Toronto Star "media critic" Antonia

Toronto Star "media critic" Antonia Zerbisias says it's wrong for newspaper owners to interfere with the editorial content of their papers, unless they're the owners of the Toronto Star, because they're on the side of the angels. That's basically what she wrote on February 13, anyway.

Interestingly, we here at the Star (70.9 per cent) also believe that our owners' views are reflected in our news content. That's not necessarily a bad thing, [McGill University professor Stuart Soroka] says. That's because our paper is guided by the Atkinson Principles, instituted by our founder Joseph Atkinson more than 100 years ago. Among those principles: A strong, united and independent Canada, social justice for all, and individual and civil liberties.

Which is why, when I filled out the survey myself, I had a sick, sad feeling that the data from this newsroom might be interpreted to mean something it shouldn't. That we have the suits and bow ties in the corner offices dictating what we write and how we write it.

Let me assure you, that ain't so. What we do here is cover the news in a way that reflects the interests, views and values of most Canadians — and not those of the rich and powerful.

As Soroka puts it, "When people at The Gazette say yes, ownership affects news content, they're saying it with a sneer and that probably isn't the case at the Star."

Which could explain why we're the most successful newspaper, circulation-wise, in the land.

(And all this time I thought it had something to do with the fact that it's the only broadsheet with in-depth coverage of the Metro Toronto area, but what do I know?)

Bias and interference is okay if your bias is about "social justice for all," then. A little something to keep in mind when Zerbisias whines about all these other, evil media outlets that don't meet her high standards. ("Why," I hear her cry, "can't more reporters be more like that nice Rivero boy?")

(Hat tip: Claire Hoy in The Hill Times)

Posted by damian at February 26, 2003 02:36 PM