Bill Good's stimulating and lively presentation, Media: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, was enthusiastically received by a near capacity audience at the Chatelech Secondary School Theatre in Sechelt on Saturday, Oct. 2.
Good gave a brief history of news reporting in radio, newspapers and television in Canada and changes in technology over the years as they impact local, national and international events. He gave examples of the positive role played by journalists and newscasters who give voice to those without a voice - the homeless, addicted, victims of sexual abuse and the mentally ill. They advocate for changes in government policy and spending priorities.
The "ugly" aspect of news coverage relates to the ongoing negative reporting of police, government and corporate attempts to avoid acknowledging serious errors that have had disastrous ramifications for the vast majority of the public.
Good said it was his experience, in both radio and TV, that there is a serious attempt for balanced, objective reporting. In the case of CTV, a panel of 15 individuals, including Good and co-anchor Pamela Martin, sit together at 2 p.m. each afternoon to do an editorial review of the items being considered for the 6 p.m. newscast each night.
During the audience question period, Good was asked why certain news events are not reported. He said it could be that they don't have broad enough interest, or they cannot be verified as accurate.
"If I don't know a story to be true, I won't report it," Good said.
He cited social media, such as Facebook, as examples of a proliferation of unverified "news."
The Eldercollege of Capilano University Sun-shine Coast campus facilitated this special free event, the Clifford Smith Memorial Lecture, with sponsorship assistance from Scotiabank and School District No. 46.
There will be an opportunity for the 55-plus crowd to learn more about the University's programs and what is being planned for the next semester, starting in January, by attending the Event in the Tent at the Cap U Campus next Saturday, Oct. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m.
