New Democrat campaign keeps truth in reporting

OTTAWA – A major victory was won today by the tens of thousands of Canadians who spoke out against the CRTC’s attempts to strip basic standards of accuracy in journalism. This morning, the Parliamentary Regulations Committee decided to “close the file” on its long-standing request for the CRTC to reassess the obligations of television and radio broadcast owners to maintain basic standards of truth and accuracy in reporting.

“Canadians have made it clear they don’t want to lower our media standards,” said New Democrat Heritage Critic Charlie Angus. “They are opposed to the same kind of hate and misinformation shows that are common fare south of the border.”

The decision comes two weeks after New Democrats launched a national awareness campaign over the implications of stripping the existing regulations.

“The proposed changes would mean anything goes as long as no one gets killed,” said Angus. “We wouldn't allow roofers, engineers or doctors to lower their standards to such a dismal level. Why should we allow news broadcasters to?"

New Democrat Justice Critic Joe Comartin sat on the committee and was encouraged by the decision. “Tens of thousands of Canadians signed petitions and wrote to their MPs and the CRTC demanding that the Canadian standard of truth be maintained. The committee heard those calls and I’m hopeful the CRTC will too.”