and those who are against it, and if the law of balance." My nothing? And balance — representing all sides of would ever be repealed. Then it ends with the story — that is also unattainable? Then what statistics on what the Canadian population professor also said does a journalist do? thinks.According to the article: "A public opinion I was gobsmacked. poll earlier this week suggested 55 per cent of that a journalist But as my professor began to explain his Canadians would not want the law repealed." But argument, it made sense. there are no opinions from Canadians themselves. should try to attain He said many journalists have morals and If a reporter — not necessarily the author of the fairness. Not opinions. Some also follow a religion. Morals, article in question — were to ask him or herself opinions and the teachings of a religion have been what they thought of the issue — if they were for fairness to sources, accumulated over a lifetime. These experiences or against it — and then asked themselves their form the way a person thinks. Like it or not, a reasons, wouldn't they realize that other people in but to the citizen. person has an opinion on a subject. It is the country were going through the same thought impossible not to have opinions on anything.And process? Would the citizen want to see that no one can just push all thought aside. Thoughts reflected in the media? Why wasn't it reported? and opinions are a part of a person's mindset. I didn't always think this way. Religion and morality are even more ingrained Based on my education in Canada, I was taught experience other parts of the world. I went to into the psyche. They form what a person is. How that journalists believe in objectivity and balance. London to get my masters degree in international can someone just push aside everything they They believe they can erase their opinions from journalism. believe in and dealt with in life and suddenly their articles and write about issues without any A professor with spiky white hair and square become objective? In other words, a blank mind personal opinion ever touching the black-and- glasses taught one of my first classes. He grabbed full of fact and no opinion with little to write but white page, or hitting the airwaves. a red dry-erase marker and scrawled the word what various people have to say about an issue. My professors always lectured that objectivity "objectivity" on the centre of the whiteboard. He Sure, some of you reading this would think it is was something that can be attainable. Balance, underlined it several times and asked us, "What possible.Some of you may think, "Hey,kid.I don't they argued, is important because we must report does this word mean to you?" know what you're talking about, but I've been all sides of the story in order to give an accurate "To be impartial," one student replied. doing that for years!" account of events. In fact, all journalists should strive to achieve objectivity and balance in every * Zoroastrianism is an ancient Iranian faith that was the religion of the Persian Empire until the Arab Invasion of 660 A.D. story. I took these lessons into the workplace. Zoroastrians are mostly found in Iran and India.
MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 24 PHOTO CREDIT: City University You may think you're an expert at it. I don't it's true that most scientists believe a pandemic is Before you begin working on a story,you have to believe you. Just because a reporter does not inevitable, then report that. ask yourself where you stand on all the issues.You clearly state their opinion in an article, it will still As for my article about Zoroastrianism, I have to ask yourself whether you agree or disagree always be there. It's in the way you structure your thought the way I could be fair is to look at the with what your interviewees are saying. You have article. Every step you take in the information- issue of why some people do not believe the to know your opinions on issues and why you gathering process is subjective.You decide whom decline is real. I dug a little deeper. I discovered think the way you do. Only then can you be aware to interview. You decide where their quotes will that the census numbers were not that reliable of how your opinions could shape your story.And appear in your story. You decide where you get and a lot of Zoroastrians leave India for other then when you are fully aware of your own your facts. And like it or not, your opinion of the countries. I then looked at the census of those thoughts, then look at the facts.Ask yourself what story or issue you are writing about will effect the countries. I discovered while there is a slight the citizen would want to know. Only then can a way you write your story.You decide who appears population decline, most people have just moved person attack a story that hits close to home. first in the story.You choose the quotes, the facts, away from India. and the angle. It's a subjective process. Through this experience, I discovered that the So objectivity is impossible. concept of fairness lets us get to the ultimate goal: Feroza Master is a news reporter for Citytv in As for balance, how do you know there are only to know the facts, accurately report them and Calgary. She has also worked at the Calgary Herald two or three sides to the story? There could be verify them. To do this, my professor said the best and CTV News in Ottawa. She has a masters degree multiple sides. One cannot go and get all sides of a journalist is the one who acknowledges their in international journalism from City University in story. And, if a reporter were to give equal weight opinions, their morals, their ethics and their London, England, and a bachelor degree in to two sides of a story, what if one side does not religion. journalism from Carleton University. have more merit than the other? It would not be truthful to give both equal weight. For example, if a majority of scientists believe the next flu pandemic is inevitable, it would not be fair to report scientists as being equally split on the issue. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I was fascinated with the population decline and possible extinction of my religion, Zoroastrianism* in India and how it affected members of the religion around the world. I wrote many stories about it. I would push aside my own opinions and report the facts - what the Indian census said, what UNESCO says, what Zoroastrians themselves say.Some believed Fellowship Winner the decline was real. Others did not. I reported the opinions of both sides and decided to let the Marie Wadden, a journalist, long concerned by the suffering of aboriginal addicts, is the winner of the 2005 Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy for readers decide for themselves what to believe. But her project entitled, “Tragedy or Triumph: Canadian Public Policy and after my professor in London made his point, I Aboriginal Addictions”. decided to write about the same topic again.Before I sat down to write anything, I asked myself what I Marie Wadden is the network producer for CBC radio in Newfoundland and thought of the issue. I found out that I believe the Labrador. Wadden has been troubled by the persistence of addiction in decline is real and I think it is sad. Then I looked aboriginal communities since she first visited Davis Inlet in 1978. The Atkinson back on all my other articles from undergrad. I Fellowship will provide her a year to thoroughly research and write about the realized that though I had not written down my issue and to propose public policy ideas for public consideration. opinions in my articles, the way I structured the Wadden is the first Atkinson Fellow to come from a community east of story revealed my opinion. I would start out with a Montreal. She began her career at CBC television in Newfoundland 27 years quote from a Zoroastrian who was upset about the ago and has worked in that province and in Quebec. Wadden has won a decline. Then I would give the Indian census number of awards, including a National Journalism Award (Canadian numbers.Then I would have quotes from UNESCO Petroleum Association, 1985), a Chris Award (from the Columbus Film and and priests. And then for the second half of the Video Festival, 1995), a Gabriel Award (National Catholic Association for story I had quotes from people who thought the Communicators, 2001), as well as several Radio Television News Directors decline was not real. I looked at newspapers and Association Awards and Atlantic Journalism Awards. asked myself why other journalists wrote their As part of the terms of the Fellowship, Wadden will receive a stipend of articles in the order that they did. Was it the $75,000 plus an expense budget of up to $25,000. inverted pyramid that made them write it the way they did,or was it what their subconscious believed The Fellowship, sponsored by The Atkinson Charitable Foundation the was most important? Toronto Star and the Beland Honderich Family, is open to all senior Canadian Before writing another article, I told myself, print and broadcast journalists. "Okay, this is what I believe. Now I am aware of it. Let me look back at what information I have Application forms for 2006 will be available as of January 16, 2006. gathered." The closing date for entries is March 20, 2006 My professor also said that a journalist should try to attain fairness. Not fairness to sources, but Telephone inquiries: Elizabeth Chan 416 869 4034 to the citizen.A journalist must adhere to the facts E-mail: [email protected] and make sure the citizen understands them. If
MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 25 THE LAST WORD BY DAVID WIWCHAR When will we learn to cover native peoples properly? The appalling living conditions of a Northern Ontario reserve caught the nation by surprise — this shouldn’t have been the case
he water crisis in Kashechewan has caused witnesses and paid a nominal sum (blankets, First Nation whose reserve borders the outskirts editors and journalists across the country money, etc.) to remember all namings and gift- of the village.Despite the number of Native people Tto bolt upright in their ergonomic chairs. givings at the event, to counter any untruths or living, shopping and attending school there, only "They've had to boil their water for how many misunderstandings that might surface years later. five band members have ever worked in town, years? Why didn't we know about this?" A recent After the arrival of the Europeans, many things despite years of attempts.This story is common in report from the National Aboriginal Health changed. Shunted onto tiny reservations, having most areas of the country, and is rooted in racism Organization revealed almost a third of 22,000 children stolen away to attend Indian Residential and prejudice. aboriginal respondents consider their household Despite all the negatives, many communities water unsafe to drink, and 60% said they have to have begun a cultural renaissance. Cultural buy bottled water because of health concerns. ceremonies are being renewed, and language Thousands of aboriginal people are suffering programs are developing as elders are again from asthma and other respiratory illnesses from speaking their language and trying to pass on toxic mould growing in their homes related to Non-native journalists traditional teachings to the next generation before INAC-funded substandard construction. There it's too late. are hundreds of similar stories within the 630 often have difficulty Unable to find jobs in neighbouring urban First Nations across this country. centers, or in troubled resource industries, First The fact is, Canadians know little about what covering stories in Nations people are creating their own businesses life is like for our one million First Nation, Metis, and economic opportunities within their own and Inuit people. I've seen the dread on faces of aboriginal communities. communities. reporters asked to cover an issue within a native Leaders,frustrated that mainstream media community. "You want me to go where?" I It's a different world outlets cover their failings but ignore their overheard one reporter ask his editor, as if he'd successes, started their own newspapers, been ordered into a foreign war zone. where thousands of magazines and radio stations. In 1974,leaders of Non-native journalists often have difficulty years of proud traditions the West Coast District Council of Indian Chiefs covering stories in aboriginal communities. It's a decided since the stories about them in local different world where thousands of years of proud have been smashed by mainstream newspapers were negative, one-sided, traditions have been smashed by a few centuries or ill-informed, they would start their own of cultural and racist oppression, and a palpable a few centuries of newspaper. Since then, Ha-Shilth-Sa (a Nuu-chah- air of distrust often greets anyone coming in from nulth word meaning "interesting news") has won the outside. cultural and racist many investigative reporting awards — including Journalists, like anthropologists, have been the 2004 Canadian Association of Journalism seen as people who parachute into a community, oppression. award in the community newspaper (circulation gather artifacts and information, then display under 25,000) category — and is a favourite read their findings without context or appropriate for all residents of Vancouver Island's west coast. history once they returned to their urban offices. Other Native-owned media outlets have sprung But as inter-governmental negotiation and up across the country, often for similar reasons. litigation have blossomed over the past few There are more than two dozen aboriginal decades, so has a new relationship between Schools, not being allowed to vote, hold newspapers in Canada,as well as many radio aboriginal leaders and the aforementioned traditional ceremonies, or even hire a lawyer, stations, television current events programs, professions.Anthropologists are now employed by the past 300 years have been difficult for Canada's magazines, and online news services.When APTN first nations seeking to prove claims in court, and native nations. Many factors contribute to the launched an all-native broadcast schedule across newspapers, radio and television stations have social problems facing our native communities: a the country, mainstream journalists were been launched to communicate aboriginal stories legacy of attempted genocide, residential schools, confused."Will the Aboriginal Peoples TV Network across the land. the Indian Act, and the overpowering effect of the ghettoize native news?" CAJ members asked at a First Nations have employed journalists dominant culture. But racism remains the largest workshop at the 1999 Vancouver Conference. for thousands of years. At west coast potlatches, modern hurdle. The reason for the proliferation of aboriginal the traditional equivalent to Parliament, In one tiny town on northern Vancouver Island, news media was made crystal clear in July 2002, several people in attendance are selected as almost half the local population belongs to the when Calgary Herald columnist Ric Dolphin
MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 26 enraged native journalists and leaders across the nations' successes and goals, many traditional Our native communities are brimming with country. According to Dolphin, Indian reserves Chiefs will not speak publicly, as families within stories waiting to be told. Reporters working in are "nests of hopelessness … a legacy of our well- their nations have been the appointed speakers First Nations communities have access to a gold meaning Victorian forbears who believed they for chiefs for thousands of years. Certain mine of rich, colourful and rewarding stories. If were being humane when they gave the conquered ceremonies can be photographed, others cannot. you're in an area where the local aboriginal tribes a place to call their own. Spiritual ceremonies of some nations are open to community has their own media outlets, contact "Birthrates, encouraged by child welfare all, while others are closed tight. There's no reporters there. Most aboriginal journalists I benefits, are three times the non-Indian level and guidebook or one-size-fits-all approach. know are more than willing to share stories with the progeny are typically fathered by several men, Education and familiarity will help a non-Native media, as they recognize the need to usually absent," was just one of Dolphin's insights relationship evolve. Get to know your local get important stories to non-native readers, gleaned from his interview with a cab driver in aboriginal leaders and elders. Sit down with them viewers and listeners. southern Alberta. over a cup of coffee and have a discussion, not an I truly believe the greatest day will come when In February 2003, the Alberta Press Council interview. Meet with them at their offices as most there is no further need for native media, when ruled the column was discriminatory,and ordered First Nations value in-person meetings as mainstream media outlets will be covering native the paper to print a rebuttal by aboriginal opposed to phone calls or e-mails. Ask to meet issues in a fair, accurate, balanced, and culturally columnist Maurice Switzer, along with the full text with their councils to introduce yourself. The wall sensitive manner. With some effort, education of the press council ruling. "The Calgary Herald of distrust will only come down if you work at it. and understanding, journalists will be able to displayed poor judgment in publishing columns When making those Monday morning fully reflect the lives and cultures of all members containing racial comments that are primarily exploratory calls to local leaders, include native of the Canadian mosaic, and prevent situations substantiated by unverified nameless sources," the leaders on your phone or e-mail list. like Kashechewan from happening again. press council wrote in its summation. If you're working on a story that affects First Days prior to the 1999 Makah whale hunt in Nations, call them! This may sound overly Washington State, The Vancouver Province ran a simplistic,but you wouldn't believe the number of David Wiwchar is the managing editor of the full-colour picture of the Makah whaling canoe stories I've seen about First Nations issues where Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper (www.nuuchahnulth.org/ on its front page along with a huge banner the only comments are from government tribal-council/hashilth.html.) headline blaring "It's wrong." A few weeks after spokespeople. the hunt, another Province headline proclaimed "Makah to hunt killer whales," even though the Makah,and many other west coast Nations would Continued from Pg. 5 HIDING YOURSELF never hunt killer whales for reasons of safety, as You’ve got Email... to trace! well as their belief that killer whales are sacred, The system is not perfect. being reincarnated Chiefs. Sometimes, the results bounce you to other showing the number: 149.101.1.103 Copy the IP Recently, after the death of a Nuu-chah-nulth databases, such as the RIPE directory for European number.It can sometimes take a few tries.Now go infant in Port Alberni, government and media web address, and you just have to do a little more to one of several web sites that allow you to trace were asked by native leaders to abide by ancient digging. or identify IP addresses. My two favourites are protocols and not use the infant's name or image Tracking an email for one of the popular web Complete Whois at www.completewhois.com/ and in their reports. The traditional belief held by the services such as Hotmail or Yahoo can be more IPAddress Guide at www.ipaddressguide.com. infant's family was said to allow its members to frustrating.Often the DNS trace will just show a generic Put in the IP address. (These sites also check grieve, and to allow the spirit of the dead child a host computer operated by these companies. But for other types of numbers for web pages, so be smooth transition to the next world. Few news sometimes, you can find out where the person logged sure you select the right button or space to look organizations respected this ancient belief, and on to use their account.For example,when I ran a trace for IP addresses) many rushed forward to challenge it. on a recent email I got from a Yahoo account,I got this In most cases, the results will show you the The Canadian media have done a horrible job IP address — 63.164.145.198 — which led me to: country, city or even the corporate server the of covering First Nations issues, and the key to email sender is using. For example, when I put in OrgName: Kinkos, Inc. changing this is simply following the basic tenets the number "149.101.1.103" I received this result: Address: 255 West Stanley Avenue of journalism. First Nations governments are like City: Ventura any other level of government; of course they [IPv4 whois information for StateProv: CA want their news covered with their spin, but HYPERLINK PostalCode: 93002-8000 they'd be just as happy to see an effort from "http://www.completewhois.com/cgi- Country: US reporters willing to cover their issues in a fair, bin/whois.cgi?query=149.101.1.103" accurate, balanced, and culturally sensitive 149.101.1.103 ] [whois.arin.net] Plus, you — or anybody else — can shield manner. Media organizations that cover OrgName: US Dept of Justice your IP address by using various web privacy OrgID: UDJ aboriginal issues with any frequency should have Address: P.O. Box 59110 pages and software (the most popular one is a First Nations reporter on staff to either lead or City: Potomac Anonymizer at www.anonymizer.com.) assist with stories to ensure they are not only fair, StateProv: MD Still, better to do everything you can to make accurate, and balanced, but also culturally PostalCode: 20859 sure the email message you get is genuine. sensitive. Few reporters have any idea of the ancient protocols that serve as the constitutions This information proves the email came from Julian Sher,the creator and webmaster of Journalism for each of Canada's aboriginal nations. the Department of Justice. Of course, it could be a Net www.journalismnet.com, does Internet training in Here on the west coast, reporters must janitor using a computer there and pretending to newsrooms around the world. He can be reached by navigate through many traditional protocols. be an important official, so you still have to use email at [email protected]. This article and Although today's aboriginal leaders are the traditional verification methods to make sure many other columns from Media magazine are becoming increasingly media savvy and see the the email sender is who she says she is.But at least available online with hot links on the JournalismNet media as an effective way to communicate their you know the email's origin. Tips page at www.journalismnet.com/tips MEDIA, WINTER 2006 PAGE 27 WE’RE THE RELIABLE SOURCES YOU’RE ALWAYS HEARING ABOUT.
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