Get the scoop on tthehe disher Mac Parry Christian joujournalismrnalism faithfully reporting the news

DocumentariesDocumentaries more tthanhan the 6 o’cloo’clockck newnewss ISM AL RN U O J

The Langara Journalism Program offers two distinct streams: • a one year (two-semester) program designed for those with university degrees. • a two-year (four-semester) program for high-school graduates Both streams encompass all aspects of the gathering, writing and preparation of news and feature stories for print and broadcast. Courses include: • researching and interviewing skills • writing for newspapers, magazines, and broadcast • photojournalism • publication layout and design Apply to: • media ethics and law Student Services • radio and TV reporting Langara College 100 West 49th Avenue • electronic publishing Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 2Z6 Check our website at www.langara.bc.ca Cover Mainstream media neglect Christian points of view. Cover story page 16 SHORTS

4 News nuggets edited by Gary McKenna Tasty treats for curious minds.

12 Mac the man by Annabelle Lucero Did you hear the news about Malcolm Parry? He’s not a gossip columnist.

24 Tuned to the dance by Brishkay Ahmed 19 Juggling family life and a journalism career is possible.

28 Talking heads trump the printed press by Clinton Swann Placing your trust in TV anchors.

29 Minding the public’s privacy by Erin Hitchcock A journalist’s take on the right to know.

30 An unlevel playing field by Aman Mann Amateur sports always finish last.

LONGS

7 Up in smoke by Veronika Stewart 10 Playing with objectivity is like playing with fire. 10 Covers of our own by Katharine Sawchuk How media affect our body image. 13 Media and messages: Cutting through political spin by Iain Stewart Should journalists be more PR savvy? 16 The gospel according to... by Mark Hasiuk Mainstream media neglect the Christian perspective. Cover story. 19 Battle up by Rebecca Aldous Mustering reporters on election night. 21 Life behind the lens by Chris Stephenson Documentaries tell the real story. 25 Cutting through the clutter by John MacDermid 13 Blogs: An alternative to traditional media? NuggetsNuggets Processed and packaged for News your satisfaction... Everyone gets The future is E-Ink a soapbox

writing love letters to pet tur- A company called E-Ink has partnered with tles or other animals. LG.Philips LCD and created a product called elec- The site aims to give every- tronic paper. This “paper” is less than 300 microns one a chance to be heard. The thick, which means it's as thin and flexible as con- Orato.com, the news website fee for a 500-word ad, and one struction paper. It has a resolution of 100 pixels- based on first-person journal- image, which is good for 30 per-inch on a six-inch by eight-inch screen. ism has launched “the world’s days, is only two dollars Essentially, E-Ink has created electronic most innovative and unusual American. reusable screens that look and feel like paper. classifieds section.” Users are encouraged to The paper is made of steel foil material provid- According to Paul Sullivan, submit comments or sugges- ed by the Sumitomo Corporation, which is then Orato’s editor-in-chief, the tions for the classifieds, such developed by a steel company in Japan. new classifieds section will as a new category. Currently, “[It is] 80 per cent thinner and lighter than glass allow people to announce or the categories are: announce- displays, and they do not break like glass displays. advertise almost anything, ments, bounties & rewards, You can roll them up and put them in your pocket,” including sex change confessions, eulogies, events, said Jennifer Haight, spokesperson for E-Ink. announcements, confessing genealogy, resumes & jobs, This technology allows for an image to look just lies, promoting demonstra- love letters, personals and like a printed page from all angles, even under tions, garage sales, tracking missing persons. direct sunlight, without reflecting light back. The down fugitives, finding long- e-paper is designed for handheld devices, such as lost relatives, getting dates or by Rob Swystun PDAs or pocket PCs, and uses up to 100 times less energy than LCD screens. Digital paper was created using nanotechnolo- gy; technology that determines an objects proper- Stay away Mary J ties by its molecular make up. Scientists are using this technology to increase the memory in small- er digital devices like Apple’s Ipod Nano. In a recent editorial, liber- drug testing an insulting ally sprinkled with sarcasm, a annoyance. Indulging jour- Los Angeles Times editor nalists in B.C. need not worry lambasted his paper’s drug though, because neither policy that requires newly Black Press nor Pacific hired employees to take drug Newsgroup have pre-employ- tests. ment drug screening. Noting that “We’ve never seen [pre- journalists and employment drug testing] as editors don’t a priority for our usually operate recruit- machinery heav- ment,” Oops! ier than a coffee said Brian pot, Norris, Mat t supervisor Welch, of human assis- resources for Pacific tant editorial page editor at Newsgroup. Norris says the Times, said most what people do at home Americans have tried mari- behind closed doors is their juana before the age of 25, business. and despite much govern- “There’s what people do in ment propaganda, most peo- their spare time and what ple don’t move on to harder people do on the job.” drugs. He called pre-employment by Rob Swystun

4 Langara Journalism Review 2006 News Editor Gary McKenna

NUMBERSNUMBERS The Quark killer

Graduating journalism stu- Quark as the gold standard of 20 the percentage of growth of dents are starting their job desktop publishing software,” search at an awkward time in writes Peter Josselyn, the com- community newspapers in Canada the industry. munications coordinator for since 2000 Most students have the Canadian Community spent the last few Newspaper Association. years learning the Josselyn speculates ins and outs of the the reason for the switch desktop publishing might be the cost. Adobe 2 the percentage of growth of daily standard, InDesign is roughly the QuarkXpress. same price as newspapers in Canada since 2000 But with the QuarkXpress, but when growing popularity purchased with the of Adobe InDesign Adobe Creative Suite, a in Canadian news- software package contain- 41 the percentage of newspaper rooms, the most recent grads ing Photoshop and illustrator, operating costs that goes towards are already behind the times. the can’t be beat. “Adobe's InDesign is gaining That’s music to the ears of staff salaries and benefits in market share in the publishing any editor at a struggling com- Canada. industry and will likely replace munity paper.

$739.90 average weekly earnings Freebies hike trash, for a newspaper reporter in B.C. not readers—study

Judging by the knee-deep over the last year. Publishers 53 number of journalists killed on amount of garbage generated hoped to use the new papers by the free dailies in as a way of luring younger the job worldwide in 2004. Vancouver, you would think readers to the medium. everyone is reading the news- Even smaller towns on paper. Vancouver Island have But a study done by newspa- jumped on the free daily 907 number of journalists arrest- per audience researchers bandwagon, with cities like James Collins and Kathleen Campbell River, Parksville, ed on the job world wide in 2004. Mahoney says otherwise. Nanaimo, Comox and According to a report the Cowichan Valley all boasting pair co-authored, the new papers. free dailies that have been Vancouver Island News 12 number of journalists killed in scattered throughout North Group publisher Wayne the Western Hemisphere in 2004. America have done nothing Porter said the new papers to increase overall newspa- are meant for a quick read per readership. and should not be seen as People who pick up the free people’s only source for news. dailies do so in addition to “They are more of a coffee 42 number journalists arrested in their regular paid newspaper read,” said Porter. “It’s an reading. overview of what you would the Western Hemisphere in 2004. Bite-size newspapers like get from a major daily.” the Metro, Dose and 24 Hours have popped up in Vancouver by Gary McKenna

Langara Journalism Review 2006 5 The Langara Journalism Review

A magazine focusing on media issues and trends in Western Canada, edited and produced by Langara College journalism students

Editor Chris Stephenson Managing Editor Erin Hitchcock Art Director Katharine Sawchuk Photo Editors John MacDermid Brishkay Ahmed Copy Editor Mark Hasiuk News Editor LJR 2006 staff celebrate 10th year Gary McKenna Left to Right: Aman Mann, Clinton Swann, John MacDermid, Chris Stephenson, Rob Swystun, Iain Stewart, Courtney Carne, Gary McKenna, Mark Hasiuk, Annabelle Lucero, Kumal Dhillon Page Editors Sitting Left to Right: Brishkay Ahmed, Rebecca Aldous, Katharine Sawchuk, Erin Hitchcock, Veronika Kumal Dhillon Stewart, Sucheta Singh Clinton Swann Veronika Stewart A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Rebecca Aldous Aman Mann Sucheta Singh 10 years: A look at the past and present Iain Stewart Cover Team Kumal Dhillon n celebration of the LJR’s 10th year, this issue is dedicated to all the students and Katharine Sawchuk instructors who have put their hands and minds into this magazine. For a decade, Courtney Carne the LJR has represented the voice of a new generation of journalists. John MacDermid I Brishkay Ahmed Approximately 180 students have taken part in the conception and construction of this magazine over the last 10 years. The LJR has become a well-known vehicle for students Production Manager to discuss and challenge the media as they see it. Students have written thought-pro- Courtney Carne voking articles criticizing media conglomeration, debating ethical principals, present- ing technological advances, profiling the industry’s best and brightest and questioning Webmaster how they, as students, fit into the new-found roles of public watchdogs. Rob Swystun The magazine is also a final test for students to work as a team and sharpen their skills. They have lived and breathed the Langara journalism program for two years, Associate Publisher jamming as much knowledge and skill into their brains as possible. This is the final Sucheta Singh product of their efforts, from the photos and layout, to the titles and copy. But the LJR is not just a tangible magazine. For students, it is a conclusion to train- Instructor/ Consulting Editor ing and an introduction to a career. The bright minds that have contributed to the LJR Rob Dykstra over the years are now your reporters, anchors, sports commentators, public relations Published by representatives and foreign correspondents. As the class of 2006, we are also ready to Langara College Journalism Dept. take the next step and enter the demanding and highly competitive workforce across 100 West 49th Ave. the country and around the globe. Vancouver, B.C. I look through the pages of the past and present with admiration. The class of 2006 V5Y 2Z6 has not only successfully produced the 10th issue of the magazine, but all 180 of us have Telephone: 604-323-5415 passed 10 years of discussion, debate and skill into the LJR, making it what it is today. http://www.langara.bc.ca/ljr

Printed by Nathen Printing, Burnaby, B.C. —Chris Stephenson Cover Photo: John MacDermid

6 Langara Journalism Review 2006 In journalism, the ability to step back and assess any situation with a freedom from personal bias is prized above all else. This is the story of one reporter’s struggle with the ever present demon of objectivity.

by Veronika Stewart

s I descend the retro-purple carpeted stairs in the tells me I can sit and he leaves to use the bathroom. His office Marijuana Party bookstore, the air is warm, thick, and walls are papered with self-promoting articles, pot cartoons, Ajuicy with pot smoke. A girl on the stairs tells me Marc Reefer Madness posters, and the Marijuana Party's declara- Emery is in the back office. I'm nervous because this interview tion of policies. When he returns, I can't help but comment on isn't like the ones I’m used to. An open office door reveals the smell. With arms spread and grinning, as if on the brink of Emery on the phone. He gives me a nod. When he finishes, he embrace, he suggests we "smoke a joint and make love.”

BRISHKAY AHMED AND CLINTON SWANN - PHOTO ILLUSTRATION Columnist Kevin Potvin wants to be a politician: ”I’m going to see what I can get away with.”

Langara Journalism Review 2006 7 This is where my struggle with the is during an all-candidates forum for the ured I should put my money where my beast of objectivity begins. He is a stub- 2005 municipal elections at Britannia mouth is,” Potvin says with a shrug. “I by, obstinate character. I've heard his Secondary School in the Commercial hope to have my own writing mature by name propped up by instructors and vet- Drive area. The usual suspects, Coalition this process. A view on the inside will erans of the trade, and realize his impor- of Progessive Electors, Non-Partisan give me a better perspective.” When tance in the journalistic pursuit of truth. Association and Vision Vancouver can- asked about the conflict of interest he'd But it isn't that simple. Rejecting didates are present, along with two inde- be entering into if elected, he acknowl- Emery's offer may put the self-pro- pendents: Darrell Zimmerman, whose edges its existence but says he'll contin- claimed “prince of pot” on edge, as he loud antics receive numerous “shut ue to write anyway, even though he may might assume I don't approve of his up- ups,” and Kevin Potvin, owner and con- sacrifice objectivity. All the while, the in-smoke lifestyle. But then again, tributor of The Republic newspaper and objectivity demon makes gruesome accepting the offer is a conflict of inter- a Vancouver Courier columnist. When I faces, accompanied by a variety of little est and a farce on the traditional concept hear Potvin is a journalist, my ears perk jigs. of objectivity. By sharing a joint, I might up and red lights go off in my head. I Incidentally, conflict of interest is be making friends with him, which speculate this guy definitely has a beef defined as conflict between the private might compromise my ability to write a with the objectivity monster. I arrange interests of an individual and the public fair story. I'm stuck. The grimacing an interview with Potvin, figuring he'll good. Objectivity is defined as the ability objectivity monster blows raspberries at have his own definition of objectivity. to perceive or describe something with- me across Emery's desk before letting This supposition is furthered when he out being influenced by personal emo- out a high-pitched cackle, his spiked tail says he intends to continue writing if tions or prejudices. Although the two whipping my shins as he scuttles out of elected (a revelation that was probably concepts have different definitions, they the room. This is when I are unarguably intertwined. resolve to hunt him down. I For example, being paid to think if I can catch him he'll comment on municipal reveal himself to me, and affairs, while also an elected the closer I'll be to having “I see it from everybody's official, makes it difficult to the “it” our journalism write critically about the instructors describe: objec- point of view, but conflict office. Objectivity is nearly tivity. impossible if you have a con- I next encounter him at of interest exists all over flict of interest, and that's a presentation by why major news agencies dis- Vancouver Sun city editor the place. You can find a courage such involvement. Valerie Casselton. When I “I'm going to see what I can ask her how close is too serious conflict of interest get away with,” Potvin muses, close to a source, she is while the objectivity demon strict in her reply. She in every career.” scowls and clicks his heels. “If wouldn't meet with a you don't like it, don't vote for source later than scheduled - Kevin Potvin me.” work hours or accept calls “I see it from everybody's at home. She adds she'd point of view, but conflict of limit contact to coffee dates interest exists all over the since dinner is a more inti- place,” says Potvin. “You can mate setting and could be misinterpret- enough to make the objectivity demon find a serious conflict of interest in every ed. And there he is. Poking his pudgy wet his little shorts). I meet Potvin later career.” The objectivity demon takes a reddish little face out from behind her at a noisy Italian café called Abruzzo's. break from making faces at Potvin and chair. “That's it,” I thought. “I may have He calls it his office. He's running late, sits down with an “Oomph!” my prey!” Casselton's policy may be the but I don't mind. I use the time to absorb The American Society of Journalists answer to remaining objective. Then to the scene. A myriad of dark greens, reds, and Authors on conflict of interest: my dismay, Casselton begins to cite and whites make the place closely “Journalists should be free of obligation other professional journalists who han- resemble an Italian flag. A group of to any interest other than the public's dle sources quite differently. She says stout, old Italian men make uncharacter- right to know,” and “Journalists should objectivity is in the eyes of the beholder. istic cooing noises over a baby in the cor- avoid conflict of interest, real or per- Apparently some journalists dive head- ner. When Potvin arrives, I see the objec- ceived, and remain free of associations first into stories and get much closer tivity demon following him. He darts that may compromise integrity or dam- than she would. With a wink and a coy between stools at the front counter, occa- age credibility.” But the ASJA also says grin, the little gremlin of objectivity sionally nipping at Potvin's ankles. After journalists should “recognize a special scurries back behind her. I slump in my I explained the concept of my story, we obligation to ensure that the public's chair feeling slightly defeated and not get straight to business, the demon hov- business is conducted in the open and any closer to my goal. Casselton's ering on his shoulder. that government records are open to answer is helpful. By personally defining When I ask him why he chose to run inspection.” objectivity she is able to tame the beast. for politics, he says he thinks he should What’s more open than Potvin's pres- But I need further opinion to develop my try the job before passing any more crit- ence at council meetings? As an opinion own definition. icisms. “I've spent the last 12 years snip- columnist and editor of a blatantly left- The next time I'm struck with a loom- ing away at elected people as a Courier wing newspaper, he would put his spin ing sense of objectivity, or lack thereof, columnist and in The Republic. I just fig- on events. But is that such a bad thing?

8 Langara Journalism Review 2006 As the objectivity demon sits their ears, his situation. He's not being befuddled, Potvin continues. He singing, objective and he truly has a con- says journalists have a unique per- 'Lalalalala, I flict of interest. Perhaps defying spective on politics because they know can't hear you!' “It's a silly dance journalistic morality is a form of living what is occurring in the political sphere they do,” says Potvin. “Party people are on the edge. It's certainly a revolution- and quickly form opinions on the faults too embroiled in trench warfare. It's so ary concept, for mainstream journalism within the sphere. “Everyone who's been fucking boring. No one's going to meet- anyway. in journalism that covers politics agrees ings to hear put-downs.” He adds the Ultimately, Potvin's enthusiasm for the system is broken,” says Potvin. “I city needs a fresh start on council to politics and his ideas to revolutionize the come to politics as a jaded journalist, but progress as a community. “People who system had little effect. He lost the elec- it should be that journalists are excited survive near death experiences have a tion but did manage to get more than about covering politics, and leaders new outlook. The city as an organism 10,000 votes, which is a greater number should be excited to talk to journalists.” should be like that.” After his inspiring than any other independent candidate. I This stumps the objectivity demon, little rant, and more banter about his call him after the election. He says he who's still sitting there looking per- campaign, we end our interview. must have been delusional to think he plexed. After furrowing his brow for a As I walk to the bus stop, I ponder the could win, adding his profile as a jour- moment or so, his eyes widen, his mus- objectivity demon's disappearing act. nalist was probably the only reason he cles tense, and his bluish veins bulge. There has to be a reason Potvin hadn't got the votes. “So I built up a constituen- And then, with only a short “poof” noise, noticed. Maybe you have to acknowledge cy through my journalism,” says Potvin. and a puff of smoke, he completely disap- his existence to see him, I also think “It's a way to be out there. I mean I'm pears. Potvin goes on, unfazed by the about Potvin's platform. He’s pretty con- kind of an activist-journalist, right, I put vanishing act and apparently unaware of vincing, and I resolve to vote for him. my opinions right in my pieces, it's not the demon's initial existence. He says During my first phone conversation reporting, it's all opinion-laden, and he’s running as an independent because with Potvin, he said, “If you're not living yeah, that's a form of activism.” he wouldn't have to tow a party line. He on the edge, you're taking up too much I'm disappointed over his loss but his compares politicians who tow party space.” I think I agree. I doubt it's an positive attitude makes me feel better. lines to children with fingers stuffed in original quote, but it definitely applies to And in the end, he got my vote. So how objective does that make me? Should I not exercise my right to vote for whom I Happy 10th think would be best for the job? I don't think it should be a problem, and I don't Anniversary Issue think it's influenced my ability to tell a Our Office is open to all residents of fair story. Surrey-Tynehead and we look The objectivity demon turned out to forward to hearing your questions, be like the monster in a child's closet: an illusion. Objectivity is ultimately imagi- concerns and ideas. nary. Personal bias is what makes us human. We all have it, and there's noth- ing wrong with that. Bias provides us Constituency Office: with the perspective on the human expe- 202 - 15988 Fraser Highway Surrey, BC V3S 2W4 Dave S. Hayer, MLA rience, and relaying that experience T: 604-501-3201 F: 604-501-3233 Surrey-Tynehead should ultimately be the goal of the jour- nalist. Professionals recognize that bias, and don’t let it get in the way of serving www.davehayermla.ca the public interest.

Langara Journalism Review 2006 9 Covers of our own by Katharine Sawchuk

am at a party. The lights are dim, music is blaring. In my intoxicat- ed state I stumble down the hallway with the goal of finding a bath- Iroom. As I identify a door to be just that, I hear a wrenching sound. A young girl, waifish and pale, is throwing up in the toilet. I ask her if she’s okay. “I’m not sick, I’m fine, I don’t need help,” she says. Then she tells me her boyfriend was extolling the virtues of a well-known actress. She took his comments as a sign that he is unhappy with her appearance and, well, the rest is easy to figure out.

How many women feel inadequate about themselves? If something so miniscule like a boyfriend’s remark about an actress’s body can induce violent actions in a girl, what affect does the constant visual imagery we witness in magazines and on TV everyday have on women? The female body is everywhere. Whether in magazines or in ads dis- played on bus stops, we can never escape the lines of thin, sleek women looking seductively into my eyes in order to sell a product. According to Statistics Canada, 77 per cent of the Canadian population aged 15 years and over watch television, and 32 per cent, which equates to roughly 10,050,000 people, read magazines. That’s a lot of people being bombarded with images of beautifully, perfectly, and flawlessly shaped women by media outlets. Cathy Wing, director of education at the Media Awareness Network in Ottawa, a Canadian organization promoting media scrutiny, says maga- zines tend to portray unrealistic lifestyles and body images. These images make it impossible for an average woman to look like a model, as models in fashion magazines have been digitally altered and many have had cosmetic surgery. In a recent CBC news article, Christie Brinkley, one of the original super models, said she couldn’t live up to the flawless images of models in magazines today. Wing points out the images one sees in magazines are more harmful to young adults then middle-aged women. “When it comes to targeting teens, they’re in a vulnerable sector in society anyways because of their feeling insecure, and they’re develop- ing their identity, their sexual role. So because of these images, it’s like- ly they don’t feel they fit the norm physically. This can have dangerous implications in a young person’s mental and physical health,” Wing said in a phone interview. But, just how much can the media influence the masses? In 2002, Anne Becker, from Harvard Medical School in the United States, conducted a study analyzing television’s influence on teenager eating habits, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. She inves- tigated dieting habits amongst 16-year-old girls from the Fijian Islands, who received their first television channels in 1995. Before television was available, dieting was practically nonexistent among Fijians who believed the ideal body was soft, round and plump. It was discovered shortly after the introduction of TV, that seven out of every 10 adoles- BRISHKAY AHMED PHOTO cents who took part in the research started dieting. 10 Langara Journalism Review 2006 And in Canada nine-year-old girls are there are always more products to sell. The point, people will call and say we don’t use starting to take weight-control measures, average reader may not see a plus-size plus-size models, when the fact of the mat- according to a study done by the Canadian model on one page and a thin model in the ter is, is that we’re not looking at the mod- Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute. next, but readers will see health tips on els as much as were looking at the What happened to the carefree nine-year- page 4, and an ad for size 0 jeans on page 5. clothes.” old who ran around, climbed trees, and Doesn’t this contradictory imagery have a Fierro also points out how plus-size played games with other kids? negative affect on a magazine that is try- models are separate from so-called normal But Kate Maclennan, western editor of ing to sell health advice? models. If you flip through an issue of Fashion Magazine, says readers and view- “You do find good articles in those mag- Vogue, you will never see an ad for a plus- ers are responsible to use their own discre- azines, especially the ones that aim at size model next to a skinny one. “I think all tion to sort reality from fantasies maga- younger kids. But the problem is the models of all sizes need to be incorporated zines and TV play with. advertisements in them. They send a com- in magazines,” Fierro says. “Of course we’ve all done the, ‘omigod pletely different message. It’s really the Maclennan says Fashion Magazine has look at that model, thing.’ There are things advertisers and the fashion industry that’s made efforts to do specialty-sized issues. to keep in mind when you flip through a the biggest culprit. They have to step up to The crew at Fashion Magazine under- magazine, and you have to say to yourself the plate and deliver more than just lip stands not all women are size twos or fours that this model but has had a team Maclennan of people, and hopes lighting, and women will cameras and look at the years of posing. clothes on But you know the model what, nobody and take looks like that away the model. That is a type of style piece of art,” they would Maclennan says. like for them- Fashion selves. Magazine, the But hold Canadian ver- on, the media sion of Vogue, have not has a readership always disre- of 2.1 million in garded the Canada ranging heav enly from women 16 curves of BRISHKAY AHMED PHOTO to 75 years old. larger-bod- The magazine is full of high-fashion service,” Wing says in a serious tone. ied women. In the hay-day of Hollywood, designer ads like its European and Image consultant Jan Fierro, owner of Marilyn Monroe was a huge star with an American counterparts, and is just as Style Eyes Consulting in downtown equally large presents. In the 50’s influential. Maclennan says she gets let- Vancouver B.C., met me for coffee in a Monroe’s measurements were a mind- ters and calls from readers complaining $2,800 goat skin coat, pants purchased in blowing 35-22-35. That’s triple the size of there aren’t any “real” women on the cover West Vancouver, and some eye-opening the current runway model. Maryanne or in the spread. But she says the fact is no information. Her job is to help people find Fisher, a psychologist at York University in one wants to see an average-looking their own style, making them more confi- Toronto, conducted a study of Playboy cen- woman on the cover. It just won’t sell. dent. terfolds over 50 years, which revealed a “The public may say they want non- “We are the front cover on our own mag- drift in Western men’s tastes. Fisher’s models on the covers, but magazines that azine,” Fierro says, but as Wing pointed study showed men’s preferences had do that don’t sell. You get these letters and out there are limitations. moved from voluptuous to more androgy- comments that are like ‘I never see real Someone who wants to wear Gucci and nous models that are dramatically less women in your magazine,’ but, if you slap a is above a size six will be sad to discover shapely and womanly than the Marilyn woman on your cover that looks like my that Gucci doesn’t make “plus-size” cloth- Monroes back in the day. mum, who I adore by the way, people aren’t ing. Scientists have long noted that women going to buy it,” Maclennan said, pausing. “That’s the problem with these design- with wider hips send out sexual signals to “The facts have shown magazines are a ers. They need to include every waist size. men that they are ready to get it on and fantasy world for readers. They don’t want I mean, I just lost some weight recently produce children. This is justified by to see the real life - you are picking them and I can finally fit into Gucci clothing Fisher’s Playboy study. She said in cul- up, plucking them out and putting them myself,” Fierro says. tures, which value large women, size may somewhere different for 125 pages.” Maclennan agrees. “The reason why we be a more important indicator of nutrition But are the editors and the publishers to don’t tend to use plus-size models in our and health and therefore fertility. blame? Or is it advertisers? Women’s mag- fashion editorials, for example, is frankly In the end, our appearance is like the azines have many more ads and articles we’re using designer clothing, and you front cover of our own magazine. The expe- promoting dieting and weight loss than do know, from a political stand point, you’re riences we have help shape who we are. men’s magazines. The ads promote the up- actually not going to get a plus-size model Despite what ads, magazines and TV tell hill battle of perfecting female bodies, as into the samples. From a magazine stand us, there is not one single mold for beauty.

Langara Journalism Review 2006 11

He’s lived what he describes as “a rocks back and forth on the balls of calculated lifetime.” He has studied his heels, his eyes firmly fixed on civil engineering in England. Parry yours, while you spew out your Mac moved to Vancouver in the 1950s and thoughts. got involved in media shortly after. Parry is perhaps best-known for He’s been the advertising and public his photographic style. His shots are the relations manager at a telecommu- taken from a particular angle, focus- nications firm, a freelance writer, ing on women’s breasts. Parry photographer, editor and publisher achieves his signature shot by stand- for various magazines in Western ing on a chair or another object that MAN Canada, including Vancouver allows him to capture the subject’s Magazine. cleavage, or in Parry’s words, by Annabelle Lucero “As a writer he seems to send emphasize and flatter a woman’s messages from Mars in Mac Parry curves. speak,” says John Mackie, a reporter Some say Parry is nothing more e struts into a ritzy lounge in for the Vancouver Sun, one of than a gossip columnist. But Parry Vancouver’s upscale Parry’s old friends. As an editor argues that gossip columnists are HYaletown. He’s dressed in Mackie says Parry was very inspira- still journalists. “Journalist comes black pants and a black sweater, jux- tional and had a unique take on the from journal and it’s from the taposed with a white scarf. His sil- world. French word journalé, which means ver hair is tinged with once a day. You may be bronze highlights. He slips a journalist that people his leather jacket off and want to abuse or detest unwinds the scarf from his or people call a lazy neck, revealing the white- show-off slob or snob collar button-up shirt but you’re still a jour- peaking out of his black nalist.” scoop-neck sweater. A Vancouver Magazine waitress offers him a contributing editor drink and points to the Steve Burgess consid- assorted martini glasses ers Parry a media insti- filled with either pink or tution. “The town talks yellow concoctions bal- and calls him a light- ancing on her tray. “Hi weight gossip colum- Mac,” a pretty blonde nist, but when you get woman about half his age to know him you find yells out to him. “Glad you out that he’s the most could make it.” She is a connected person in promoter for Grand the industry.” Marnier’s new vanilla- Burgess says Parry flavoured cognac and the is supportive of many man in black is Malcolm young writers. He Parry, who describes him- notes Vancouver self as the Vancouver writer Douglas Sun’s business and events Coupland, author of columnist. the groundbreaking Parry covers eight to 15 novel Generation-X, events like this per week, ANNABELLE LUCERO PHOTO considers Parry a men- and the people he meets appear to Parry was the editor of Van Mag tor. Coupland, in fact, dedicated his absolutely adore him—well, mainly for more than 15 years. He wrote later book about Terry Fox to Parry. the women. He spends no longer more than half of its contents, took In 2001, Parry was diagnosed with than an hour at each function, just photographs, edited and distributed throat cancer. enough time to meet the people, col- the magazine. He says the role of a Mackie says Parry doesn't talk lect their contact information, and magazine editor is to simply get the about his cancer but describes him woo them with his British charm. writers’ stories read. as an optimistic guy. “Mac is the “As a reporter your job is to make Parry mesmerizes people with his meaning of irrepressible. He'd come people fall in love with you,” Parry bright-blue-eyed gaze. Like a snake in with an ashen face from all the says. charmer swinging a medallion from treatment, but he never let it get him But Parry wasn’t always a writer. side-to-side in front of your face, he down.”

12 Langara Journalism Review 2006

es h p f T

i Media and Messages a n c tor Cutting through political spin by Iain Stewart

t is a classic struggle: the ing to become more media savvy. desire of politicians to manage “The purpose of media training is to their message, and the objec- get people familiar with the news Itive of journalists to monitor media, with how the media select that message—to dissect it and stories and how they cover news, serve the public interest by objec- both positive and negative, and how tively telling the story. The success to maximize the opportunity with of a government or an individual news coverage, even negative news politician is often predicated on coverage,” says Edwards. their ability to manage, or spin, Edwards believes that a seminar their message. With the advent of in media training would help jour- technology and the proliferation of nalists better understand how politi- media outlets in recent years, man- cians and others are trained, so they aging their message has become can become more skilled at asking more challenging for politicians. difficult questions. It’s the battle of One gaffe can be potentially fatal to journalists and politicians, one a politician’s career or to an entire always trying to grab the upper government. But that gaffe, if made hand on the other. Edwards says one in an individual interview, can of the most important skills learned make a journalist’s career. So politi- in media training is how to avoid yes cians and journalists are often or no answers, and how not to rise adversaries. Politicians view jour- to a reporter’s bait. He doesn’t see nalists as aggressive, unrelenting media training as learning how to vultures, waiting to pounce on the avoid the truth, but rather how to smallest slip-up. In turn, journalists properly convey the message. generally view politicians with cyn- “Politicians are seen very often to icism, believing that the real story avoid answering the question direct- lies beneath the spin. ly, which is fair Lack of available resources and the enough because daily deadline crunch impact the abil- when a per- ity of journalists to scrape beneath son is the surface on issues. And with politi- asked a Political cians operating within highly coordi- nated and sophisticated public rela- spin: In politics tions “machines,” including extensive and public relations individual training, it is becoming spin refers to portraying harder for journalists to break politi- cians off their party script. an event or fact in a way Alyn Edwards, vice-president of that is favourable to you media relations firm Peak and unfavourable to your Communicators and a former TV political opponents. news journalist with CBC and BCTV, says both new and experi- -Webster’s Dictionary enced politicians take media train-

BRISHKAY AHMED PHOTOS Alyn Edwards

Langara Jounalism Review 2006 13 “When question, then the on a story is the truth. When the media attempts to hold answer belongs to the politician accountable by digging for dirt, only to find you mess them. They don't there isn't any, the truth strategy gains the politician have to give an more credibility with journalists and the public. up, you fess answer that a According to Edwards, there's an old adage in issues reporter or a and crisis management. up, and you questioner “When you mess up, you fess up and you dress up,” he wants them to says. “What that means is, you admit your guilt, take dress up.” give,” says responsibility and talk about how you are going to -Alyn Edwards Edwards. “You address the situation so it doesn't happen again.” bridge to your key Edwards says B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell's message, for example, January 2003 drunk driving charge in Maui and his 'the facts are' or 'let's put admission of guilt was a textbook case of crisis manage- this in proper context.' It's not a lie, ment and strategically spinning the message to the pub- it's not dodging the question, it's answering the way you lic. “He was the first one out with all the information. are comfortable in answering the question.” The media wasn't left to rip the lid off anything,” he says. A memorable example of what can happen when the “We tell our clients during media training that in issues media is able to cut through the of crisis management, never lie, spin is the “Casinogate” scandal because it is the cover up that's of 1999, which led to the downfall always the one that dogs you.” of then B.C. NDP Premier Glen But when journalists or media Clark. outlets aren't able or willing to At the time, Clark neighbour cut through the spin, for whatev- and family friend Dimitrios er reason, they do the public a Pilarinos had an application disservice. By not verifying the before the provincial government facts of the story and holding for approval of a casino license. politicians accountable to the Although there had been some public they serve, the media hint in the media that there was a merely perpetuates “big lies” and personal relationship between misleading facts. Pilarinos and the Premier, the “The problem is when you Premier denied it. Unfortunately have an adversarial system, for Clark, the media continued to which we do in our political sys- dig, and revealed that Pilarinos tem, there are people who will had done renovations on the say things that aren't true,” says Premier's home, and built a sun- B.C. Minister of Finance and deck at the Premier's family MLA for Vancouver-Langara, cabin with apparently little, if Carole Taylor. any, money changing hands. The “When someone puts out a big allegation was that Pilarinos pro- lie, everybody else spends the vided the work in exchange for rest of the time chasing after it the Premier's helping hand with saying it's not true, it's not true, the casino licence approval. but you never ever really coun- The RCMP, with a BCTV teract that big lie.” reporter and cameraman record- BRISHKAY AHMED PHOTO Speaking in her constituency ing, then executed a search warrant on Clark's home, office, decorated with photographs recording her brief searching for evidence of criminal wrongdoing in the yet thus far successful political career, Taylor projects handling of the casino license. an approachable personality and a refreshing lack of The NDP launched into full spin mode, working tire- ego. With an extensive background as a journalist, lessly to convince the public a conspiracy was afoot. including a stint on W5 on CTV, she brings a unique per- Union leaders and party supporters accused police and spective to the issues of messaging strategy and cutting members of the media, most notably BCTV, of conspir- through spin. She understands journalists' need for ing with the Liberal party to bring down the Premier. accurate information and the restraints they work The NDP spin quickly spun out of control and the under. “The newsroom editor or the publisher have to media pried the lid open on the story, breaking the new decide whether these longer form stories or in-depth and damning information. Clark was forced to resign analyses are worth doing because it does take and was eventually acquitted of charges of breach of resources,” she says. trust and accepting a benefit. Taylor also noted that politicians often have difficulty However, sometimes the best spin a politician can put in getting their message out to the public.

14 Langara Jounalism Review 2006

“It's very hard to get the message out because of the “Particularly in my role as house leader, it is critical- assumption in the community often that politicians ly important that I know what our leader has said and aren't telling them the truth and they certainly aren't what other parties have said. This is very high stakes telling you the whole truth,” Taylor says. “To break and there is really no room for goof ups and mucking through that, to say this is genuine information, is very around,” she says. hard.” A good example of this, according to Taylor, is a Davies noted that media scrums can be overwhelm- “lie” put forward by the opposition political parties ing, and politicians often make the mistake of thinking accusing the Liberals of slashing both the health care they have an obligation to answer every question. and education budgets in the party's first term of gov- Davies believes that media coverage, although general- ernment. Although she says the budgets for both sec- ly fair, is sometimes used to put its own spin on a story. tors were actually increased, the lie turned into the “The media will try and trip you up and get contra- “truth.” However, she also said the government should dictions to emerge,” she says. “They stick a micro- take responsibility for poor communications. phone in our face and ask us something we know noth- “I ran in a campaign this spring where it was consid- ing about and we feel obligated to say something. It's ered general and accepted knowledge by not just the about learning what to say and not what to say and not press but people in the community that the Liberals going too far. They often want to fit you into their spin had cut the health care budget and the education about their take on a particular issue that is budget,” she says. “That's just bad commu- unfolding.” nications.” “They Vancouver Sun political columnist During the May 2005 provincial need us, we Vaughn Palmer has his own defini- election campaign, Duncan McCue, tion of spin; “Spin, to me, is simply a reporter at CBC television, need them. We've framing the argument and cast- hosted a segment called Reality got our spin and we ing your position in the best Check, a show devoted to cut- possible light, focusing on the ting through the campaign spin know what we are trying facts that you think are rele- of all political parties that was to emphasize, particularly vant and that you want to per- a huge hit with viewers. when you're going up suade the public,” he says. McCue believes many factors “The other side of spin is the lead to the media repeating against other political same sort of thing.” political rhetoric, including parties who have their Palmer has been cutting being under resourced. He attrib- through politicians' spin for 22 utes the deadline demands of tele- own story.” years. It's become an accepted vision newscasts as one reason why saying in B.C. that if you want to reporters often don't, or aren't able to, -Libby Davies know what's going on in Victoria, you get to the heart of a story. Although the CBC read Vaughn Palmer. He says spin is often newsroom encourages in-depth treatment, McCue a matter of perspective. noted they also have to deal with the reality of putting “There is genuinely two ways of looking at an issue. on a daily newscast. One side can choose to frame it one way and the other “Increasingly, TV news journalists have to go live side can frame it another way. It's always entirely pos- almost as soon as the news happens,” McCue says. sible that both sides have a point,” he says. “There is a lot of coverage that is required and a lot less Palmer raises an important distinction. Perhaps we time to work on it. When you're racing around just try- have become so skeptical of our politicians that we ing to find a warm body for the six o'clock news, some- automatically view their pronouncements with suspi- times you just don't have time to get through the spin.” cion. Sometimes maybe it really is as simple as a differ- Libby Davies, NDP House Leader in the House of ent way of looking at the same issue. But whether it is Commons, took time out from the frantic pace in a politician speaking the truth, a version of the truth, or Ottawa to call on a pay-phone from the Parliament an outright lie, the media serves an integral role when buildings. The Member of Parliament for Vancouver it is able to analyze and report the story. East says the relationship between elected representa- McCue points to the Watergate scandal in the United tives and the media is intense. States as the watershed event that has defined the cur- “They need us, we need them. We've got our spin and rent relationship between politicians and journalists, we know what we are trying to emphasize, particularly and the evolution of the media's role in reporting on when you're going up against other political parties political issues. who have their own story,” she says. “A lot of journalism is sort of shaped by Watergate,” Davies thinks that media training is a key component he says. “That was the sort of high point for journalism. of any politician's media strategy. She credits the People thought, that is what journalists are here to do. party's skillful communications staff and the constant Take down the government. I expect that politicians communication between staff and MPs for the NDP's find that frustrating because every reporter, every day ability to stay on top of their messaging. they head out, is trying to cut through the spin.”

Langara Jounalism Review 2006 15 the gos according

Paul Schratz, editor of the B.C. Catholic newspaper CURTIS M. DAVEY PHOTO

16 Langara Journalism Review 2006 ospel ording to...

by Mark Hasiuk

n the lonely sidewalks of Keefer Street in Vancouver’s Catholic intellectuals. Writers like Buckley, who bring an overt Downtown Eastside, the natural beauty of the North Christian conservatism to their reporting, seem to wander in the Shore Mountains and the breadth of the Pacific seem journalistic wilderness, on the outskirts of a profession that sub- Oworlds away. Tired looking mothers push strollers and scribes to the doctrine of conventional liberal wisdom. Buckley’s hold small hands, their expressions mirroring the gray, city land- columns, which touch on a variety of social issues, are read by a scape. Hobbled prostitutes amble west, to the open drug market limited audience due to the magazine’s relatively low circulation, of Main and Hastings, and its pimps and pushers. a common trait of all Canadian Christian publications. “We have a Keefer Street runs through a row of squatting split-entries, strong block of subscribers,” says Buckley. “But we don’t have the their multi-coloured paint, faded and peeling, revealing the arti- advertising dollars to compete with the big boys in the main- facts and optimism of a baby-boom generation that built around a stream press.” The permanent nature of print journalism often city centre, then watched its asphalt spread and settle far beyond amplifies the gap between a conservative Christian perspective on its municipal border. The boomers and the sentiment are gone, news events and the accepted standard propagated by main- having retreated to the suburbs to build lives away from Canada’s stream media publications. Buckley’s vehicle, the Catholic worst example of urban decay. Who remains are the addicted, the Insight, is a prime example of the dissimilarity between these two ill and the lost. One of Keefer Street’s largest houses, a two-storey, journalistic entities. perfectly square and somewhat looming structure, is home to An outspoken leader in this culture-clash is the Insights editor- Agape Street Ministry, a Catholic organization that reaches out to in-chief Alphonse De Valk, an irascible man whose conservative the area’s downtrodden. The weathered concrete steps lead from opinions on hot-button issues from abortion to same-sex marriage the sidewalk to a heavy front door decorated with padlocks that are quoted in newspaper articles and television reports across the opens into a makeshift chapel used for communion ceremonies, country. De Valk, who is also an ordained priest, feels the main- Bible study, and AA meetings. Upstairs, in an office outfitted with stream media is completely antithetical to Christian conser- the crucifixes and iconic paintings of traditional Catholic motif, vatism, and in some cases, openly hostile to this perspective, par- yet alive with communication technology-—word processors, a ticularly when covering controversial social issues. “The Globe fax machine, a computer—Hugh Buckley types dutifully on his and Mail is the ultimate example of this. It is basically anti- keyboard, working on another column for Catholic Insight maga- Catholic and has been since its founding in the 1860s,” he says. zine, a staunchly conservative publication headquartered in De Valk insists the Globe is pushing to rid Ontario of Catholic Toronto. schools and points to a Globe column by Gilles Marchildon enti- Buckley’s greeting is warm and his neatly parted gray hair and tled “Hunting Homosexuals will hurt the Catholic Church” in grandfather-like demeanour belies the vigour and passion of a which Marchildon wrote about alleged efforts by the church to longtime political activist and champion of conservative causes. purge seminaries of gay men. Apart from his duties as director of the street ministry, he is a reg- De Valk says Christian publications are important for Canada's ular contributor to Catholic Insight magazine and the author of a faithful, so believers can receive a perspective on news that is monthly newsletter for The Newman Association, a group of more in tune with their core beliefs. Langara Journalism Review 2006 17

“Important issues like abortion, gay not their job to promote Christianity and it at The Province, and with other main- marriage, contraception, are never looked turned into a hands-off type relationship, stream publications, gave him a better upon from a Christian point of view in the which quickly turned into an often adver- understanding of Canadian journalistic big media.” sarial relationship.” Today, Todd says he is culture. He says many of his fellow main- De Valk says morality in the media have one of only five full-time, mainstream, stream journalists knew little about been on a steady decline as our culture Canadian religion writers in a country of Christianity, which resulted in common becomes more secularized. “The media nearly 30 million, which according to a misconceptions and sweeping generaliza- seem to have blended with Hollywood cul- 2001 census report, is still more than 75 per tions about Christians that were accepted ture to bombard us with a moral permis- cent Christian. as fact. However, Schratz says the role siveness that says anything goes.” Paul Schratz is the current editor of the journalists play as constant inquisitors Doug Todd has been the Vancouver B.C. Catholic, the province's largest lends itself to skepticism of traditional cus- Sun's resident religion writer for the past Christian newspaper. As a one-time city toms and conventions, including the coun- 11 years, after spending more than a editor at The Province newspaper, Schratz try's dominant religion. “It's the nature of decade as a general assignment reporter has been on both sides of this journalistic journalism to question authority, and I for various Vancouver-based publications. divide. He says good reporting requires a think that is a healthy thing.” In his weekly column, he explores religion balance between the beliefs of the journal- Back on Keefer Street, night has fallen. and spirituality as an observer rather than ist and the trends of contemporary society. Amidst a light rain and the orange glow of a proponent. Todd does not publicly dis- “As a Christian, I feel called to this profes- streetlights, the ministry building has close his religious affiliation, preferring to sion the same way a Christian who merged with the surrounding dim, distin- remain unfettered by the distraction of an becomes a lawyer or a construction work- guished only by the illumination of a sec- official perspective, yet he says because of er or any job,” says Schratz. “The dilemma ond-floor window. Inside, Hugh Buckley

The media seem to have “ blended with Hollywood culture to bombard us with a moral permissiveness that says anything goes.

— Alphonse De Valk, Catholic Insight

its nebulous nature, any reference to reli- Christian journalists face is when to let hits the send button on his email server to gion is taboo for the vast majority of main- your faith known in your reporting and file his column, a critique of Catholic politi- stream journalists. “It's an amorphous how much should you rely on your faith to cians in parliament and their voting type of topic that doesn't lend itself to hard influence the way you cover a story.” records. He pushes away from his comput- news, so it's harder for a journalist to get a Although Schratz says his tenure at The er and crosses his arms. “It's important to hold of,” says Todd, adding many reporters Province was enjoyable and rewarding, he be involved in what is happening with our abandon a religious angle simply for fear acknowledged that his suggestions on how society,” he says. “The best way to get peo- of getting it wrong. certain stories should be reported often ple thinking is to tell them what's going Todd says this dismissive attitude, com- clashed with his colleagues, especially in on.” Buckley's intention, to pave a road of bined with a journalist's innate cynicism, discussions involving social issues like greater understanding, is the common conspires against any story that may rec- abortion and gay rights. “Eventually they cause that binds all true journalists. ognize a wider horizon of meaning beyond accepted the fact my views on certain top- As the rain grows louder outside his the hard facts gained in first-hand inter- ics were different from theirs, and we office window, Buckley sits in silence, star- views or statistics. He points to the cultur- respected our individual perspectives.” ing pensively at the floor. He then slowly al revolution of the 1960s, which included a Schratz says he entered the journalism nods, uncrosses his arms and turns back to dramatic decline in church attendance, as profession with a preconceived notion that his computer, filling the room with the the fulcrum for mainstream coverage of the mainstream media was hostile to sound of typing that overwhelms the religion. “The media then decided it was Christian views and values. His experience falling rain.

18 Langara Journalism Review 2006

by Rebecca Aldous battleUP

glass panels, the heart of Vancouver’s city election office throbs on the ground floor of an old three-story cement building. Sheltered from the hustle and bustle of Broadway traffic, fluorescent lights that cloak the room in a yellow hue, hang buzzing from the ceiling as the plumbing snakes around them like an intricate map of the city’s street. Only the rustling of paper interrupts the soft hum. Marg Coulson, the deputy chief election officer, sits in a corner office behind an oversized desk. Her blond hair is neatly groomed, her clothes neatly pressed. “It’s a working office here but I appreciate that media have a job to do,” Coulson says. Coulson acts as a media liaison, in concert with the corporate communication experts hired by Elections BC to deal with the army of reporters. Her office establish- es lines of communica- tion to relay polling infor- mation Journalists through e- mail or fax. But because the public gear up can now access elec- tion results Politicians on the Internet, reporters fight to get polling results first. hunker down “Parties usually know results first . because they have scrutineers at the polling centres who see the results that

CHRIS LAVIGNE PHOTOS are printed out of machines,” she says. The media bombard newly-elected mayor Sam Sullivan. However, Coulson wants the throngs of media to communicate with her rather t’s four o’clock on election day and the Burrard and Robson Streets and we rush than see them run off with the wrong battle has started earlier than expect- towards Vancouver’s infamous Downtown information to win a battle. Ied. A brisk phone call from Irwin Loy, a Eastside on one of local media’s biggest At The Vancouver Sun, the city’s largest reporter for Vancouver free daily 24 Hours nights, the municipal elections. The story, circulation daily, deputy managing editor newspaper, has just interrupted my sleepy a rumored illegal-campaign by one of the Harold Munro has spent six weeks prepar- afternoon cruising through the rows of parties to bribe homeless people into the ing for this night. “In addition to 30 book stacks at Chapters. His editor voting booth, falls flat due to a lack of sub- reporters we have copyeditors, six to phoned him with a hot news tip, the chase stance, so we head back to the front. seven photographers, and 30 students just is on. Irwin picks me up at the corner of A week before elections, behind frosted getting election results,” says Munro, add-

Langara Journalism Review 2006 19 ing some reporters may have only 15 min- close at 8 p.m. and results start coming in our own election coverage by heading to utes to scribble out their stories after the at 8:30, but many of the 142 municipalities NPA headquarters at the Hotel Vancouver. results are announced. He says covering don’t release election results until the The results now point to a victory for the the 142 municipalities in a civic election is morning after. right-leaning party (NPA) led by Sam more daunting than covering the 79 rid- Last municipal election, Clark says the Sullivan, and the celebration is in full ings in a B.C. provincial election. On elec- paper tried to win the battle on all fronts, swing as we enter the gold-trimmed ban- tion day the whole structure of the news- reporting the results for every municipali- quet room. The carpet is a royal blue, yel- room changes. Weekday reporters are ty. At headquarters, a huge team of clerical low and burgundy. A large stage domi- called up for duty, abandoning their beats support workers was mobilized, but when nates one side of the room; reporters and to pick up arms and hit the polls. “Meeting it was all over and the smoke had cleared, camera crews huddle at the base of a ramp. deadlines is difficult, because we are at the the battle plan had failed. “At midnight we “He’s coming,” announces a woman over mercy of the count,” Munro says. the PA system. Loy also has a deadline and an imme- The media turn diate interview with a radio station in to a doorway, Victoria. His cell phone can’t be trusted, waiting to so we search the Coalition of Progressive pounce, looking Electors (COPE) headquarters for a land- for a great pic- line. The polling has started and a few ture or a per- people sit ridged in straight-backed fect quote. chairs, watching the talking heads on Sullivan finally Shaw TV. The room feels like a bunker, enters and the far from the reaches of the streets above. three men At The Province newspaper, guarding him Vancouver’s tabloid daily, election editor quickly disap- Gordon Clark, who has covered provin- pear among the cameras, radio, “It’s a huge plan, it’s like organizing D-day.” newspaper reporters and TV personali- -Gordon Clark ties. Like army ants fighting cial and municipal elections for three for a bread- years, says successful coverage of this crumb they night requires extensive planning and JOHN MACDERMID PHOTO encircle co-ordination. “It’s a huge plan, it’s like did not have results for two-thirds of the Sullivan, slowly moving with him as he’s organizing D-Day,” Clark says. communities,” Clark says. “We ran a long pushed forward. At the ramp, he is freed He has assigned reporters locations and list of candidates names that had been set from the onslaught and pens are raised to given them their orders regarding story up in advance, with no numbers beside capture his words. lengths and page numbers. With Z-copy in them.” After a raucous victory speech, Sullivan their hands, full of background informa- Tonight, Clark has decided to tackle the shakes the hands of other NPA candidates tion, they head out to their stations to hunt elections differently. “I think this time we before heading back down into the trench- for the actual news to crown their stories. may hold off a day, the major cities of es. Again, the army ants swarm. Tape The pages of the newspaper lie back at course—Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, the recorders are shoved in Sullivan’s face, base camp, designed and hungry for sto- Lower Mainland—those results are known scooping up information. Cameras flash, ries and manned by page editors poised for that night and frankly for us that is prima- and questions whiz through the air like action. rily where our readership lies.” As long as bullets. The quarters are tight as individu- Reporters at the party headquarters— people in Vancouver wake up Sunday als battle for the high ground. Everything COPE, the Non-Partisan Association morning and know who their new mayor else in the world melts away: Sullivan (NPA), Vision Vancouver—and various is, the battle has been won. becomes the centre of the universe. other battlegrounds, wait with glistening Clark says the usual rules of journalism As the night comes to a close, Loy and I skin and thumping hearts, for the final apply to election coverage. He stresses the decide to drop in at Vision Vancouver’s results. With those magic numbers they importance of knowing the candidates headquarters to evaluate the damage. The file their stories to the editors, who like before hand, calling the campaigns every- party has lost a hard-fought campaign and good commanders, wait nervously for day and getting to know the campaign the room is empty, except for a small group information from the frontline. “It’s a very managers and candidate handlers. “The of die-hard supporters with their blither- co-ordinated process and then, of course, background people are the ones who can ing leader, Jim Green. Tears gather in the it’s a complete panic despite that,” says give you the real stories.” Clark says elec- creases around his eyes, the back of his Clark, noting the number of reporters tions are all about reading. Read every- hand temporarily stalls their trails. The called to duty to cover municipal elections thing, clip things out, and keep up to date camera crews are gone and the media have depends on the type of election. Assigned with the issues. “I’m trying to keep my left the building. The musty smell of empty to tonight’s election are five full-time head around every election campaign in beer glasses lingers in the air like the Province staffers, various freelancers and the province. Now clearly I’m not going to aftermath of a high school party. The battle other reporters recruited from newspa- know everything about all of them but I has been fought. The loser is injured and pers around the Lower Mainland and kind of hit the high points, I hope.” the winner is celebrating. The troops are Vancouver Island. Clark says the polls Back on the street, Loy and I continue crawling home.

20 Langara Journalism Review 2006

Life behind the lens by Chris Stephenson Documentary films dig for the real story. Too bad the money’s drying up.

he camera rolls. An anchorwoman in a black Tsuit sits behind a desk in a blue studio. Big, bold, white headlines jump to the bottom of the screen. “Blast in Iraq.” She spouts off rapid facts: A suicide car bomber, a hospital, 30 people dead, 35 wounded. Her mouth forms each word without emotion, her face stale-cold as her head nods in synch to the script. The camera jolts to soldiers directing traffic next to the burned and blackened remains of the car. A flash to doctors rushing and attending to bandaged victims lying in beds. The scene cuts back to the anchorwoman who announces two children died in the explosion. She pauses, takes a breath and hits the audience with the next story. The total time: 27 seconds. JOHN MACDERMID PHOTO Betsy Carson, producer at Canada Wild Productions. This is the news of the day, but something’s missing.

Langara Journalism Review 2006 21 Stories from behind the scenes are left really do documentaries for under $400,000 His latest contribution was directing and unheard and questions such as why are anymore because we just can’t. If we do producing The Corporation, which won the left untold. But this is where journalists of them for $200,000 or under we are working 2005 Genie Award for the best documen- a different breed step in. for nothing.” tary and landed him in the spotlight, along Canadian documentary filmmakers Dolman shifts in her chair and curls her with director and editor Jennifer Abbot tackle issues of government corruption, hand around her cup. She pauses slightly, and writer Joel Baken. The Corporation social problems and human injustice. They formulating a reason she believes people offers a cinematic exploration of the birth tell stories and explore issues deeper than are tuning into documentaries. “Politically, and rise of the institution and its effect on mainstream media and offer audiences the people aren’t getting necessarily the kind the existence of humanity and the planet. chance for debate and change, but not of information they are seeking from tele- The three-hour film weaves through without sacrifices of their own. vision, so they want it in other ways and thought-provoking interviews and takes On the third floor of an old brick build- documentaries are one way people can get apart the inner workings of corporations ing on Vancouver’s Main Street and 2nd information especially if they are from a and the problems they creates in our lives. Avenue is a large loft turned office space. certain political ilk.” She says television In his East Vancouver home, Achbar sits The building sits among the old industrial has been so dumbed down to attract all at a white dining room table. Behind him, wasteland, now converted into condos and types of audiences, but with an increasing windows let in the soft afternoon light businesses. Inside the office, the walls trip variety of channels, it’s becoming more dif- from the backyard. He places his hands on all the senses of colour: orange, red, pur- ficult to attract people. the table and explains why filmmakers are ple, grey. Framed posters of past films and She also says documentaries have inclined to make documentaries. “A lot of documentaries hang neatly along the hall- become more personalized and follow them are trying to make the world a better ways. This is the space documentaries are characters and stories instead of stale place through film and what it can do to planned and produced. interviews. She says films like Super Size expose injustices.” Trish Dolman, president, producer and Me and Fahrenheit 911 are personality Achbar shifts in his chair and takes his director at Screen Siren black hoodie off despite Pictures, sits by a large the coolness of the room. north-facing window in He says he has been into her lime and white office. activism since high school She sits back relaxed, and gravitated towards sips her tea and explains documentary filmmaking her relationship with doc- “I really felt documentaries were a after working in the film umentary filmmaking. industry for several “I was always interest- great way to communicate with years. “It’s part of the ed in making documen- solution instead of part of taries. I was interested in people.” the problem. And there’s current affairs. When I no shortage of problems went to university I in the world to be became much more addressing.” politicized. So I really felt — Trish Dolman He gently sweeps his documentaries were a hands across the smooth great way to communi- table, looking forward cate with people.” with a grin, and tries to Dolman opened Screen explain whether or not Siren Pictures seven The Corporation has years ago but has spent managed to be part of the 13 years integrated in the film industry. driven, where people feel entertained by solution. “I think it’s helping,” says Achbar. She has directed and produced a variety of the character in the film. Super Size Me “It’s a tool for the movement, for activists, documentaries from socio-political, to pop tags along with Martin Spurlock and his for all kinds of people who are concerned culture. She said one of the first documen- experiment on the health benefits of fast who don’t necessarily identify with any taries she directed was called Ice Girls, food. Fahrenheit 911 is the latest Michael kind of movement to learn more and figure about girls who wanted to go to the Moore film, where he explores connections out what kind of action they might want to Olympics for figure skating. She lists more: between terrorists and the Bush family in take in their lives to put a dent in the “I produced a film about Britannia Beach, the United States. armour of this thing.” sort of the legacy of the mining pollution Other popular documentaries like The The Corporation is currenlty viewed in there and the community, and then we did Corporation and Scared Sacred were made more than 1,100 educational institutions Girl Racers, which is very much pop cul- in Vancouver and are helping the city’s across the U.S. in a vast assortment of ture, and now we’re doing a documentary filmmakers become known in the industry. courses, including business schools. As called Breaking Ranks, on American mili- Dolman emphasizes the qualities of her well, it has grossed more than $6 million in tary deserters from the [current] Iraq war peers. “The thing about Vancouver is we the theatres. who are now in Canada.” have a lot of talent and it’s just a matter of Achbar says people are increasingly The Screen Siren team will shoot the getting that talent out into the world.” seeking out non-fiction, and for a good rea- main footage for Breaking Ranks in the fall Documentary film maker Mark Achbar son. “I think we’re overwhelmed with a of 2006, and Dolman hopes for a release in can take partial credit for Vancouver’s rep- stream of media factoids that comes the middle of 2007. She says documentaries utation. He’s a social activist and a con- through the news in all kinds of channels, can take take three to four years to pro- cerned citizen who’s been involved in cre- and we’re looking for a kind of synthesis of duce and they don’t come cheap. “We don’t ating films, videos and books for 30 years. information that good documentaries,

22 Langara Journalism Review 2006 and thoughtful analysis can deliver.” He sausages; you know, everyone the same that's why they get made. It shouldn't be says when CNN parks their camera on a because that's all you can afford to do.” that way. It should be a viable way to make building that's been bombed, reporting on She says institutions such as Telefilm, a a living.” the amount of people injured, there is little federal cultural agency devoted to the Carson is uncertain where the industry insight given into why it happened. This is growth of Canadian film, television, and is headed but is determined to continue something he says people want to know. music, have stopped funding production of working in the field. Even though Achbar's passion is to find documentaries. “[Telefilm] used to fund Other B.C. documentary filmmakers will truth in the topics he deals with, it comes the actual production phase and now all also continue their struggle in hopes of with sacrifice. He worked on The they'll do is give you development money, change. Their cinematic journeys are more Corporation for eight years, most of it full- which you have to pay back when you go than the latest violence or disaster. They time. There were logistical and creative into production.” She also says TV broad- persist to move audiences around the challenges with shooting and organizing casters are pushing towards Canadian globe and make an impact on both TV and the 200-plus people involved in the film. drama and content and squeezing out the big screen. Documentary filmmakers With the total cost of production at $1.4 Canadian documentaries. “Our little cor- and producers like Achbar, Dolman and million, it took Achbar three years to get ner of the pie is being eroded and eroded Carson create films out of a burning ambi- funding together to shoot. “Not all of that and eroded.” She says broadcasters go tion to offer audiences the truth that has worked out but it was part of my motiva- after what makes money or what is not been told. tion to get the The theatre money up front. lights dim. The The challenges audience whis- were convincing tles and claps in [investors]. It anticipation. was a very ambi- The large white tious project and screen goes at the time there dark then lights wasn't a great up to a flash of deal of sympathy company logos; for documen- Automart, taries or multi- Budweiser, part TV shows.” Cheer. A tech- A shortage of no-bass beat funding is one kicks in and the deterrent docu- clear voice of a mentary film- woman states makers often the corporation face. Betsy is like the Carson, produc- church, the er at Canada dominant insti- Wild tution of today. Productions She says the Limited in film is an explo- Vancouver, ration of the knows all too nature, evolu- JOHN MACDERMID PHOTO well the funding tion, impact and for documen- Yesterday’s editing equipment:The film industry moves forward but how viable is its future? possible futures taries is drying of corporations. up. She's produced a variety of theatrical deemed mainstream, and some documen- The picture jumps to a first-person point features and made for TV documentaries. tary directors end up broke or doing what- of view. The audience travels through a One film she produced is A Place Called ever job they can to make ends meet stale-white office building. The camera Chiapas, which captures eight months of because they just can't get the money angle twists and turns through hallways the revolution in Chiapas, Mexico with the together. and cubicles and stops at the boardroom. Zapatista National Liberation rebels. She Carson has worked with director Nettie The voice of the woman cuts over the beat. says for filmmakers it’s becoming harder Wild on various films including FIX: The “We begin our inquiry as scandals threat- and harder to pull enough money together Story of an Addicted City. The documen- en to trigger problems over the lack of to make a solid film. tary looks at the struggles of addiction in public control over big corporations.” She stands in the kitchen of her home Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and how At the end of a long brown wooden table, near Commercial Drive. The water boils a group of advocates fought for the safety four people in black suits turn their heads for her lemon grass tea and she enters into and welleness of drug users. The total pro- toward a TV screen. George W. Bush the dining room. Despite the successes of duction cost of the film was $373,000 and appears and denies businesses in the U.S. documentaries on the big screen, she says Carson says even though the film was a are corrupt except for a few bad apples. the industry in B.C. is slowly eroding. “In huge success in the theatres, it hasn't Red and green apples begin to fall from B.C., creating a documentary is not easy. made any money. “It doesn't make a lot of trees down the screen. The audience in the Budgets are falling and falling and there sense financially. A lot of people who make theatre leans back in the seats, eyes open. are more and more of the $200,000, $250,000 these kinds of documentaries are just The total time: 145 minutes. [budgets] making what many call extremely passionate about the issues and This is the news of today.

Langara Journalism Review 2006 23

by Brishkay Ahmed Journalistsputon your dancing shoes move to the beat of family and work

ist in Vancouver as an investment in my career,” says Christensen. “At that time career was everything for me, I loved it.” An equal balance between work and baby play rawn to the rhythm, journalists enter requires compromise, she says. After her first child, she took a newsrooms and dance all day. It begins year off. She returned to a shorter workweek, and a new posi- quietly with feet shuffling, and soon the tion. Christensen remains passionate about journalism and music begins.D Everyone must dance. The beat becomes faster. unfazed by the pauses created by maternity leaves. Then it slows down, stops, and starts again. The news sets the Ian Haysom, BCTV news director, is journalism’s biggest fan. “I pace, which creates the music. Journalists are slaves to the love it. It’s the best profession.”A few hours before his evening beat. But for journalists with families, more than one dance news goes national, he watches it from around the world. Calm partner is involved. and cheery, he has no complaints about the stresses of the job. “I CTV anchor and senior reporter Mike Killeen waltzes between get up at 6:30 a.m. and turn on the news, and I always watch the 11 two children, a wife, and work. In his glass palace, the CTV news- p.m. news before going to bed. You can be a slave to it.” Haysom, room, Killeen is suited up but relaxed. It’s Sunday afternoon and who has been a journalist for 25 years, is married and has four he prepares for the evening news. Notes and messages blanket his children. He says the work can take a toll. “My wife is a journalist. desk. Among the paper is a black-and-white family photo. “Yes, Most journalists are married to journalists, they understand each that’s them. It’s too bad I couldn’t be at my son’s soccer game other’s profession.” Haysom adds the key is to have an under- today, but they are playing in Seattle.” Killeen says the demands standing family. The most intensive part of the day is when the on a reporter make it difficult for families to stay connected. Global family gathers around the assignment desk for the nation- Occasionally, he gets a call at night to chase a story. ‘Get in the car al news. However, he says changes have occurred in the industry. “News is 24 hours and when it breaks, you have to be ready.” immediately,’ he was once told. “You just do it,” says Killeen. “Newsrooms are more understanding now, but it’s a give and “That was September 11.” take.” Support from both the newsroom and partner is crucial, other- Technology, such as cell phones, has made the balancing act wise the waltz could turn into moshing. “The assignment editors, easier by providing instant access to family. But Haysom says producers, managing editors know us. If they have a sense of who technology also has its drawbacks. “In my own situation, anybody you are and what you do it makes your life easier.” Killeen and co- can get me, so technology is intruding. I always have my cell- host Keri Adams switch weekend shifts to maximize family time. phone.” The newsroom was in frequent contact with him during And each morning Killeen takes his eight and 12-year-olds to his holiday to Mexico. “You are fighting with yourself,” says school. He handles the household during the week. His wife han- Haysom. “News is 24 hours and when it breaks, you have to be dles the household during the weekends. “The three days I report ready.” While watching a film, Haysom and his wife turned off tend to be the hardest to juggle. It’s hard, but that’s life, it’s no dif- their phones. But as soon as the movie was finished and they were ferent for a lot of other people, and it can be a struggle.” out of the theatre, both were checking their messages. They were Layne Christensen, associate editor of the North Shore News, is back on. married and has a young daughter. Although her dance routine is Mike Killeen can relate. He likens the relationship between arduous, she recently added another name to her dance card with journalists, the newsroom and Blackberries, to the Eagle’s song the arrival of baby number two. Since the birth of her first child, Hotel California. Christensen has scaled back freelance work and coverage of “It’s like that song, you can check out anytime you like, but you media events, which were part of her job as a lifestyles reporter. can never leave.” “We moved by leaving our fabulous West End apartment and buy- The role of a journalist is demanding. The role of a father and ing a home in Lynn Valley, a seven-minute drive to work.” husband, or a mother and wife is also demanding. The dance While she misses attending fashion shows and hob-knobbing between work and family can be smooth, with terrific turns, high with artists, she is comfortable at home with a baby. “I consider jumps, low dips and perfect plies. But it can also be chaos, with the dedication I brought to my first 10 years as a working journal- shortness of breath, toe stepping, tripping and missed beats.

24 Langara Journalism Review 2006 new media

JOHN MACDERMID PHOTO Cutting through the clutter

by John MacDermid

t’s a Sunday afternoon in November at a North Vancouver Internet-café, and tables are filling fast. The clouds have parted just long enough to offer a glimpse of sun painted mountain-tops to the Inorth. A half-dozen customers wait in line at a counter at the back of the cafe, toying with options of what to drink or which muffin to consume. On the wall behind the counter is a large chalk sketch of the globe, criss-crossed with lines of latitude and longitude. There’s a mug set between the Antarctic and Arctic circles, and steam drifts from its mouth up over the North Pole. Java makes the world go round. Tall stools sit before a long bar that winds its way around the windowed periphery of the café. Patrons sip steaming lattes and stir tea steeped long in hot water, lingering over copies of the morn- ing’s edition of the Province newspaper. Some are engaged in hushed conversations, or watch idly as the world passes by just beyond the window. It’s the kind of place where you find neighbours talking with neighbours and friends talking with friends, about their lives, their community, their world.

Langara Journalism Review 2006 25 At a table near one of the café windows started with Bibles in the middle of the traditionally relied on to ensure the looking out on the mostly sunny street, fourteen hundreds, but four centuries straight goods are making it over the sits Meg Fowler. Her fingers dance later Joseph Howe was cranking out wires. And like Nescafe, it’s leaving a across the keyboard of her milky-white copies of the Nova Scotian newspaper for bad taste in the mouth of some of its con- iMac, pause, then dance some more. distribution in Halifax. Then along came sumers. Beyond the window, cars stream north the telegraph. Not only did it shrink the Because of this new instant news, and south, and pedestrians walk along world of the 19th Century, but it brought Stephen Ward believes the informal the sidewalk, briefly glancing toward about a fundamental change in the way rules governing journalists need to her before entering the café. Fowler news was written - the inverted pyramid change. The University of British writes copy-articles and technical docu- style - that remains virtually unchanged Columbia journalism professor has an ments for a local marketing firm-and is to this day. Radio and television each extensive background in media ethics, tightly connected to her computer. shrank the world further, and spread the and he played a major role in drafting Across from her sits Kristy Baxter, also news farther and faster than ever before. the Canadian Association of Journalists’ immersed in all things computer. It’s easy to look back in hindsight at code of ethics. He says many in the Together, as friends, they work in their these changes in technology and tech- online community let the news fly first, own little worlds as if they were locked nique and have them make sense. But and fix any mistakes only after readers in rooms on opposite sides of the globe. today, the world is experiencing another recognize them. This new community

According to blogcount.com, 30 per cent of North Americans read blogs. 52 per cent say that bloggers should have the same rights as regular journalists. 75 per cent of blog readers 39 per cent feel that blogs are less credible are men. than regular newscasts. -BlogAds Survey

43 per cent have family income greater than $90,000. 1.7 per cent are CEO's. 50 per cent found blogs to be their most useful source of news and opinion

-BlogAds Survey

Fowler and Baxter begin talking about technological shift, and the people using consists of nearly 20 million web loggers, Internet stories they each read about the technology, whether to disseminate or bloggers, worldwide who sit down at rioting in the suburbs of Paris. During news or receive it, don’t have the benefit their computers and, to one degree or their discussion, they notice significant of hindsight to help them understand the another, let fly with the flotsam from differences in the details of what should changes taking place. The Internet has their minds. Sorting out the rabble from be the same story. reduced the world to the size of an inter- the real amongst this chaotic online dis- “You should be able to read something net-café. course is a real challenge. “We’re chang- and know you're getting the straight There is no sense in making compar- ing the entire role of journalism from an goods,” Baxter says. isons between the speeds of Internet authoritative voice that goes out, gath- The rush to be first with the news is no news to say, the time it takes to brew a ers the resources and tells you how different now than at any other point in perfect cup of coffee, because coffee things are, to a constant conversation the history of journalism. However, as doesn’t brew instantly. Media delivery that evolves over time,” Ward says. technology makes it easier to transmit today is more like Nescafe. It’s occur- Among the millions of bloggers, and receive the news, the urgency to ring more rapidly and the rush to be the there is a handful that gather a follow- report first increases. Gutenberg first with the story, that ever present ing. Their audience grows and eventual- brought the news to more people by quest for the scoop, is sidelining some of ly their blogs take on the same authori- developing the printing press. Sure, he the checks and balances journalism has tative relevance once held by established

26 Langara Journalism Review 2006 media. In fact, Ward says the future online writing, says Vancouver journal- Schneider reads through an online establishment of news delivery is being ist and media-consultant Mark news story reporting a legal settlement created by today’s fringe. For these Schneider. He has spent the past few between a drug company and govern- fringe authors, this represents a shift years grappling with the implications of ment regulators. An element of the story from the realm of gossip and opinion to the Internet, which he calls the largest attributes to “analysts” an assessment of the realm of authority, and Ward engineering project in the history of the the settlements impact on shareholders. acknowledges that journalistic stan- world. This global network of communi- He pauses briefly and asks, “Analysts? dards do not apply to gossip or conversa- cations and computers, built in an ad- Well who are they? I have a question tion. The future challenge will be in hoc manner, has left society overloaded about who those analysts are.” developing standards for the new media. with information and without the tools It's this type of information, the Back at the café, Fowler is among to slow things down. Schneider, a visit- details often left out of stories for the the millions of voices in the blogosphere; ing lecturer at UBC's school of journal- sake of brevity, which could be buried as that online world of blogs and small ism, is working on a labelling system for metadata. Schneider envisions a label news sites. She gets a few hundred daily online journalists. He compares it to con- that will reveal the various metadata visitors to her Blogcabin site, but she tent labels found on food packaging, and elements of a story to the reader. He never realized the impact of her online hopes it will be the model for the new- likens the news to a glass of water. musings until she received a call from a media to establish credibility. There's no way for a person to know

Between January and April 2005 Microsoft reported that more than 4.5 million new blogs popped up on the Internet.

75 per cent of blog readers are more than 30 years old. One blog reader in five is a blogger himself.

-BlogAds survey

VP at her company who gushed about Too many people are producing too what is in the water. It looks clear and how a recent post had moved her. “Holy much information, and Schneider wants clean and likely is safe to drink. But if crap,” she says of the call, “I better watch to make it easier for readers to deter- the glass was able to analyze the water what I write.” mine the integrity of online material. In- for impurities and tell the thirsty person There is a debate in the blogosphere text links are beginning to appear on the whether it's safe or not, it might set the about who can be trusted to deliver the news sites of mainstream media outlets. person's mind at ease before consuming news accurately. Many blogs offer com- Schneider says new technology will it. mentary on current events reported by allow writers to take the embedding of “If we're going to label the food we put mainstream media outlets. The content information to another level. into our bodies, why can't we label the varies from the insightful to the outra- Metadata are small bits of information information we put into our minds?” At geous, and many use links to direct read- hidden in the coding of web pages, and the very least, Schneider thinks a ers to the news being cited. However, it's what search engines like Google or labelling system will pull bloggers in Fowler recognizes that everyone is Yahoo look for when doing a search. from the fringes of online discourse. “If reporting on the news from a different Schneider wants to use metadata to the bloggers label their stuff, I think perspective and she remains cautious of store background information that may they've just jumped to the credibility what she reads. not be critical to the story itself, but is side of the scale and that's the whole Embedding links adds credibility to crucial in establishing its veracity. benefit of this.”

Langara Journalism Review 2006 27

Talking heads trump the printed word

rust is the fundamental founda- font on unseen teleprompters. Emotion is media mountain they leave the grunt work tion of professional journalism. rare for people of this calibre, and so far to studio sherpas. Trust in the individual, the facts, that lack of palpable feeling has worked for The same poll says Tony Parsons, the Tand in the process of procuring them. Portraying the unflappable profes- anchor for BCTV news, is the most trusted news. sional newsperson gives people stability, a news media personality, reporter, or jour- In our society, however, that trust has cornerstone for their own lives beamed nalist in British Columbia. And the reason become misplaced. Words no longer sway into their living rooms every night. for that is simple: he’s the most recogniza- human conviction. Image does. Blocks of They are journal- ble. Furthermore, the other top 10 candi- text are no longer a match for elaborate istic alchemists, dates are also T.V. news people, mainly production. Today, yesterday and the turning a lead into anchors. You’ll never see a Chad Skelton or future belong to the television news gold. a Kim Bolan on the list. Nor a Don Cayo, anchor; that select group of individuals According to a Lindsay Kines, Jeff Rud, Harold Munro— who have their immaculately manicured recent Ipsos Reid all 2005 Jack Webster Award winners for hands firmly around the neck of the every- survey, British print journalism, one of the highest day news consumer in a half-century-old Columbians rely on achievements for a newsperson in B.C. Yet stranglehold of trust. television more Opinion without face time on channel two they’re From Cronkite to Mansbridge, these than any other form Clinton Swann relegated to obscurity. titans of television splay the daily doings of media to get their One in four British Columbians trust across newscasts with inhuman exuber- news; roughly 46 Parsons more than entire newspapers. ance. Behind masks of thickly slathered per cent, which is leaps and bounds ahead They’ve put their trust in a facade. In cosmetics, they drone on about threats of antiquated methods such as newspapers essence, the voice of the solitary news against home and country, the mounting and radio, and even ahead of the media’s anchor can be likened to the voice of God. dead in foreign wars, cities wiped out in newest child star; the Internet. It requires a substantial leap of faith to the blink of a hurricane’s eye. In a low, With that popularity comes trust, trust place trust in an anchor. Without that faith steady monotone they list daily events, in essentially nothing. Anchors don’t hit in the voice of God, there’s no earthly way barely blinking as their eyes dart back and the bricks to gather the daily news, they you can have faith in the voice of a news forth, following along with the glowing just present it. Once they’ve scaled the anchor. Trust me.

Cyber submissions in a Soapbox Derby.

28 Langara Journalism Review 2006

Media must mind the public’s privacy

tanding in the grocery store line, it is They are there to protect us.) But we also should be more privacy laws in place to difficult not to notice the trashy want our privacy to be safeguarded. limit journalistic freedom. tabloid magazines. They fit in well Stephen Ward, journalism ethics profes- But Clark says the media not only Swith the candy. Both forms of tempta- sor at UBC, says he is worried about the peered their cameras into his window, but tions are garbage and we all know it. But future of journalism. He sees a day when also banged on his door, disturbed his fam- there we are, picking up that sugar filled new privacy laws restrict the media from ily and followed his kids to school. chocolate bar or trashy magazine with the latest celebrity showing her panty line to the getting a story. He He says the scandal was orchestrated by camera. reflects back to an the police for the benefit of the press. Most We know the candy is bad and we know incident in 1998, people would be mad at the media too, and the eye candy isn’t so great either, but we when former B.C. rightfully so. The media need to be careful turn away from thinking about the side- premier Glen Clark about who they are exposing and how they effects of what we are doing to ourselves attacked the media are exposing them. Sometimes printing a and to others. for intruding on his photo of someone accused of a crime con- The media must be responsible when it privacy after crews Opinion victs that person, even if the accused is comes to dealing with people’s privacy, and set up shop on his eventually acquitted. Clark also says any that should include celebrities and politi- lawn and peered Erin Hitchcock politician would be a fool to try to convince cians. If it isn’t newsworthy it shouldn’t be cameras into his the public there should be more restric- printed. But there is a market for these window. Clark had been accused of giving tions on the media, and he thinks legisla- mind-sucking pieces of scandalous waste, his neighbour a casino license in exchange tion should be left the way it is. which is unfortunate because it makes the for renovations to his house. He was later Just as journalists have the right to take rest of the media look bad. acquitted of the charges, but the accusa- pictures in public, member of the public Privacy is important to just about every- tion and media coverage destroyed his also have a right to privacy. Journalists one. People demand privacy, and it is political career. need to remember they are citizens of the becoming more and more difficult to meet Ward says Clark tried to turn the spot- same society, and they too want to have that demand due to the growing number of light away from himself by attacking the their private lives remain private. Most of surveillance cameras and Internet spies. media. He said politicians like Clark will us have curtains on our windows even (Not that surveillance cameras are bad. try to convince the public that there journalists.

“In war, there is no prize for the runner-up.” - General Omar Bradley

Langara Journalism Review 2006 29 An unlevel playing field

The mainstream media spotlight shines on the multi-million dollar world of professional sports, and largely ignores the plight of Canada’s amateur athletes. by Aman Mann

embers of a Vancouver family The sole chance for Canadian ama- sucks at sports compared to the States,” are furiously flipping through teur athletes to enjoy the limelight is if says Hoen. “But we don't suck, we just Mthe channels trying to find cov- they make it to the Olympic podium. But don't get reported on, so nobody knows erage of the National Volleyball when the closing ceremonies are done, of our success.” Championships, but there isn't any, not Canadian athletes return to a country If you asked people on the street to even a brief highlight. Their oldest son, that largely ignores their other efforts name five professional Canadian ath- Martin Reider, 25, is playing in and achievements. Reider agrees. “Even letes they would have no problem. Saskatchewan at the Men's Volleyball then, the media covers it for a selfish However, they would struggle immense- Nationals for the second year, but his reason,” he says. “The games are ly to name five amateur athletes. family and friends are unable to see how watched by the world rather than by a Joty Gill, a 23-year-old Canadian, was he or his team are faring in the tourna- family like mine on a small 13-inch tele- only able to name Kurt Russell and ment. The telephone is ringing off the vision, and covering such a huge event Goldie Hawn's son, Wyatt, who plays hook with close relatives like Auntie gives the media outlets recognition and hockey for the Richmond Sockeyes. She Margie and Uncle Arthur asking what respect,” not to mention the millions of said the reason she knew him was channel they should watch or what radio dollars in advertising. because of extensive coverage given to station they should listen to for updates. But Bev Wake, sports editor at the Wyatt. A Hollywood celebrity's son play- Should they prepare for Martin to arrive Vancouver Sun, says the public is ing hockey in B.C. gets more coverage home with a shiny gold medal around unaware of the challenges an editor than our own sons and daughters, and his neck and an MVP fleecy over his faces when deciding what sports to give who’s to blame? Canadian sports report- shoulders? Or should they prepare the most media attention. “If we cut back ing, Gill says. “If that's all I read and see themselves for the worst: a loss where Canucks coverage that would alienate a on TV, the average Joe will only be he'll come home with only a pathetic large number of our readers,” she says. familiar with the hot-shots rather than participant's ribbon? Martin's mom “We simply cannot skimp out of NHL the significant local athletes.” Lauren continues to flip through the coverage.” Wake says her paper has It’s understandable that high profile sports channels, only to find non-stop been trying to achieve amateur athlete athletes receive greater coverage, but reporting on professional hockey. For coverage by profiling B.C. athletes who amateur sports deserve their time in the this, she blames the Canadian media. will compete in the Whistler Olympics in spotlight. According to former Olympic “It is absolute nonsense that non-pro 2010. She also says more attention is women's gymnastics coach Jim Jones, sports don't get covered much,” she given to amateur sports in the summer, amateur sports are the essential build- says. “I want to see someone I actually after the NHL and NFL seasons are over. ing blocks of professional sport and it is know, not a celebrity.” Spencer Hoen, a 21-year-old amateur critical for newspapers to reflect their Her son Martin agrees. He says athlete who plays for Team Canada importance. "Journalists need to cover a Canadian journalists do not recognize Volleyball, offered a prime example of wider range of sports players.” He says amateur sports at the level they should. how media fails to report non-profes- journalists should stop covering the He says the media's failure to cover non- sional sports. When Canada defeated same sports repeatedly, but focus also on professional sports is shameful. "I work Germany in Slovakia in the gold medal grassroots sports. He says the public just as hard if not harder as good ol' volleyball match in 2004, defending their wants to track the progress of local ath- Bertuzzi, but he gets paid the big bucks 2002 World Championship title, the story letes. This way local readers may feel a since he gets all the media coverage, as if wasn't printed in a single Canadian connection to the player, rather than hockey is the only sport that lives." paper. “Everyone just thinks Canada reading about a far away celebrity.

30 Langara Journalism Review 2006

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