Earlier, we reported Times Colonist publisher Bob McKenzie sent an email to the broadsheet's staffers, apologizing for putting Vivian Smith's column on hiatus. But he's not the only one who's writing about the affair. CanWest MediaWorks Publications Inc. president Dennis Skulsky has weighed in on the matter, telling employees the company "takes the issue at the Times Colonist very seriously and has acted to address this situation. Vivian Smith's column has been reinstated and our journalists have been reassured that they are free to cover any organization or subject with the full support of their Editor and Publisher. We believe that the rigorous adherence to these principles is a public trust and a precondition for the credibility of any media outlet." The following is a complete copy of Mr. Skulsky's email. In related news, the Canadian Association of Journalist has put out a news release referencing Ms. Smith's axing.

There have been a number of rumours and concerns circulating about the relationship between the Victoria Times Colonist and its advertising clients, and on behalf of CanWest MediaWorks I would like to clarify our position on this issue. While advertisers are a very important part of our business model, our readers expect and deserve an impartial reporting of the news. We value the editorial independence of each our news outlets and under no circumstances should advertising influence the content of newspapers.

CanWest MediaWorks' management takes the issue at the Times Colonist very seriously and has acted to address this situation. Vivian Smith's column has been reinstated and our journalists have been reassured that they are free to cover any organization or subject with the full support of their Editor and Publisher. We believe that the rigorous adherence to these principles is a public trust and a precondition for the credibility of any media outlet.

Dennis Skulsky
President, CanWest MediaWorks Publications Inc.