Thanks to the alert readers who sent in a few recent links from the Calgary Herald that, I think, illustrate some of the problems with journalism in Canada these days.<\/p>\n
First up, comes their Wednesday editorial:<\/p>\n
For example, we have always suspected the integrity of polls in which newspaper readers tell us they are more interested in stories about equalization than a reported sighting of Brad Pitt at a popular city watering hole. They know the one is important, and should be read; the other actually engages them, and is read — we suspect — more widely.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Long time Herald readers will know how the paper tends to shy away from the “issues” whenever possible (Standard Headline: “OMG – Prince Harry!!! Flirting!!!”) and I think this is true of most local dailies. However, the Herald has now explained why<\/em> they do this. In spite of survey and focus group results that say people want hard news and more news, the Herald Editorial board has decided that they<\/em> know what Calgarians want – stories about Brad Pitt!<\/p>\n
Another long time habit of the Herald which I think (hope) hasn’t become the norm across Canada is their frequent citing of wikipedia. The latest example of this comes from a story on their favourite topic – Celebrities visiting Calgary!<\/p>\n
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame <\/a>is in Cleveland, Ohio because of Joel<\/a>, reports Wikipedia<\/strong>. A total of 15 artists were to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, which hadn’t yet found a home<\/strong> and was going to be built in either San Francisco or Cleveland. Seven artists voted for San Francisco, and seven favoured Cleveland. Thus Joel was asked to make the tie-breaking vote. He chose Cleveland since he considers it one of his favourite cities to play in.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n