Firing raises issue of integrity in journalism

The recent firing of a prominent Canadian journalist has revived discussion about reporters and how close they get to the politicians and power brokers they cover. Evan Solomon was fired by the public broadcaster, CBC, for allegedly brokering art deals with some of the people he sought for interviews.

In the 19^th century it was common for the press in Canada to be partisan, but journalism has evolved to the point that reporters are expected to adhere to standards of neutrality and to avoid conflict of interest situations. Journalists in the nation’s capital, Ottawa often cultivate relationships with the people they cover, but they are expected to not be influenced by them.

It’s up to journalists to not cross the line, says former reporter

“It’s up to the journalists to make sure that those connections, the relationships, remain professional and don’t cross over into the personal,” says Susan Harada, a former reporter and head of the journalism program at Carleton University. “And I have to say that the vast majority of journalists on Parliament Hill and, in fact, in Canada are very good and very clear about where the line is and not crossing over it.”

ListenQuestions have recently emerged about the ethics of other CBC news figures taking paid speaking engagements from private interest groups and the broadcaster has asked them to stop, and recently a Toronto news anchor resigned after it was revealed he had an interest in a public relations firm.

‘Transgressions…stick out more’

In spite of these cases, Harada does not believe this is an indication of a decline in the integrity of journalists in Canada.

“I don’t think it is…I think it’s because standards have changed and, because most are very good at keeping on the right side of the line that when we hear about alleged transgressions, it seems to stick out more. Information gets transmitted more widely, more quickly now and we have to keep perspective on this.”