I listened to CBC Radio's coverage of the pre-budget Throne Speech on Monday. The host, Kathleen Petty, and the two pundits, Chris Hall (CBC) and Don Martin (National Post) could not utter the words "Jack Layton" or "NDP" with even a modicum of respect.
Stephen Harper was taken seriously; Michael Ignatieff was taken very seriously indeed. And Jack? Jack's name was never mentioned except with contempt or in derision.
If you didn't know any better, listening to them would convince you that this budget is none of Jack's business, that he's some pushy interloper, sticking his nose in where he's not welcome. When they did condescend to discuss his views, they ridiculed him, as if helping the most vulnerable people in our country is laughable. They acted as if they thought they're the cool kids and Jack is the loser who gets up early on Saturday morning to help out at the food bank. Ha ha.
It's disheartening when listening to our public broadcaster is no more enlightening than reading the worst of our corporate-owned media (which just happened to be represented by Don Martin anyway!)
As for me, I agree with Jack Layton that we're fools if we put our trust in Stephen Harper to put policies in place that will benefit those who most need help right now. Furthermore, I'd be happy to give Harper the boot for the destructive things he's already done to this country, never mind what he's likely to do in the future.
I really don't understand how the CBC gets away with it. Is it all about inoculating themselves from cutbacks? Watching the budget commentary for awhile on the CBC last night was like watching the Prime Minister's advocacy team. Keith Boag and Craig Oliver both came out of door telling viewers why this budget should not be defeated. In fact, Boag misled viewers on the tax cuts question, saying that only folks from lower incomes would benefit.
i actually feel for CBC staff. they don't really get it, that what is coming down the road as their service is further consolidated by private finance will be more cutbacks, wage rationalization, 'efficiencies' etc. You don't need a lot of staff to read a narrowly controlled private line. You do need more staff to get diversity of public opinion reflecting cultures across the country.
I've noticed this too, Sharon, about Kathleen Petty in other shows. She gives a way harder time to left-wing politicians and media figures than right-wing ones. And I've noticed similar sneering or dismissal of NDP politicians on other Newsworld shows (like Inside Politics, although Don Newman's usually not too bad).
I always thought Petty was brought from Calgary to Ottawa (where she hosts the morning show and The House on radio) so as to make Mr. and Mrs, Harper feel at home. How sweet of the CBC to think of them. Now, when are they going to think of us.
Mansbridge sets the tone that Sharon correctly identifies here ... remember how Layton called him out during their election campaign 'one on one' interview.
Canada's progressive community made an error in tying its boat to the public broadcaster which, at the end of the day, presents a narrow viewpoint from a narrow perspective.
We would be better served demanding public dollars for public broadcasting be delivered to community level, non-profit organizations devoted to local coverage and, with the use of modern technology, a national news service compiled from the local services.
We don't need the CBC anymore. We need local news, community owned and operated, and a diversity of voices. The CBC no longer serves that role.
Yeah, I'm starting to wonder whether that's the way of the future too, Frustrated Mess.
I hate the CBC because I would like it to be what it's supposed to be, and it's not. Much like the NDP. But the NDP is better. I'm not a fan of Jack Layton, but I too get crazy when I listen to the radio (CBC, CFRB) and hear almost nothing but rightwing spin, some of which includes unfair treatment of the NDP and it's leader. I was listening to the John Moore show on Budget Day and was dismayed when the CBC (apparently) cut out their feed or something just as Moore was about to interview David Miller. David Miller almost said something about CBC when that happened (Moore noted it was the second time that day, if I recall), and it didn't sound like it was going to be nice, but skipped it and got to his points about the budget. He was not impressed to say the least. Nor are any right thinking Canadians. As for CBC radio, It's a joke. You have to be on tranquilizers to listen to it, even though it itself tries to be one. There's lots of fluff and pleasant banter between the on-air folks, a little news & info and music interspersed throughout it all. I makes me crazy. If I want music, I'll tune into a station where music is playing. I go to CBC for news & info only. But it's not up to the job, which is probably why those who manage it have one, unfortunately. It's a reflection of the crisis of political representation we, the majority, face. We have corporatocracy and it's in your face and full of attitude and very entrenched and powerful. And it doesn't behave as though it sees us as a threat. I wish we were.