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A big story on social media today looks at how the CBC has covered the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. A former producer claims the Corp. has whitewashed or ignored stories of Israeli actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, while CBC's current editor in chief pushes back against these allegations.
From my perspective, I have no doubt that more than a few producers have simply thrown up their hands at trying to cover this situation, feeling that no matter what angle they try to cover, one side or the other will take umbrage with what's shown on the air. Sometimes, the easiest course of action is often the safest, although you have to wonder if Canadians are well-served by this attitude.
Last edited by BowmanvilleBob (May 17, 2024 7:17 pm)
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War coverage is all too often simplistic, good side versus bad side (sometimes coinciding with who your country's friends/allies are, or whatever side the outlet's owners or managers take, or whatever side is backed by popular opinion where the media outlet is based). Wars are also loaded with propaganda - thus the cliche "the first casualty of war is the truth". Tall tales told during wartime which turn out to be lies, perhaps staged for propagandistic purposes. Outlets stand to do well when they diversify their fleet of reporters. Embed some where possible and (relatively) safe. But establish multiple vantage points with a diverse range of sources; and question authenticity but be smooth and discreet about it (perhaps achieved by having a separate person working on verification). If you're short staffed, as many outlets are, work with networks and collaborate with journalistic allies. CBC has been fairly even with the Israeli-Hamas conflict, and I'm sure the pressure from each side is tremendous.