Heather Mallick’s September 5th column (now removed) caused quite the backlash against her and the CBC.  Initially the CBC stood behind the hatchet job article.  On September 25th, the CBC Ombudsman, Vince Carlin, issued his review of the matter. He agrees that the article offers little facts to back up the “opinions” (my air quotes) presented in the article.  He also notes that CBCNews.ca does not present a diverse range of opinions.

Four days later, publisher John Cruickshank offers up…well not quite an apology.  I’m not actually sure what you would call it.  I guess the best would be an admission of judgment error.  On the plus side, Mr. Cruickshank indicates that the CBC will attempt to expand it’s diversity of opinions.

I think that is a good step.  By all means let the CBC present opinions but let’s focus on the ideas, reasoning and thoughts behind those opinions and not on how people look, what gender they are or what their family is like. And if opinions are presented, then please present a wide range of opinions from all sides.

It seems like the least we could ask from Canada’s public broadcaster.

Categories: Politics
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