Re: Definition of "Independent"

From: Brent Jolly <bjolly@mediacouncil.ca> Sent: January 20, 2022 1:53 PM Cc: John Fraser <jfraser@mediacouncil.ca>; Cara Sabatini <csabatini@mediacouncil.ca> Subject: Re: Definition of "Independent"

Thank you for expressing your concerns with the headline of a recent article published by Castanet and related coverage. We understand you take issue with the description of a group of professionals calling for increased COVID measures and disagree that it is an 'independent' group.

We understand your email to be a query rather than a formal complaint. For information, the NNC respects the prerogative of journalists and news organizations to use the language and word choice they consider appropriate when accurately reporting news and opinion stories. Generally speaking, independence may refer to a variety of aspects, but typically excludes associations or organizations that are directly associated with government agencies or other specific interests or activities.

That said, we would emphasize that the 'sanctioning' of members is not part of the NNC's process. We understand that you may disagree with how certain topics are covered by local news outlets. That is your prerogative. However, the Charter of the Rights and Freedoms provides important protections for a free press that is a vital component of democratic society.

Thank you for contacting the NNC with your concerns.

Kind regards,

Brent Jolly

Brent Jolly | Managing Director

37 Front Street East, Suite 200 | Toronto | Ontario M5E 1B3 | 416.340.1981 x3 Twitter: @CANmediacouncil

---

Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2022 2:02 PM To: Brent Jolly <bjolly@mediacouncil.ca> Cc: John Fraser <jfraser@mediacouncil.ca>; Cara Sabatini <csabatini@mediacouncil.ca>; Subject: RE: Definition of "Independent"

Dear Brent,

Thank you for your response. With all due respect, I think that we can all agree that with the federal government’s ongoing bribes and kickbacks to mainstream media, Canada’s press is anything but “free”. Sold to the highest bidder is perhaps a more accurate assessment.

And speaking of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and democracy, I’m pretty sure those are both in their death throes in Canada, due in large part to said media.