CBC Ombudsman Levels Conflict Deflection by CBC Vancouver of Their Victoria Bureau Chief: Stephen Smart’s Conflict Finally, Officially Outed!
Let me tell you about a guy named Merv Adey.
He’s one of my long-time and most loyal readers. He leans left, I don’t. We’ll agree on some things. but not all–far from it. His background is completely different from mine. In point of fact, we don’t have a whole lot in common.
But his super-articulate contributions to this blog are a source of great pride, privilege and knowledge–he’s one of the readers I learn from and enjoy reading.
When I summon readers to do something on principle–as I did when I was censored by a former CKNW staffer, Merv is first off the mark. Articulate indeed and sometimes menacingly so, after I revealed Stephen Smart’s conflict of interest early last year, Merv never let it go. Any private emails we exchanged–as I do with dozens of regulars (and you wonder why I fall behind promised posts sometimes!) the vast majority were about the Smart conflict of interest.
When I recently posted the exceptional work done by blogger Norman Farrell to lance the boil with the CBC Vancouver over this matter, I called upon readers to email the CBC and complain. I have copies of over FORTY emails that went out to various CBC executives.
The most pointed, was one from Merv Adey. He ripped into the CBC so thoroughly and completely that I kept thinking I might need a fire extinguisher for my touchscreen every time I reopened his email to enjoy his letter once more.
Of all the letters, I knew Merv’s would get someone’s attention; it was perfect, hammering the CBC or the obvious conflict Stephen Smart is in and dicing the arguments eventually advanced by local CBC boss Wayne Williams (for whom I have immense respect).
What a stunner, then, to have Kirk LaPointe, CBC Ombudsman from Toronto, come down with a ruling that Stephen Smart is absolutely in a conflict as CBC Victoria Bureau Chief because his wife Rebecca Scott is listed as a high-level staffer with Premier Christy Clark.
In typical CBC fashion (as is the modus operandi of the mothership since time immemorial) their Ombudsman doesn’t mediate conflicts and such–like most people in those positions of responsibility almost always do.
So now, the story gets interesting. Notwithstanding the absolutely EMBARRASSING display of foolhardiness this morning on CKNW by Bill Good, Keith Baldrey and Vaughn Palmer–when they actually had the temerity to EXCUSE Stephen Smart (new flash, gents, his own mothership says he’s in a conflict!) it is now back in the hands of the local CBC Vancouver to actually decide what to do. Otherwise, their legislative chief REMAINS IN A CONFLICT as long as his wife is working for the provincial government.
However, this whole matter illustrates just how far journalism in this province has fallen. The guy with the greatest piece of radio real estate ever (thanks to Rafe and a complete lack of competition–FOR NOW) doesn’t get it (or likely can’t get it because he’s too thick); the dean of BC media shames himself by not being blunt and admitting it’s now an even more serious problem as the CBC is wounded and must do something to mend their flank; and the Legislative Bureau Chief for Global TV, the Victoria boss of the number one media source in the province doesn’t understand that one of his competitors is mortally wounded unless the CBC pulls him off his detail or his wife is fired from the Premier’s office. It doesn’t help either that the two people who brought this conflict to light are bloggers: yours truly and Norman Farrell.
The entire rest of the mainstream press in this province ignored the conflict because, generally speaking, ethics in media, particularly in BC, has long vanished.
Three men, Good, Baldrey and Palmer, storied journalists all, who are often referred to as media ‘leaders’, are not interested and infact, blithely ignorant, to the severe injury Stephen Smart’s conflict causes journalism in this province. It’s no big deal because Stephen Smart is a great reporter and an equally good guy. Big deal! We know this already, I’ve written about Stephen’s integrity many times. That’s irrelevant!!!
But we are supposed to be setting aside our biases for the public good, are we not?
If you include the piece I will be doing tomorrow or Sunday on the socio-political cancer that is American extremist and right wing nutjob Newt Gingrich, then I’ll have spent this entire week plus some of the last, particularly if you review my posts against the Enbridge pipeline, the failings of both the federal Tories and similarly the BC Conservatives, as hammering my own.
I do, after all, lean conservative, right? I’m a ‘Conservative blogger’ according to my pal Mason. Global refers to me the same way.
Really? How does that look against the backdrop of the stories I’ve written hammering conservatives or traditionally conservative causes or gaffes?
A gentle reminder of why I have such a strong loyalty here and why we’re still number one in the blogosphere with over 100,000 BC readers per month.
Baldrey couldn’t bring himself to criticize former BC Ferries big nacho David Hahn because they golf together. Good dines with Pamela Martin still, like there’s nothing wrong and no conflict whatsoever; as he admits to reading off scripted questions prepared by the BC Liberals when he’s interviewing BC NDP leader Adrian Dix…and softballs interviews with his pal Christy Clark.
Let there be no doubt, we exist in the depths of media sewage in BC.
But what could be more conflicted than being married to a woman whose job it is to spin for a Premier you are supposed to be covering with impartiality and balance? Stephen should have told his wife she couldn’t take that job because it would conflict him, or he should have moved to sports until his wife’s tenure was over.
Stephen Smart is a very decent guy who deserves better, and I have nothing against Rebecca Scott personally–she’s the one who never liked me (for my strong opinions–specifically those against her eventual boss and former colleague Christy Clark), but defiantly trying to ignore the CBC conflict has only made matters worse. Someone from this blog complained to the CBC and their own Ombudsman agrees, apparently: Smart is in a conflict. No one, not the CBC, not Smart, not Scott, not anyone in this whole sordid affair cared to address the OBVIOUS conflict until a blog reader asked them to speak the truth on this issue.
Just once.
I sincerely hope this is the beginning of a wholesale enema that the media in this province truly needs.
But I won’t hold my breath. And neither should you.
This post is dedicated to the courage of a fellow named Merv Adey and to the equal courage of another fellow named Norman Farrell. You’ve both done this province proud.
Thank you, from a grateful British Columbian.
So someone smears shit on the floor as evidenced by their boots, but nobody wants to clean it up because they’re all in denial.
Every day I figure all levels of government and media have crested to new and untouchable levels of pure stupidity. I’m always proven wrong.
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Correct.
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The CBC is a public entity, and Corporation of the Crown. Additionally, it is a major news organization, which, supposedly, also imputes an abiding respect for the “laws’ of journalsim. Mr. Smart works for that organization.
Mr. Smart, in his capacity as Victoria Ledge Bureau Chief, must be able to look at events coming out of the Leg with an unbiased eye—a difficult task at the best of times. The public counts on news organizations, and on people like Mr. Smart, in the top CBC position in Victoria, to hold government’s feet to the proverbial fire.
Ms. Scott, his wife, works as a communications person in the very office of the highestelected office holder in our province—that of the Premier of BC
Both Mr. Smart and Ms. Scott work in public organizations which are supposed to be serving THE PUBLIC INTEREST. First and foremost.
No one is accusing Stephen of wrongdoing. He is, in fact, a hard working, smart journalist whom i admire.
BUT, conficts of interest, or PERCEPTIONS of conflict of interest, can arise when a person may have choose between two or more interests in a matter. That is, when a PERSONAL interest (say, one’s wife, one’s wife’s interests, etc) could POTENTIALLY interefere with or APPEAR to interfere with the performance of one’s PUBLIC duties, say, as Leg Bureau Chief for a Crown Corp., the CBC.
Where there is possible conflict under these conditions, there is an opportunity for corruption. Which is not neccessarily related to anything financial, but could mean ignoring an important story.
Stephen loves his wife, and I am sure he loves his job. But it seems to me, in this situation, he must choose between the two. Or the CBC must make the choice for him.
The Ombudsman has rendered a very clear and fair decision. This will protect Mr. Smart, as much as it might now hurt to curb 9at least temporarily) his own career ambitions. Stephen needs to move to another division immediately, as long as Rebecca works in the Premier’s Office as a communications operative.
If this doesn’t happen forewith, how are we to have any faith in how that news organization runs its own affairs. An organization that doesn’t even take its own Ombudsman seriously.
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Superb comment. I will be following up on Monday with an inside perspective on this situation. It is HUGE and will not die. Because we mustn’t let it.
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You know, the more I read the commentary, the more this thing smells to me. I wouldn’t suggest for a moment that Mr. Smart has or will do anything unethical, but even if he does end up in the sports department, for example, what stops him from sharing bedroom secrets with friends in the Mother Corp? Won’t his co-worker buddies be tipped off to the latest insider gossip, or front-lined for Provincial policy announcements? I just don’t see how this will go away.
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It won’t. Just wait til Monday.
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It is a happy coincidence—or a reaction to their recent undeniably poorly constructed stories on foreign gay marriage and divorce in Canada—that has delivered us the happy news today that the Mop + Pail has introduced a new “pubic editor’, to their media mix? As an oversight to…er…irresponsible and unreliable reporting. This position, of course is otherwise known as that of an ‘omdudsman’. Gentle Readers, let the public oversight begin!
CBC, you are on the losing end of this argument. When might we see your white flag?
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Superb comment!
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what a crock
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This reminds me of politicians………
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npn0dyhSyr0
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Great John Stewart material.
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Alex I have to tell you that I was listening to Vanilla Bill this morning at work and had to take a couple of “Serenity Now” moments after hearing the three of them make excuses for Smart, his wife and the CBC. Fortunately I had eaten breakfast several hours earlier or I might have lost it on the spot. They referred to all the people who had a problem with the situation as “a couple of bloggers” I had a wrench in my hands at the time and came very close to throwing it through the wall of my shop. They made themselves look like a bunch of clowns.
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You’re not alone. A ton of people were appalled.
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The solution for everyone…….Stop listening to CKNW.
I have and I hope 1000′s (perhaps 100,000 ?) people will follow suit.
I listen to some FM channels that only play music. Its far easier on the blood pressure while driving AND you wont have spent several minutes of your life listening to CKNW propaganda that you’ll never get back.
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Brings up an interesting point. With blogger contributors (both here and on Tieleman’s) if there’s such perpetual ragging on msm such as CKNW, the CBC, Vancouver Sun and the Province, why do these same people obviously go back and read and use msm in the first place?
No one says you have to use it. Either ya like following it, or ya don’t.
This isn’t East Germany with just one state owned radio station.
But some of the alternative media isn’t exactly the best either. The Tyee used to be good, but it’s turned into a left wing sewage sludge
storage field in terms of articles from upstart reporters who continually
editorialise on subject type of news items.
And Tieleman? With his propaganda about the NDP leadership which is self hypocrisy, because he is obviously supporting Brian Topp, he should be writing for the NDP Democrat’s propaganda organ.
and AGT here? Well, leave him alone, and just keep him keepin’ this blog smokin’.
It’s a good mix of opinionated opinions (?), and factual concisely researched research.
But if you want to listen to FM, and hear a replay of the Monkees, the Partidge Family and the 1910 Fruitgum Company, you can do that too.
Heck, if enough listeners wrote to that FM station, they might even put on music by…
The Banana Splits.
Now that would get ya forgetting about CKNW and Christy Crunch.
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LOL
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Please remove this tool bar popping up on the screen it cOvers the text of ur articles. It’s terrible. Thank you
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Yes, it’s a new feature. Got the message.
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Just click the white sociable tag it leaves ,its ok Alex makes saving sharing sending easier .
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That’s why I bought it!
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Works fine with Safari….
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Thanks SB….perfect!
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On the sidebar issue. I love the “top” button and the “home” button..nice helpful feature..
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Thank you. Lots of positive feedback. But some negative too.
Fair enough.
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i like the features, perhaps it can be noved to the right side of the screen,
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We’re playing around with options on Monday.
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I didn’t like it a first, then found out to put it asleep until I need it. Seems fine now. Tthanks
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No problem.
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“I didn’t like it a first, then found out to put it asleep until I need it. Seems fine now. ”
Can we do that with politicians such as Christy Crunh and Mayor Moonbeam??
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I think you just need to adjust your screen resolution. The bar sits to the left and out of the way for me. I can see the text in the articles just fine.
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CORRECT!!!!!
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wow great column,
first of all thank you merv and norm and all the others that filed a protest to the cbc
alex you are neither a left, centalist,,or right wing blogger/ journalist
you are somthing that regretfully good, baldrey and other are not
you sir are a true journalist, you declare your potential conflics, did baldrey declare that he plays golf with the ferry boss when soing a story ?.
many of the victoria press gallery will not complain be cause they are guilty themselfs at some level.
they try to label you as a right wing blogger . and by doing so making it appear that you are biased
you declare when you know a person or if you have or had an assosciation with what you are writing about
if only they would take a page of your ethics i might actually tune in.
all the media needs to clean house. not just the cbc
.
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Thanks Harry.
I play in Dianne Watts’ golf tournament every year. Her husband is a very close friend of mine.
I’ve done about a half dozen Watts columns in the entire time I’ve been writing.
Two were critical. No hard feelings, no recriminations. Still on the Christmas card list.
I am also friends with many other politicians him I have criticized (although Dianne is most prominent). None of them took offence either. They include people I admire like James Moore, Tim Stevenson and Adrian Dix. Carole James too.
Biased is how others operate. Not me.
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This demonstrates the collegial connection between busy online writers and our thoughtful readers. Like you, some of my most interesting exchanges with people are conducted in private emails, sometimes because those involved fear retribution for public expressions that run contrary to the conventions of big business interests.
Indeed, Merv Adey was particularly articulate in taking this issue forward. Had Kirk Lapointe ignored Mr. Adey’s arguments, he would have abdicated his role and forever destroyed his own credibility. Of course, the issue was not going to fade and the Ombudsman received numerous complaints.
While I have not commented on Stephen Smart’s capabilities as a reporter, i do strongly condemn the regional management of CBC who chose to defend the indefensible, in effect choosing the private interest of their colleagues over their professional responsibility as news providers.
This issue has never been about Stephen Smart the man – I for one have never met him – or about his wife. Alex, you and I did not dream up a new definition of ‘conflict of interest’ nor did we ever attack Stephen Smart’s capabilities or achievements. As we pointed out often, the issue is one that should be dealt with separate from personalities.
Global’s Keith Baldrey tweeted this today:
“…Stephen Smart being in a conflict is baloney. He’s an exemplary reporter. Leave him in his job.”
That brings into focus Baldrey’s own lapses and questionable understanding of journalism standards that are held true by all respected experts. This is one reporter that needs to return to basics to relearn the principles of journalism.
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Thanks Norm. I guess Keith is thinking he’s got about ten years left in the biz max and he doesn’t care anymore.
But it is demonstrative of his lack of understanding of what is really due the public.
At this point, he clearly doesn’t care.
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Baldrey needs a dictionary; being in a conflict has nothing to do with one’s abilities. Vaughn Palmer should know better!
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Frankly, they should both clearly know better.
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Oh, they do. Very clearly.
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The fact that Baldrey doesn’t understand that Stephen can be exemplary AND be in a “potential conflict” should say sooo much about his inabilty to think analytically.
Problem is, I think he does understand, I think he is willing to sacrifice his ethics for a colleague. He takes his audience so much for granted, that he assumes it really doesn’t matter. He has capital to burn.
Sadly, I think he is right, Global will not ditch him. They are on top and won’t mess with success. That comes right around to the problem with mainstream media.
Uh oh, Here i go….
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Of course, Baldrey might have his own issues that challenge journalistic ethics. If you take payments from a primary business supporter of HST such as the BC Chamber of Commerce, can you then be free of conflict in reporting on that issue?
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Is there any chance you could publish Merv’s letter to the CBC? I’d love to see the skewering he gave to the mother corp.
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I will ask for permission and get back to you. He’s been away that’s why I didn’t put it into my original post. Thanks!
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I find the ‘share’ and ‘counter’ bar on the left side of my screen really, really annoying – even when I reduce it. Sorry…….
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Sorry. Will try to figure something out.
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All you have to do is click on the arrow next to the “Sociable” tab and it completely hides the toolbar, leaving just the tab. Can’t see why anyone would find that so annoying?
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Oop… nevermind. Didn’t realize it reappears each time you refresh or go to a new page. I s’pose that is kinda annoying.
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It’s a new feature that makes it easier for you to share.
If it annoys anyone I’ve included the option of nuking it anytime it appears to ‘minimize’ the hassle.
Mostly positive comments.
Can we please stick to the topic??? If you have complaints about your experience here you can email ne through the ‘Contact’ option. I’m behind in getting back to so many requests and comments. Forgive me.
The Lord provided me with just two hands.
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If you could possibly put a “Facebook Like Button” for each comment, mannnnn, you would take advantage of the Facebook opportuntiy BIGTIME.
You’d have Facebook users promoting you in a huge way. Just sayin…
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That’s included. I really need to talk to my IT guys.
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Don’t let them Bullshit you man, IT guys are like lawyers and doctors. Get a second opinion.
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No, don’t worry. These guys are good.
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I hope you picked them up SINCE your website crashed, there was no need for that.
I believe you when you say they are good. Any good IT guy will answer your tough questions and make you feel warm inside.
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What about Sean Leslie and his wife? Is Smart the only member of The Fallery to appear to be in a position like this?
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What about Sean’s wife???
I don’t know anything about it. Tell us more…
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Thanks for the critical but crucial commentary on the dismal status of our public media.
I’m shocked to read that Mr Good would use the script from the BC Liberals to interview the NDP leader. It’s even more amazing that he didn’t see the problem and admit it publicly. What a shame…!
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In fact, he DID admit to it on air and was hammered by callers.
My question is: where the hell were you and your BC NDP colleagues? Why did you not launch a complaint with SHAW and the CRTC???
I think we need to take the fight to them! The MSM are now VERY afraid of the ruling that came from the CBC Ombudsman.
The floodgates have opened.
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WHEN is there going to be a radio station to challenge these CKNW has beens?
Their blatant bias is revolting ( unless of course thats the strategy, to be as controversial as possible).
Alex. Your statement that the media in BC need an enema is slightly off the mark.
They just need competition
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When?
Just wait…you won’t be waiting long.
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Hopefully the radio station you alluding to will be FM because CKNW’s AM channel was/is DREADFUL .
Their signal dies at the hint of a Fruit Flys’ fart. ANY interference to the CKNW broadcast would cause the car radio to morph into unitelligible static.
As I have stated earlier, Competition. with a decent signal. Kiss their fuddy duddy asses good bye
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And there is no room for NW to move to FM…unless they kill off CFMI or amalgamate the Fox and CFMI and convince the CRTC to give them the other needle.
But that would be very tough to do.
Yes, the station I refer to is FM.
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If this blog was radio, I would be listening,
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Just sit tight a little while longer…I’ve tried a lot of things since leaving 24 hours in Novemener of 2009 an Iiked them all but none were perfect.
When you see the ads and the reaction, you’ll see something no one has seen, or rather heard, since Rafe left…
It’s time to set the province right again.
It’s time…
Just remember that phrase.
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Or should you say ….”Its time to set this province on fire again….”
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AGT.
How about It’s time to set the province honest again.
when ?
Does this mean some form of reporting that doesn’t leave you thinking,
That’s bullshit or billshit on NW.
Will it include a listen live button on this site ?
Can”t wait !
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Yes, you will be able to click onto your internet connection and hear it all live.
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Well said! Many thanks to Farrell, Tsakumis and special thanks to Merv Adey
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Indeed. It’s a huge story!
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” The entire rest of the mainstream press in this province ignored the conflict because, generally speaking, ethics in media, particularly in BC, has long vanished. ”
There really isn’t more to be said. You are a truly a man with strong ethics Alex…. it is very much appreciated and demonstrated by your growing popularity.
Guy in Victoria
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Thanks Guy. Bless you.
I certainly try….
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Nothing to add MSM and big players in BC Politics look like Larry, Curly , Moe with a Marx brother tossed in part time its such dumb comedy ya gotta laugh.
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It’s embarrassing to have listened to what the three of them had to say this morning on NW. Very embarrassing to journalism in this province.
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The only other place I can find this story mentioned is in the Tyee where they reference your column. In addition to their sloth, the mainstream press here makes their state-run cousins in North Korea look good. I expect that any day they’ll report that Christy broke the Dear Leader’s record and shot a 37.
Well done Alex.
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Thanks pal. I know this wasn’t an easy week for you to comment as my positions were probably too challenging to you and I know how much you value our friendship. I hope my kicking the conservatives didn’t offend you.
I’ll be crap-kicking Gingrich on the weekend. He’s determined to re-elect Obama.
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No offense ever, I’m like you, small ‘c’ & I’m about to kick them as well.
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I know. Just checking.
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I was called back to work (word sticks in my throat) for 2 days and just finished reading your most recent columns. Far from kicking them, you gave them was some very sage advice and I sincerely hope they appreciate it and sit up & take notice because I want to see them succeed.
The fact that Gingrich is still in the running and doing well just points out the lacklustre slate that the GOP put forward this time. I look forward to seeing your piece on him.
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Indeed, that anyone of his ilk is still in the running speaks volumes about many things–and all of them troubling, deeply troubling.
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I certainly do not agree with everything you say, but sir I consider you a true, real, real journalist.
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Very kind.
And I don’t want you to agree with everything I say or write.
That’s the way we get to better answers for all of us. Bless you.
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I agree.
It looks like this to me:
Alex is not a conservative blogger, or a liberal blogger.
Alex is an honest blogger who happens to be conservative.
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That’s precisely right.
I’ve never lied about my personal philosophy, but it has nothing to do with what’s right and wrong that I’ll write about.
I call it the way I see it, on all sides, and no one gets a free ride. The reason I have a unique experience is because I didn’t go to Carleton or BCIT and while many who did toiled away in smoky newsrooms I was busy risking, failing and winning in the real world. Yeah, I detoured into politics, but I understand what it’s like to have to make a payroll or pay a mortgage. A lot of these scribblers don’t get it: sometimes you have to go beyond just saying you’ve lived ‘it’. You have the really sit in ‘it’ for awhile so that you never forget. Baldrey forgets. As does Good. Palmer is the real surprise to me, because Vaughn is a much deeper thinker and a highly intelligent man.
Anyway, you where I’m coming from.
At least I’m not predictable.
And I never forgot where I came from, so that really helps my perspectives. My Mum still shops bargain rack and my old man, to this day, lists ‘dishwasher’ as his occupation.
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If the “sociable” thing has to be there … “at the top” would be a better position and less likely to be touched by the cursor when scrolling down.
?Time for another vote on the music?
Classy, would be a fanfare when there’s new B/V or other red hot breaking news …
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I’m still waiting for something to break regarding my new employment. As soon as that happens, brand new blog with intro music and film that you can click off and a blog with expanded features.
Plus an audio vault…
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Wow. Congrats!
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Interesting, but what exactly is the premise of “courage” by hobby bloggers such as Norman Farrell? (There will probably be tripe thrown because of that but consider that blogging is a hobby for the most part, except you AGT of course, as there’s more to this blog of yours than just writing opinion. To be honest I don’t find much merit in Farrell’s blog as I do yours.
I can’t see his blog content being superb over yours. It just seems to be his opinions rightly or wrongly based on what he sees in and of the media, but anyone can do that.
He has his audience, as you do, but I find yours more factual. But blogs even hobby ones have their market shares. I just don’t jive with Farrell’s as I do yours. Unless ol’ Norman is chasing after a guest chair on CBC Vancouver or CTV AM, I doubt there is any “courage” involved, since there’s nothing that can be done to him as a citizen. The CBC could hate him, but so what?
AGT A Conservative Blogger? I would use that label, but it’s more of background – and being able to tell whether whether you’re right in polarity or left in polarity. Right grounded or left grounded. + ground or – ground. (within the conservative enviornment rather than the socialist environment). Tieleman is most definately a left wing blogger, there’s no balance in his (he doesn’t take a swipe at his own political environment all that deep when he should. He was a wimp when it came to the coup that was launched against Carol and ho hum in regards to Adrian Dix’s antics when it came to those memberships. As opposed to you tearing the BC Liberals apart quite rightly about those PIN numbers!)
As for the CBC, I don’t watch their news much and haven’t for quite some time. In fact the only thing I do watch with the CBC is Hockey Night in Canada, but with radio audio from Team 1040.
There’s conservative bloggers, and socialist bloggers. BC has both.
There’s also blogs that aren’t worth much of anyone’s time, one was not much more of rehash of news stories posted with “read the article in front of you and write a comment about it” type of responses.
But yours? Far more factual and researched. The audiene is less fanantical than what I’ve seen from Tieleman’s when there’s the time when I go there (without eating first, some of the commentary would make a sane person barf their breakfast).
and like any blog that is out there, it’s entertainment.
If there’s money coming in for it, it’s a service. If there isn’t , it’s a hobby.
But keep the blog smokin!
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Very kind.
You know I will.
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I concur , your balanced unbiased approach to the issues this province faces, is refreshing, as well as a ray of hope, in the current line up of reporters that call themselves journalist , you are shaping up to be this generations Webster !
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Waaaaaaay too kind!
But I’ll take it! Thanks!!!
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I beg to differ with you Seymor…
(There will probably be tripe thrown because of that but consider that blogging is a hobby for the most part, except you AGT of course, as there’s more to this blog of yours than just writing opinion.
If you discredit “bloggers” as a hobby you agree with Christy’s opinion of “bloggers” if we didn’t have bloggers fighting for honest journalism right now we would have nothing…Norm Farrell, Bob Mackin to name a few must be paid attention to. Alex of course is first on the list…but to others it is serious business as well…to be fair and accurate.
I loved this post..
http://alexgtsakumis.com/2011/11/02/basi-virk-will-the-boil-finally-be-lanced/
http://alexgtsakumis.com/2011/11/02/basi-virk-will-the-boil-finally-be-lanced/
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“If you discredit “bloggers” as a hobby you agree with Christy’s opinion of “bloggers” if we didn’t have bloggers fighting for honest journalism right now we would have nothing…Norm Farrell, Bob Mackin to name a few must be paid attention to. Alex of course is first on the list…but to others it is serious business as well…to be fair and accurate.”
Incorrrect. I do not agree with Christy Clark, and never have. You’re assuming because I see blogs as a hobby that I agree with her assessment. Simple logic, but incorrect.
I doubt this “fighting” amounts to anything, since blogs by nature are widened out to the limitations imposed by the blog owner. Example – there’s never ever been any conservative/right wing tangents on Tieleman’s blog and there never will be because it caters to a specific target group. AGT here has a much wider group of folowers. It shows in the scope of AGT’s and also that of Tieleman’s, which is politically much narrower.
It’s not really “business” for Farrell and Matkin as it is for AGT here (who has a completely seperate aim in presenting current events). I’ve noticed AGT is very precise in his research, and that is done for a reason (other than to solidify claims of fact). Farrell I’ve notice is not much more than his own prespectives, take it or leave it.
Am I defending AGT? I am because I see a highly developed presentation that is worthy of spending time with.
and there’s no compulsory “must be paid attention to”. A few times I did not accept AGT’s position on topics, but everyone has that choice.
Basically blogs are a hobby. Unless there is merchantable business attached to it. It’s like licence plates. Many do collect them as a hobby, while others buy and sell them as a business, but that isn’t a hobby, it’s a business.
If a blog is being a source of income from its readers, it’s a service.
if not, it’s a hobby (it’s a “service” in deliverance to an interested audience, but it remains a hobby of interest, when the blogger has an income producing job).
I read MSM, but also AGT, but that’s my choice, it gives prespective
on important issues. When I was heavily involved in politics, the blogs were not there, we relied on a vast network which was very accurate and very fast. Quite often we knew major things several days before Baldrey and Palmer did, and often more than not, they didn’t get the entire story right.
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That last line is gold for me.
When we were in Victoria and Ottawa, you had to earn the ride.
Now some asshole in downtown Vancouver calls John Reynolds and asks if he can carry Reynolds’ bags. Pathetic!!!!!
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Superb comments by Seymour Forrest. Yes, most blogs are a hobby, and that’s why bloggers can say whatever the hell they want, because unlike the MSM, they run no risks of being sued for libel. You can’t get blood from a stone, but MSM with their deep pockets are low-hanging fruit for litigants.
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That’s bullshit. I’ve had several threats from various whiners–through their lawyers of course.
That’s not true at all.
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I wasn’t suggesting you. You have a large audience and it would bother aggrieved parties to be on the receiving end of negative coverage that was seen by such an audience. And from your descriptions of past business ventures, you probably have deep enough pockets to make a lawsuit worthwhile.
I doubt either of those factors are true of most bloggers.
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Fair enough.
But it’s not the depth of one’s pockets, but their ability to stand behind a story. If you roomy the facts, a lawsuit doesn’t happen.
Sometimes, you’ll get a frivolous one, but it usually dies before you see the inside of a courtroom.
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Saw that often enough. In fact some of the idiots that wanted to go to Victoria the only things they could do were to get the Minister’s coffee and carry his (her) briefcase.
Going ways back, Pat Jordan (Min. of Tourism or Minister of Something) in the 1975-1979 Bennett government had some sod as an EA (equiv. to MA now). She insisted the poor sod carry her purse all the time. It was a story amongst The Network and carried for a few years after the 1979 near disaster.
Saw recently one self styled over the top power sauced assistant to a female senator carrying her purse when she could have carried it herself. Bit of indignity there.
and yep, you had to earn the ride. Many did with accolades. A few did not and went off the road.
Others like Kelly Reichardt had too much weight of power and cracked the road from his too many goings to and from Kamloops and Victoria. Talk about a protected cushy life.
I knew several that earned through their hard work in local ridings that earned their way to Victoria. They were very well respected amongst many in the Party. Others figured they were important enough to just be there. A few did, but they were a waste of taxpayer money.
had a bit of fun back then. With the ones I knew, I could call directly for assistance on a subject of interest. For the ones I knew and were shit,
not only on my account but to others I knew, but knew the Minister who was a real gem, I just simply bypassed the sod assistant, and went straight to the Minsiter personally.
Boy did that ever piss off the assistant. But I didn’t give a shit.
You knew who to talk to to get results, and who was just in the centre lane blocking the path, but that was okay. Made it easier to be run over.
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I remember having to drive 250 miles into hellhole southeastern Quebec, from township to township, for about 150 votes at a time from people that spoke only French and were weary enough of the Tories but liked that Brian was one of them.
You really had to earn your stripes.
Six months later I was being introduced to Queen Noor on the steps of Langevin Block…those were the days.
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Thanks for the response Seymor but I think my original point wasn’t very clear.
If you remember a news clip on global TV after Alex started posting about BC Rail Christy Clark made reference to Bloggers not being credible..I reacted to your comment based on that backgrounder.
Thanks for taking the time to write me though, it was interesting..
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Much obliged. Like MSM (and yes some blog contributors despite their constant whining about them, do listen, read and watch MSM).
There’s only one or maybe two blog sites that I would consider credible, AGT’s here is one of them. At least the guy works at it to
build credibility. Others don’t.
In face one is not much more than “here’s what I think”expecting everyone to follow that. Reminds me of an idiot owner I worked for
the sterotypical fat guy with the Lincoln Continental and a big ego, and
wrinkled blond for wife. he kept telling everyone who would listen to him that he had the magic take on everything to do with business. He kept yakkin about his interpretation of the business world and business success. It got nauseating so when I was able to make business calls, I was out of the place fast to enjoy the day.
But people do use blogs to mope and complain and come up with really empty headed stuff without bothering to research their facts. It’s mostly based on emotion and outbursts than real debate.
As for Christy Crunch I don’t really give a shit what she thinks. She has less than 6 months to turn this mess around. Otherwise you’ll see a Premier Dix. When that happens, there will be such an implosion you’ll need to get your hearing tested because of the concussion acoustical wave searing across the province.
If that happens, you will NOT see the political utopia that Tieleman and his blog fool contributors plus the left wing elements figure will happen. The NDP is carrying alot of baggage, and those “accounts receivable” will become “accounts payable” faster than you could say Moe Sihota.for President.
Bet your ass.
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I agree Seymour. There are so many who see the NDP as the saviours-in-waiting. I wish. I really do, but I’ve learned the hard way that the ones who wield power in the provincial NDP and their pals and hangers-on are just as corrupt and ruthless about gaining and wielding power as the Campbell Crony party. It will be a rude shock for many people when the BC NDP take the reins.
People need to work to ensure that good candidates are put forth in their own ridings, whatever party they support ideologically. Otherwise the drek often gets in and rises to the top, then smothers the good ones (as per your earlier remarks about various Ottawa and Victoria denizens in previous administrations).
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anonymis-what you are really describing is the downfall of party politics. The majority of those that get elected by the winning party have as much say in our governance as you or I do. It is all in the hands of a few trusted cohorts of the leader and the unelected power brokers that helped the party gain power.
It’s not the fact that any particular party will get elected that is the problem, but the fact that a political party will get elected.
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A couple of points, Seymour:
1. I appreciate Norm’s and Alex’ opinions equally. They both challenge my thinking regularly. I spend more time reading Alex’ comments (inclluding yours) because they are easier to access and there are more of them.
2. Courage? They BOTH have the courage of their convictions and use their own money to put their names, faces and opinions out there for us to support or attack.
3. I notice both you and I hide behind noms-de-plume. So who has more courage?
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The simple answer is, there isn’t any that would be considered true “courage”.
I don’t know about Farrell, and to be honest I don’t care because he is simply providing his interpetation of the world, and not much beyond that. Same goes for Tieleman.
You could get the same thing from the Swami of Pastrami who used to live near the City Dump in Seattle back in the 1970′s.
Norman is just opinion as is AGT, but AGT at least does the leg work, rather than “here’s the way I see it” philosophy, which isn’t my bag. It’s yours, but not mine, as I like detailed factual commentary. Any idiot can state “Canada (or B.C.) is a dictatorship!” and many idiots have. What I like is interpetation of current events based on available facts, and not as one blog did, just merely do a cut and paste and comment on what has been stuck on the webpage plate.
So enter AGT here, does the homework, knows his way around town
and most political parties and the Leg.. He’s written quite a bit that let’s just say jives with what I’ve seen, so the pieces fit together nicely like a string bikini on a short haired burnette lying toes up on Kits Beach. Lots to see, but there’s still something left for the imagination.
I follow current affairs daily in detail from many media sources, and know the provincial political climate so can read AGT like a specimen on the examination table.
So, I like what I see when I bring out my virtual dissection scalpel when I read AGT’s stuff.
To me, Norman just doesn’t cut it. And neither do many blogs except of course Alex’s.
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Sat doesn’t Keith’s wife work for the government too?
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Okay, so we’re clear: Keith’s wife has an exemplary record and has worked in the healthcare sector under both Liberal and NDP governments. She is a superb public servant with an unimpeachable record.
Keith is a super guy as well. But why he continues to assail his own reputation is beyond me. It’s very disappointing.
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He does appear to shoot himself in the foot doesn’t he…from twitter in his own words..
Keith Baldrey
keithbaldrey Keith Baldrey
I hear Stephen Smart is staying put as CBC’s ledge bureau chief. If true, good move by CBC. Looks like news div. wins out, as it should be.
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How does the news division at Global work when he is constantly bullshitting during his stories? How does the news division win at Global when he uses back channels to spike stories about BC Rail?
If he keeps this up, I’m going to paint a target on his ass for my size ten boot…what an outrageous comment.
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Interesting that he says news div. wins ..
I always thought integrity was top priority his tweet makes the new div. sound like a dirty little war game and we are the losers ..
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I though Keith’s first tweet was moronic enough, but this last one illustrates how little integrity his position has. It’s as if management are the enemy.
The same people he goes to at his own station when he spikes BC Rail stories. So management types are good people when they agree with Keither, but not when they don’t.
How utterly pathetic…
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This would be a great time for Global to put Baldrey out on his ass, before they launch their 24 hour news channel and do something stupid like give him his own show where he, (not so) Good and Palmer get a free reign to shine Emperess Crusty’s stilettos and fluff up the Liberal party agenda.
He used to be a great Legistlative reporter, now he comes off as an idiot who’s had too much of the LSD spiked Kool Aid.
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His public comments about Smart are not only idiotic, they are injurious to Global. Think about it.
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AGT :
Makes one wonder what the hell Keith sold his soul for to the Liberals.
“Globul 24hr news station ” They better learn how to tell both sides of a story.
The first 5min and last 5min is all i can handle anymore.
McCardell is the only reason for the last 5.
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Well, their allowing Jas Johal more room which is a good thing. Jas is an exceptional reporter–one of my all-time favorites. He did the series on Glen and Jimmy that killed Christy. She was furious as were her backers.
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Atrocious.
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Thanks Alex and Norm. Hopefully this won’t follow the usual right wing tactic of admitting there is a problem and then doing absolutely nothing about it.
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Excuse me, the CBC AS RIGHT WING?!?!?!?!?!
Did happy hour start early for you!? The left are equally as bad. Besides, most of the media are liberal or left wing.
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AGT: “The left are equally as bad. Besides, most of the media are liberal or left wing.”
A nice segue for my thought regarding Mr. Gingrich’s outburst at last nights GOP ‘leadership’ ‘debate’. While I agree in principal with his gripe about left leaning media being unfairly biased against those to the right of the aisle, his outrage at the media focus on his well documented propensities for lying, philandering, cheating, and numerous other improprieties is nothing short of hysterical, as in funny. That this ‘man’ can represent the American people at any level, never mind as President, is shocking. God bless America indeed, she needs it. Looking forward to your article about this gem. FWIW, I think Santorum needs a little more media respect. Romney is no star either.
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Gingrich is the sickest, most insidious pig that American politics has ever created.
He is so utterly demented. His is the kind of hatted and destructiveness that is the reason America is in trouble.
Santorum is yet another hypocritical nut. I like Romney and his tremendous skills will only help America. He’s not exciting but neither was Reagan.
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Believe me, the United States has had more than enough of ‘exciting’. Give me Reagan’s qualities of character, common sense, and leadership every time.
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Just the faintest hint of the possibility of 2013 having “President Newt” in power makes me realize there is very little sanity left in US politics.
But then again, his ex wife is already spilling the beans…..
Time for that newt to slither back under a moss covered rock
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I can’t even stand to look at him, he’s so loathsome. A complete fraud. A total phony.
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Baldrey just Tweeted tonite : ” I hear Stephen Smart is staying put as CBC’s ledge bureau chief. If true, good move by CBC. Looks like news div. wins out, as it should be.”
https://twitter.com/#!/keithbaldrey
Very sad to see such blatant disregard for honest reporting morals and ethics. If true, Smart is a total self serving jerk to tell the public to shove it and not step down like a real man. I hope people boycott CBC over this.
I was just saying to the wife that I pray someone comes up with a new
media outlet that is isn’t controlled by their political ho pals or their big buck real estate advertisers. Please say it’s so Alex, cause I’ve lost total faith after today’s disgusting display of ass covering for each other. I can only imagine what’s in their closets.
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Yes, I know. He’s being an ass.
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Makes one wonder where, exactly, is the line that “must not be crossed” for Good, Baldrey, Palmer and Smart as far as conflict of interest or anything else is concerned.
Usually, the line is further away once it has been crossed already.
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There is no line for them, clearly.
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This whole affair is funny in its own way,
The media wouldn’t stand for a conflict of interest, were it happening in government. They’d be screaming their heads off, and probably get the story wrong 20 or 30 times before they got all the details and facts.
Yet, question a move by one of their own! Where’s the justice and transparency there, kids?
Talk about putting up a firewall into the inner workings of the media. Discredible conduct. Period.
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Exceptional perspective. Complete agreement.
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Don’t forget, Baldrey – unlike Smart – has been in an actual conflict of interest, as his wife was given at least one contract by the BC Liberals to write a report.
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She also worked under the BC NDP. That’s an old wives tale.
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She was also a well-respected reporter for the Vancouver Sun (apologies to those of you who can’t stand the MSM). She was the Sun’s health services reporter in the mid-1980s when I was chief spokesman for the B.C. Health Ministry and I can say that she performed her job admirably, even though it sometimes gave the Ministry grief at the time.
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She’s first class in whatever she’s done.
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I would be shocked to see any of the other mainstream media outlets have the integrity actually call this situation what it is. This is why I continue to support the CBC. IMO – The CBC may not be perfect but they are head and shoulders above CTV / Global as far as journalistic integrity is concerned.
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I too am annoyed by the bar on the side. I’ve followed your blogs for a year or so with relish but I am reaady to deleteyou from my favorites.
please fix it
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Hi Pete:
I’m really flattered by your loyalty. For now, all you new to do is simply click it off.
We’re working on something to make everyone happy.
Please be patient. Thanks pal.
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The CBC Ombudsman has declared that Smart’s situation violates the CBC Journalistic Standards and Practices. The CBC’s managing director for this region has basically told the ombudsman to go pound sand, there is no problem, and the situation will continue as is.
According to the CBC’s website, the Ombudsman is completely independent of CBC program staff and management, reporting directly to the President of CBC and, through the President, the Corporation’s Board of Directors.
Seems to me the President of the CBC has a decision to make. Both of these guys can’t be right.
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Exceptional comment. Great analysis.
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But all this controversy justifies the CBC beaurocrats jobs.
I’ve said this before ad nauseam.
The CBC was necessary 40 years ago when a national TV channel was only available via govt funds. We now have cable tv, internet tv, pay tv, TWO CBC funded news channels?( WTF?).
Enough is enough.
My Canadian identity is safe. Having the CBC rerunning 20 year old “Fresh Prince of BelAir” sitcoms during prime time aint a great way to spend BILLIONS of tax payers dollars.
Nuke CBC tv and keep their radio staion.
No one will notice except a few hockey fans that will quickly switch to TSN
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Alex;
Nice post here… once the passion is boiled down. My Twitter feed reading Keith Baldrey tells me that Smart will keep his job, that an Alise is quite crosswise about your blog post for the sledgehammer approach, and I’m like well CBC News is about to be privatized anyway.
Oh and.. from my feed of Twitter friends & frenemies is that Moe Sihota is paid by the CBC to be a pundit for them & Alise Mills has been cut loose. Hmmm…
Personally I wish the Harper Government would propose selling off CBC “News” already via a truly free vote! Keep the rest, because I got DVDs of some of their artistic stuff like “The Last Chapter” and the Air Farce.
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Oh, Joe, for f&@k sakes will you and Alise Mills just announce your godamn engagement and stop talking about her every third minute?! Honestly…
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hahahahahahha , I think Joe’s starting to creep even Alise Mills out ! LOL.
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Can you imagine? LOL!
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With great respect, a great man in PR in the States told me when I was a young intern and I asked why he said nice things about me: “everybody needs a promoter”. Henceforth, I believe in that philosophy.
That said, ICYMI: Moe Sihota on CBC gets two checks: One from the BCNDP, another from the CBC. I’m sure that too should make you want to talk lots on your new show.
There you go.
Josef
P.S. That comment really cracked me up!!!!!!!!! I’m still laughing a half hour later!
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With all due respect, you may have crossed that line between “promoter” to “crazy ass wannabe martyr”.
Wanna go fluff Alise’s feathers? Go do it on her site.
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I think if they announced their engagement, we could get this over with rather quickly.
I’d go to Tiffany and buy them his and hers solid gold soothers…
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Problem is what about our hands, dear sir.
We’d still be tweeting and commenting.
Plus I’m able to make noise through my nose.
You are without a doubt going to be so fun to call up on the radio
.
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That’s all you can think of doing with your hands?
Geezus…
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I thought you were installing a ban on certain other things I was thinking of – in Sean Leslie tone – kind sir.
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OK ! Time OUT !
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The msm is pathetic in the Capital. Region. It seems they all have a ridge in their ass from sitting on the fence.
In a political climate almost totally devoid of the balance one expects to be ensured by the Loyal Opposition, the media is looked to, to be the court of last resort to hold the government to a high standard.
In most venues, deliberate ministerial stalling on salient issues ( not the least of which might be something like the matter of tardy PST restoration) would be headline fodder for responsible reporters.
Interestingly, we have to rely on a former premier to do the heavy lifting while our media morons play politics and sit on their butts.
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Please, please, please get rid of the left side bar if you have any control over it, or at least find a better use for it on the screen, if there is one.. I don’t know how to work it and it blocks off one fifth of the written content.
Thanks! Please.
I always say, just because we can do all these amazing things with technology, doesn’t mean it necessarily needs to be used by everyone. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. The site was fine the way it was. hehe.
Have as good one.
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Okay. I’m on it this weekend.
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jaysus, Will the whinging ever stop about the “sidebar” ?
I focus on the print NOT the superfluous fluff. I stopped noticing it about 3 seconds after beginning to read the comments
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I know, if the screen is configured correctly, it’s not even an issue.
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FFS, at least spend five or ten minutes to read the commentary here. If you did, you might notice several people already make the comment. People like you piss me off, you’re just like the person who arrives 15 minutes after a meeting starts and asks a question that has already been asked and answered. GAH!!!
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Stan, just put your cursor on the “Subscribe” banner and arrow on the left side of the sceen (it’s sideways).
Click. And you will lose the info list.
Really easy. Trust me.
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I too found it unbelievable to here the responses of Good, Baldrey and Palmer regarding Smart’s situation. The simple fact that they do not see conflict of interest has to make one wonder what crireria they employ to comment on anything. Do certain politicians or political parties get three mulligans before they become fair game for critical comment? Do they consider all facts and information available to them on a subject before rendering their opinions, or just the information that supports said opinion?
It all boils down to credibility and Stephen Smart’s situation puts him and the CBC in the questionable category at best. If Good, Baldrey and Palmer cannot see this then it is time they were all put out to pasture by their respective employers.
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Alex, luminous work!
And, you are 100% right about us needing to act if we want to see change – we all need to launch a barrage of eMail complaints to Good, Baldrey and Palmer, to CKNW, Global, CTV, CBC – and especially SHAW and the CRTC!
And not just a momentary “spray & pray” attack… but a continuous, factual, relentless, righteous onslaught that clearly demonstrates to these thick dolts, that we’re “mad as hell, and we’re not going to take it anymore”!
While we’re on the subject of real or perceived conflicts of interest, perhaps we should all also eMail the CBC, and ask why they quickly deleted the results from their web site, when they asked the on line public what we thought the number one story of the year was… and, we the public told them – BC RAIL! Talk about trying to manufacture the news! Are we really going to let these deceptive picayune pr*cks get away with this sh*t?
Finally – “…Good, Baldrey and Palmer, storied journalists all, who are often referred to as media ‘leaders’…” OK! But I have also heard many refer to them as – old worn out douche bags and deceptive, hallucinatory, self-aggrandizing, charlatans… and those were the complimentary references.
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Wait til Monday.
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If you simply moved it to the far right hand side i don’t think it will interfere with the content area.
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Like Rebel With a Clause — left or right — it really doesn’t matter.
It seems to me that the point at issue is paramount in AGT’s work – not its radix. And just as important, integrity, and the clear deliniation between just and unjust.
With respect to the toolbar: If that’s the most tyring or troubling thing in one’s day, it’s been very good day. Having said that, it might please most who tread here if once the toolbar was mimimized it stayed mimimized — left or right.
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one of the main reasons we have the media acting in victoria the way we do is, corporate ownership.
i miss the days of private ownership cknw was owned by bill rea, then frank griifith who gradually took it corporate by creating the corus radio network.
we had cjor wich at times gave nw a run for their money, eventually was sold to jim pattison empire, and is now history
gone are all of the great news directors like cameron bell, now we have some that are quite good but frustrated. because they cant show their true talent
across this country we have lost the majority of independent media outlets.
we have corporations owning multiple stations in multiple markets
as long as there is no real competition we will never have any real news
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Alex, I’ve cleared a preset on my FM dial. Just need to dial er’ in! …..Finally!
Stew
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You’ll be better off to listen by internet. 50% of all radio is now listened to by internet or mobile app, which we’ll also have.
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Yes, and maybe the other 50% is people in their cars. That’s definitely the only time I listen.
Can I just say that I appreciate you giving the social media buttons a try, and want you to persist with it. Managing a couple of websites has shown me the problems of managing change. A lot of people magnify the screen considerably, which may be an issue here. Moving the buttons over to the right, or making it more obvious where to click to minimize the whole thing, could help.
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CBC reporter’s link to B.C. premier too close for comfort: ombudsman
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/reporter+link+premier+close+comfort+ombudsman/6029636/story.html
CBC ombudsman Kirk LaPointe said there is “no evidence [Smart] has taken advantage of his wife’s role, [and] even the complainant praises his journalist qualities.”
“But just because there is no impropriety does not mean there is no conflict,” LaPointe wrote. “Whether a real or perceived conflict of interest, no amount of managing it can do more than mitigate the impact of an impartial fulfilment of duties.”
“As it stands there is a violation of CBC Journalistic Standards and Practices.”
—
Johnny Michel, managing director for CBC’s B.C. region, said CBC will not be taking any action in light of the review.
“We feel that the ombudsman’s ruling found no issues with Stephen’s reporting,” he said. “Without a shred of evidence that Stephen is offside in his reporting, we feel this is now just a personal matter and a corporate matter.”
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Very disappointed in Johnny. He was pretty damn good at BCTV.
He clearly gets it but the LaPointe decision has set all of them on their heels. It’s huge.
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I quit shaw cable for exactly this reason…THEIR NEWS PROGRAMING AND KEITH BALD-RY …is that brown stuff on Kieths nose realy freckles or is it because its up one C.C.s butt so far some is starting to stick
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The brown still hasn’t washed off from Gordo !
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Bears Repeating:
“Finally – “…Good, Baldrey and Palmer, storied journalists all, who are often referred to as media ‘leaders’…” OK! But I have also heard many refer to them as – old worn out douche bags and deceptive, hallucinatory, self-aggrandizing, charlatans… and those were the complimentary references.”
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We’ve had the “View from Victoria” from the same people for too long. Maybe Baldrey and Palmer should be re-assigned to be reporters on the street. They might see a different view than they their current perspective gives them.
It all looks a lot different from out here Keith.
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Keith doesn’t see that.
What’s worse: he doesn’t care.
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That CBC’s own ombudsman would come to the conclusion of conflict of interest (a finding of the obvious, quite frankly), it is appaling that CBC’s leadership – up to and including the Board of Directors – would not uphold CBCs own code of conduct. Any quality organization, including the private company for which I work, enforces the code of conduct. It is a dismissable offence. Here is CBCs own code of conduct (worth nothing, apparently): http://www.cbc.radio-canada.ca/docs/policies/hr/conduct.shtml
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Just wait until Monday…I have a job for you…and a few thousand others.
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Here is what the CBC says about their ombudsman’s role. (http://www.cbc.radio-canada.ca/accountability/ombudsman.shtml) . It is clear that his findings should not be dismissed. It is also clear that the buck stops at the board of directors who are named (and now shamed) on CBCs own website: http://www.cbc.radio-canada.ca/about/directors/index.shtml
Do they need to be publicly outed so that they will act on their own ombudsman’s findings? They are ultimately the accountable authority for the inegrity of the CBC (which it would seem they care little about).
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Smartly written article. I feel much smarter for having read it.
I’ve added the subject to my many reasons for feeling that voting Liberal next election, would be as far as it gets from smart.
I just wish one of the opposition parties would do something that I consider smart.
As is, I feel my only smart option next provincial election will be to vote for whichever party comes across to me as the least dumbfounded.
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Smart reply.
Sincerely,
Smart Alec
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I think the last thing Bill Good would do is attack the CBC.
They gave his daddy many years of employment, gave Bill Jr. one of his first jobs, and I’m sure his conveluded little mind thinks Tony Parsons’ gig is his once Tony decides to move on.
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Let assure you, it ain’t happening.
Bill is done after NW get rid of him. He’s only in media because his father, who was a credible sports writer and broadcaster, got him the job.
If you could see the binders they put in front of Bill right before his shows, you’d laugh. He reads almost everything. Even te questions are prepared for him. It’s appalling radio. No spark no nothing. NW thinks because they put him into a leather jacket and he takes shots at me–cowardly, without the benefit of allowing me a reply, that he will survive in his time slot.
Believe me, he won’t. And it’s all coming soon.
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A leather jacket does not a journalist make, nor a silk purse from a sow’s ear.
I’ve always associated the leather jacket and excellence in journalism with Gwynne Dyer — not Bill Good…obviously.
“Coming up in the next segment of the program, AGT interviews his special guest Bill Good. That and much more coming up after this…
‘Have a hair shirt that needs cleaning? Stains on your character? Come on down to Dirty Laundry Dry Cleaning & More for all of your laundering needs. There isn’t a damn spot we can’t get out.’”
Wouldn’t miss it.
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By the way, I have a whole closet full of leather jackets that I can now wear… LOL!
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Alex, the problem is , there is no strong talk show, or news talk venue to go up against N.W., and if one does appear, will it just be another mouth piece of the B.C. Liberal government??…..
I had high hopes for Chek 6, to step up to the plate, since they no longer answered to a corporate master, no such luck so far….
I hope there is hope sooner than later.
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Chek also hired Jim (you have been exonerated) Beatty. Good luck getting anything subjective on a Chek 6 newscast.
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Hang on my friend…Beatty has been hired as a reader and will not be doing reporting on Victoria as a bureau chief. That’s the word from the top at CHEK. I heard about this before it happened and when I enquired, this is what I was told. CHEK is a terrific organization.
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Before:
Impartial media → employee → bedroom ↔ bedroom ← employee ← government
After:
Impartial media → employee → bedroom
bedroom ← employee ← government
See? No conflict!!!
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A lot of employers are hiring based on sphere of influence.
What is Rebecca Scott’s sphere of influence?
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You must be kidding?
She doesn’t have one. She’s a young kid with not a lot of experience whose ego was inflated by the suits at NW and Bill Good, who were lazy and foolish respectively to pay enough and get an experienced and proper producer.
Imagine…a few years as a radio producer (she did about as much as Bill) and then straight to the Premier’s office.
Without a formal education or significant work experience.
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…..but think of how her resume will look after the Preem gets the boot.
‘Former program producer at CKNW, Former Media Director for the Premier of BC…..”
So in a year or 2, after she loses her job, Hubby will take some cushy, grossly overpaid job with the CBC back east and she will follow.
Dropping her “impressive” work history all over Toronto, Montreal, etc.
My only wish is he get posted to Winnipeg.
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Yes, and that’s precisely the problem. Scott is not worthy of either spot. I saw how she performed at NW and she is woefully unprepared for government.
It will be one more sham CV proffered by a middling bottom dweller who genuinely believes she farts perfume…
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Jayzus! I was drinking a rum and coke when I read that…… It burns my nose…..
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GlAD TO HAVE BEEN OF SERVICE…LOL!
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Leave it to the The Tyee’s Andrew MacLeod to write a great article and point out: “There’s no question media and communications circles in the province are small. Indeed, two people with connections to this story do work for The Tyee. Kirk LaPointe’s son Michael copy edits and posts stories for The Tyee, and has written occasionally for The Tyee. Stephen Smart’s sister Shannon Smart is The Tyee’s reader engagement coordinator, handling social media and other duties, and she has written occasionally for The Tyee. Neither have any influence over editorial decisions, according to Tyee editor David Beers.” AGT gets a mention too. – http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/BC-Politics/2012/01/20/SmartScott/
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The Straights’ Charlie Smith states: “I believe that the time has come for the press gallery to create a transparent ethics policy with a disciplinary process for those who violate it.
As part of this policy, press-gallery members should be required to file a disclosure form, posted on a website, outlining their sources of outside income. In addition, they should have to declare whether or not any family members living in their homes, including children, are doing communications work for the public-affairs bureau or for any cabinet ministers.
This would help restore some public faith in the gallery in the wake of this disturbing decision by the CBC ombudsman.” — http://www.straight.com/article-588971/vancouver/bc-legislature-press-gallery-should-come-clean-all-conflicts-interest
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And I agree.
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Wow, what a mountain to read through, even scanning quickly – which shows that you do have enough traffic to support an expansion into commercial channels. The province would really benefit from new and independent news media because it has morphed into too much of a friends-and-insiders club.
Re Stephen Smart, he’s a fine person and a good reporter but the problem is the appearance of the structure, however it’s difficult to expect him and the CBC to be chaste when almost everyone else also has conflicts, such as the BC Ferries hosting of Baldrey and Lleyne’s golf tourney. Is Smart any more or less conflicted than someone working for a publisher or broadcaster with overt partisan leanings?
All reporters learn they must kiss a few asses in order to gain access to info sources so maybe it’s not so wrong to weigh not only appearances but performances.
Should a pundit be allowed to take a speaking fee for performing at a partisan event when s/he takes fees at other venues too? Should a party official take a fee for being a pundit?
I have no easy answers but this: “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Anyway Alex all this healthy debate shows that your useful service does deserve to be expanded. But I wonder how many people will read this far down to find a wishy-washy response. If a tree falls in the forest, does any blogger care?
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Sorry, you’ve lost me. Wishy-washy response?
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“If a tree falls in the forest, does any blogger care??
If a tree does fall down in the forest, bloggers will care:
– The left wing bloggers will whine about the tree being cut down without due regard to the environment and will want to blockade the
cutting area to prevent anymore trees from falling by the chainsaw. Plus affect on animals in the area including the Spirit Bear which somehow according to them found its way to a forest area which
could be near Lions Bay.
The Occupy Vancouver movement will rant and rage that the owners of the forest operations are not part of the 99%, but in so doing they disregard the 99% who actually work by choice for the company.
Tieleman will go on and on about the BC Liberals and their evil forest management practices. He’ll bleat about Brian Topp’s solutions for the BC Forest Industry.
Farell would probably just philosophise and provide links to resources that anyone who has a basic understanding of what Google is for can find themselves.
David Strategic Thoughs Schreck will go on and on about his interpretation of existing forest practices, and how the NDP did better when he was a part of them,
- The left wing bloggers will also whine about the tree being shipped overseas as a raw log.
- At The Hook, the Tyee’s blog, the same old left wingers there will
constantly mumble their own song and dance about how Harper and Clark should be sent one way to Peru.
- BC Mary will have another cut and past from mainstream media about the raw log exports, despite hating the MSM in the first place.
- The right wing bloggers will care, as it creates jobs not only in
the forest, the pond, but also in the mill and the profits made and the
expansion of economics through a revitalised forest industry.
Mike Klassen’s blog discusses at length about exactly what is logging and how it affects the people who go to the local bistros along W. 4th in Kitsilano.
- Rafe Mair through The Hook will complain and complain about the forest practices affecting fish in the area, and continue on about fish farming.
and finally Alex here will elbow his way into the forest land project, and discover that Bruce Clark had an inside track on the deal that led to the tree to be cut down along with thousands of others, an inside track to Ghaunzhou China. He finds out that Bruce had invested in this overseas company which makes hockey sticks amongst other things.
Alex discovers that the hockey sticks end up with the team that Christy son plays in, at the expense of Canadian made hockey sticks.
Alex will also report that Pamela Martin went on an outreach tour to the logging camp to in her words on the reasons for the trip, “to outreach to our hard working men and women in the forest industry working in very dangerous conditions.
But Alex will also find out that Pamela after she boarded the helicopter at the Helipad near Canada Place, through an insider who went along on this trip, did not get out of the helicopter, and was seeing fanning her left hand, palm out, so she could inspect the red gloss on her fingernails, and later preening her hair.
Meanwhile when the tree did fall, an nearby owl did give a hoot.
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I meant that my response to the Smart issue was wishy-washy but when a comment gets this deep in an old thread it becomes like a tree falling in a forest that no one hears.
Oh well, a mixed metaphor that didn’t work. Where is Don Henley anyway? Doing his laundry??
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From Andrea Woo’s report in the Vancouver Sun yesterday:
“LaPointe said there is “no evidence [Smart] has taken advantage of his wife’s role, [and] even the complainant praises his journalist qualities.”
“But just because there is no impropriety does not mean there is no conflict,” LaPointe wrote. “Whether a real or perceived conflict of interest, no amount of managing it can do more than mitigate the impact of an impartial fulfilment of duties.”
“As it stands there is a violation of CBC Journalistic Standards and Practices.”
As ombudsman, LaPointe’s role is to review complaints — not resolve them.
Johnny Michel, managing director for CBC’s B.C. region, said CBC will not be taking any action in light of the review.
“We feel that the ombudsman’s ruling found no issues with Stephen’s reporting,” he said. “Without a shred of evidence that Stephen is offside in his reporting, we feel this is now just a personal matter and a corporate matter.”
“We established a protocol [with Smart] and we’ve adhered to that protocol since day one. It’s there to make sure CBC’s journalist standards are protected, and Stephen is protected as well.”
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I for one, would like the CBC to explain its “protocol”
Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/reporter+link+premier+close+comfort+ombudsman/6029636/story.html#ixzz1kDgmMIAO
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Yes, it would be interesting to see that protocol.
Why would they not release it?
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Catching up on Sunday morning reading and thought I’d post this link to Norm Farrell’s site. He has provided the link to the audio from the NW and the blathering in question of Good, Bauldry and Palmer..
http://northerninsights.blogspot.com/2012/01/self-interested-blather-from-edge-of.html
Bloggers such as Alex, and Norm and readers such as our Merv deserve kudos for the attention they have brought to this issue..
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It’s a good post.
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How about a letter writing campaign to the CRTC?
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Funny you should mention that…
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You know Alex I was thinking of this as well.
When former CKNW producer Carly Nicol censored you March 16 2011 I was one of many that contacted CKNW over the incident, in writing and I followed through with a phone call. I was to receive a return call but to date I’m still waiting…
I didn’t take it further as I should have. I’ve always regretted not following through with my complaint to the CRTC especially after what was said to me by executives at NW.
Here we are almost a year later and obviously there have been no lessons learned. I’ve taken the liberty to relink the post from your archives to remind your readers and the MSM how important integrity really is in the media.
It just boggles my mind..
http://alexgtsakumis.com/2011/03/16/tsakumis-censored-by-cknws-carly-nicol-appearance-for-march-16th-2011-cancelled/
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listened to good bald palm and bill got one thing right
” I suppose the 3 of us should also declare a conflict of interest”
also downplayed job as deputy press scretary, saw her salary recently on a blog and it was more than an secretary i know, probably more than smart’s.
i have sent a general email and voice complaint to cbc.
anyone have johny michel email?
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Send me a note through the contacts page and I’ll happily provide you with it.
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It’s no surprise the Globe and Mail, The Province, CTV and the CBC failed to report this. The Straight, Tyee and Sun were the only ones carrying the story. They seem more interested in showing Christy as the Messiah arriving in Burns Lake. Ironically, a few weeks ago Christy sent a letter to Burns Lake congratulating the past mayor on her re-election. The only thing Christy forgot was the past mayor never ran for re-election. Again the msm never covered this screw up. Here it is:
http://www.ldnews.net/news/137517743.html
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I know. It’s quite telling is it not?
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The Thought of The Night
“I like Christy Clark,
Yes, I do!
I love Christy Clark,
Yes, I do.
I adore Christy Clark,
Yes, I dooooo…
She’ll now give,
A Cabinet Joooob
To meeeee…
Toooooo!”
There, I feel much better now, that I submitted my CV via. http://www.alexgtsakumis.com
Rest assured Alex, I’ll put a good word for you, in there…
I hope you rested well during the weekend.
GR-eetings!
We live in Vancouver and this keeps us busy.
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Thanks for the support, Glissy.
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“We live in Vancouver and this keeps us busy.”
There’s tons of things that keep us Vancouver People busy.
Christy Clark if nessessary, but not nessesarily Christy Clark.
John Cummins if nessesary, but not nessessarily John Cummins
Adrian Dix if nessesarily but not nessesarily Adrian Dix.
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Is it just me… I listened to Bill Good give his sort of mea culpa this morning, loved that he labeled it a public service announcement paid for by the association of certified accountants… hummm
The other really odd thing i picked up on, why would Bill use Charlie Smiths article in the Georgia Straight, the credible newspaper with the sex ads in the back pages…. and completely ignore articles in every other major publication as well as certain “bloggers”
I found this really odd and I’d be curious to hear some opinions on this.
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Because a degrading rag is on par with Good’s own level of “journalism”.
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Is it just me… I listened to Bill Good give his sort of mea culpa this morning, loved that he labeled it a public service announcement paid for by the association of certified accountants… hummm
Well simply because the CGA bought the time slot, for wide audience exposure, knowing the volume of potential listeners and time of day. They wouldn’t buy a digital patch from The Tyee. Basic marketing. Prospecting. Marketing 110.
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Judging by the amount of responses your getting to this article I would venture to say the only people who think this “conflict of interest” issue is a “lame duck” are the very people who are in conflict.
Ignore this at your peril Mssrs. Good, Baldrey, Smart, etc. The internet has created an entirely new form of media that is quickly leaving them in the irrelevant dust of newsprint ,radio and tv. Your readers, listeners and viewers at abandoning you in droves because NONE of YOU GET IT !
The old “buddy buddy” status quo is immediately exposed by either anonymous informants( where do you think Alex gets his info you dolts) or the brave people who want the truth out there.
Either way the old system is rapidly dying. Good luck when you’re terminated either by lack of ratings or some new “up and comer” willing to work for pennies. Either way, your toast.
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good missed the whole point of conflict of interest,
the perception of being in a potential conflict interest puts you in a conflict of interest.
it is ethics 101
i have stepped out of many a meeting to avoid that perception
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Bill Good misses almost everything. He’s a clod.
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