POLITICIANS PUSHING BACK

“I’m sorry, but you can’t believe everything you read in the Globe and Mail.” – PM Mark Carney

We’re now used to watching U.S. President Donald Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt get into verbal sparring matches with members of the media, but she’s not alone.  The recent Canadian election campaign highlighted how politicians of different political stripes are also pushing back and standing up to reporting they think is offside, or questions they think are unfair.

Prime Minister Mark Carney went on the offensive against a Globe and Mail article alleging he met with a “pro-Beijing” group by responding at a news conference that “I’m sorry, but you can’t believe everything you read in the Globe and Mail.”  He firmly provided his position and context, as well as stood behind one of his candidates who was also linked to the topic.  He also told a Globe reporter to “check your sources before you write things like that.”

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre already had a long-standing reputation for his style of engaging with reporters, including the famous apple eating example. But, Carney has shown more than once that he too has no fear in pushing back. In another example, a reporter tried to nail down a yes/no answer from him by saying “I’ll take that as a no then?” With Carney responding, “No, you’ll take that as a very comprehensive answer to your question.” (scroll to the end of the linked video)

🔵 The Takeaway

In media training we discuss how interviewees must clearly and firmly respond to things they disagree with or are not true – this includes any unchecked assertions or assumptions.  This is particularly important in today’s environment where false narratives can take hold and situations can quicky get out of control.

At the same time, you’ve got to keep your cool and always take the high road.  While digs and jabs might feel good and help you feel like you’re getting your point across, you need to be aware that three things might happen – the dig won’t make it to air, if it does there’s a risk you’ll look unfavourable, or it might tick off a sensitive reporter or publication that you have to deal with down the road.

ABOUT STRATOAK & MICHAEL MELLING

Michael Melling is the Principal & Founder of StratOak Ltd., a firm focused on media training, strategic communications, and content creation – all with the aim of using communication to advance the goals of your organization.  He is the former head of CTV News (Local & National), CP24, and BNN Bloomberg, and works directly with all StratOak clients.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

A process for seeking corrections

I sometimes get asked what’s the best way to handle a situation where the reporter has got it wrong.  The answer – it depends.

Generally, if a reporter has asked you for your side of the story and has made an attempt to balance it, there’s not a lot you can do even if you believe the other side of the story is completely wrong or feel the story is unfair.  In this case, the best approach is usually to keep getting your key message out there.

In a scenario where the reporter has the facts plainly wrong or didn’t reach out for comment, it’s often best to start by reaching out to the reporter directly to give them a chance to correct their story, but don’t give them too long to do it.  If they’re dragging their heels or pushing back, escalate your position to the editor or news director.  There’s a good chance the manager will take a more objective view and resolve the situation, especially because if you’re still not happy and continue to elevate your complaint, they’re going to have to be 100% confident in the story if they’re going to continue to stand by it.  If the issue still isn’t resolved, other than taking potential legal action, the next step would be filing a complaint with a self-regulatory organization like the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council or National NewsMedia Council (assuming the news organization is a member).  These are independent bodies that investigate and adjudicate complaints and publish their findings.  If a news organization “loses” a complaint, it may also be required to let its audience know there was a finding against it.

🔵 The Takeaway

In my two decades in news, I saw lots of complaints about coverage – it’s inevitable. Some of those complaints were unfounded, but others had merit. If a genuine mistake has occurred, most journalists and editors are quick to correct it.  If you run into a situation where a timely correction isn’t made, stick to the facts, keep it professional and firm, and elevate your complaint through the process quickly.

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LACKING IN LOCAL

A study tracked 2,900 local news outlets in Canada to see how the landscape has changed since 2008

It’s widely known that the news industry, particularly local, is facing a tough go, and a new report quantifies how bad it really is.  The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives tracked 2,900 local news outlets across the country (including print, TV, radio, and online) for a report called News Deprivation.  It found that since 2008:

• 11% of local print media outlets have shut down (newspapers or online).

• 9% of local private TV & radio broadcasters have closed.

• Smaller towns have seen even larger local news declines.  Ontario has held up well, but in Newfoundland, 75% of local news outlets outside of St. John’s no longer exist.

• Suburban cities of larger centres – think of the suburbs of the GTA and Metro Vancouver – are the most news deprived cities.

• 2.5-million Canadians live in a postal code with one or no local news outlet.

🔵 The Takeaway

We know that Canadians like and have a high degree of trust in their local news, but the economics of the business aren’t good.  While this report focuses on the number of outlets that have closed, the vast majority are still operating, but likely with minimal resources.

For communicators, the risk is that that a lack of trusted local news sources leaves a vacuum that could be filled with unvetted information and false narratives, especially through social media.  On the other hand, the resource thin local newsrooms that still exist are hungry for content, and don’t necessarily have the time to dig for story ideas.  So, if you’ve got a story to tell, remember to reach out to them with a well framed pitch, and make it easy for them to tell your story.

REACH OUT!

If you’d like to discuss your needs for media training, content creation, or strategic communications, please reach out anytime: [email protected]