In a time like this, we’re so flooded with information that good, quality journalism matters more than ever. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t stuff to make fun of. Plus, how are newsrooms coping with the realities of a contagious virus?
March 19, 2020
Short Cuts
SHORT CUTS – Arctic DNA
Joseph Boyden has emerged from his winter burrow like a collared lemming (it’s an arctic mammal — look it up!) to plug his forthcoming book weigh in again on questions of his Indigenous ancestry. Despite his insistence that his connection to — and friendship with — Indigenous communities should automatically confer some sort of Indigenous status, he went ahead and got a DNA test anyway.
Robert Jago wrote an excellent dissection of Boyden’s latest plea for acceptance/publicity stunt, while Eric Andrew-Gee dug into Boyden’s complicated family history in a Globe & Mail feature.
Also, with literally no Canadians waiting with baited breath, the CBC finally announced its cadre of Peter Mansbridge replacements.
Rosemary Barton, Ian Hanomansing, Adrienne Arsenault, and Andrew Chang have collectively made the cut, while network mainstays Ernie Coombs, Bruno Gerussi, and Al Waxman remain in reserve in case any of the new lead anchors bolt for CTV.
National Post journalist and Commons co-host Ashley Csanady joins us.
DULY NOTED: Ashley vents about three Toronto cops acquitted of sexually assaulting a parking enforcement officer;
Speaking of Toronto cops, Toronto Sun columnist Sue-Ann Levy doesn’t like that they’re being given Naloxone to prevent Fentanyl users from dying in front of them. Toronto mayor John Tory wrote the op-ed equivalent of a facepalm;
A Google employee writes a 10-page memo explaining that Silicon Valley is rightfully a bro-fest because women are bad at math. Almost as egregious? A 10-page memo! Who has time to read a 10-page memo?
A Toronto-based Business News Network reporter is stunned to discover Muslim women wear undergarments;
Finally, Vice’s Canadian operation lays off 10 employees, including four members of its editorial team. Those with pink slips include: Sarah Hagi, Tamara Khandaker, Max Mertens and Amanda Roth, all talented writers.
August 10, 2017
Short Cuts
#125 #Mansbridge150
The Toronto Star put the final nail in the coffin of Star Touch, its $20-30-million app for a device that most people don't have or use. And, after praising themselves for its bold innovation, quietly laid off 30 journalists.
June 29, 2017
Short Cuts
#124 Quote Governor General Unquote
Governor General David Johnston issued a mea culpa over his radio interview in which he refers to Indigenous peoples as immigrants.
June 22, 2017
We Found Out How Much the CBC Really Pays Mansbridge
He gets over $1.1 million per year and a pension of over $500,000 from the CBC for the rest of his life
September 6, 2016
By Jesse Brown
Short Cuts
#46 Canadian News Hall of Fame/Mansbridge’s Wedding Package/Whiny Telecom
Buzzfeed Canada's social news editor Lauren Strapagiel discusses the fabled Canadian News Hall of Fame, Peter Mansbridge's exclusive access to Trudeau, and Bell's pleas to eradicate fairness and restore oligopoly.
November 12, 2015
CANADALAND
#91 Paul Watson
Paul Watson discusses his resignation from the Toronto Star, his upcoming article that the Star refused to publish, and his career spent reporting from hot zones.
July 19, 2015
CANADALAND
#53 Why I Hate Talking About Israel
Norman Spector is Canada's former ambassador to Israel. He was also the publisher of the Jerusalem Post. Conversations about Israel-Palestine are invariably bummers, but for Norman, Jesse makes an exception.
October 19, 2014
CBC News Boss Attacks Journalist
Jennifer McGuire singles out one critic, ignores the rest
July 3, 2014
By Jesse Brown
CANADALAND
#22 CBCecrets: Mansbridge’s Oil Pay Makes the News