For those who struggle to grasp subtleties in the quest for a return to quality journalism in Canada, there is one tangible step in the right direction. Strictly speaking, it doesn't involve a news program. That may generate a measure of satisfaction among those of us who believe that audiences share with journalists a responsibility for the decline of quality news coverage. But, ultimately, each of us, has to decide where to draw the line. That may mean not matching a competitor's scoop every time.
Lets hope that's eventually as true in journalism as it has been on the stock market.
Peter Kent is senior correspondent with Global Television News and anchor of the station's First National newscast. He has also worked with CBC-TV news, CTV news, NBC news, and World Monitor Television. He is also a Canadian member of the Committee of Concerned Journalists. Despite glimmers of hope, mainstream journalism doesn't have much to be proud of these days. A glaring example of lowering standards involves the Globe and Mail's front-page tabloid account of our new Governor General's relationship with her daughters.