"The Chilling Effect": Scrutinizing the Media

The Georgetown Independent and Free Press, in their mis-guided wisdom, decided to publish a commentary on who should be "the chosen", in their up and coming election. In Clarington, Durham Region's Electoral Endorsement provided the readers with the media's choices for mayor and councilors. I have a problem with this and think it shouldn't be allowed. Especially since the 'only media' presence we have, in their final analysis, condons and endorses an incumbent or candidate...would this not sway the minds of people who have not yet made a decision on their own?
Everything we read, comes from one source and that is Metroland's Durham Media division, which includes The Canadian Statesman, Clarington This Week and the website durhamregion.com. Have we read any performance news about the present mayor, other than his 'ribbon cutting' adventures? Have you read any newsworthy articles about a candidate, any candidate for that matter? Have we been provided with information, other than the self proclaimed profiles of the candidates? Oh...Durham Media, as in The Canadian Statesman printed an article about the 'Richard Ward Bylaw' that was repealed, but was obviously not newsworthy enough for the public to know, that the current council has refused to provide the truth behind the bylaw. Truthfulness of the current council, is obviously not an important issue, with Durham Media. Our only choice is to swallow and follow what Durham Media prints. Being a one media town, shouldn't the ethics and consideration of Durham Media, be of heightened importance?

Then, sure as shootin', out of the west rides the co-editor, Al Kirouac of
Halton Herald:

When a supposedly non-bias newsprint media starts to endorse political candidates, particularly the ones who have been embedded in the existing government, it's probably time its readership took a closer scrutinizing look at that media. Under normal conditions, the newsprint media’s job is to report and provide enough news to its readership, so the readership can then make an informed decision as to whom to vote for.....cont......From reading the pages of the Georgetown Independent, it looks to some like the ‘Morality of Media Ethics – 101’ was a class at the school of journalism, that the paper's editor, John McGhie, may of skipped. It’s long been an ethical rule of the media to not endorse political candidates, a faux pas The Georgetown Independent has not had a problem infringing upon during recent elections.

The Halton Herald may have a point there. But how are we to discern any differences? How are we to know? We are only fed, one point of view - and it isn't neutral. I notice on the Halton Herald, that all public comments and opinions, are allowed. Not so with our sole news media outlet. Everything is screened and censored, therefore, we only get their perspective - not the general public opinion.

What makes one news media better or different than another? Isn't it mandatory for all wannabe reporters and publishers to attend 'Journalism 101'?

Can You Hear the Silence?

Many things have a chilling effect on our speech or our expressions of speech. Often, criticism has a chilling effect on speech, usually because that is the purpose. We stop ourselves from saying stupid things, making rude remarks, or voicing something that we think may be right, but we know many others would dislike - because we fear being criticized for expressing what we say.

Extending that thought, sometimes a person speaks freely about an issue and instead of being just criticized for his choice of words - due to their thoughts or feelings - they are punished.

Punishment can come in many forms. The outspoken party could be brought up on the proverbial carpet by the offended and embarrassed, in the presence of their colleagues or peers. Perhaps the offended party has the authority to punish the offender by blackballing them in the workplace. In some instances, the offended takes legal action and sues the offender.

Government officials are in the position of some authority. Most were put in that position of authority, because 'we the people' elected them. We elected them only because they choose, to stand up and be in the public eye. That being the case, are we then not permitted or allowed to criticize their administration or their performance?

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"The Chilling Effect"

Scrutinizing the Media

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Can You Hear the Silence?

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