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.
This is a great turn of events and kudos to you, Sean, for your persistence in covering this story when no one else did.
If CanWest MediaWorks Publications Inc. president Dennis Skulsky is so sincere about his papers' journalistic integrity, why did news of Smith's firing not appear in other CanWest publications i.e. The Vancouver Sun and The Province to name but two?
Nothing in today's (July 25th) TC on this story. A caller on Terry Spence's(CHUM Victoria Radio VP)CFAX 1070 "Talk it Over" Talk Show raised the issue and Spence claimed complete and total ignorance of the matter.
Sorry, call me ungracious but I'm not impressed with this little show! Jeez, I mean suddenly finding the inspiration to "do the right thing" after someone said too much and you got caught, and then Sean refused to let it go, and then two freelancers (including a journalism prof) resigned, and then the CAJ weighed in & took you to task? The sudden enlightenment of being overtaken by unexpected repercussions does not equate to journalistic integrity, as Mr. Skulsky's editorial writers would be quick to point out about an out-of-favour politician caught with his pants down.
The failure of the sister CanWest papers and other mainstream rags in general to cover this was deeply telling. Our "corporate" press corps knows where its collective bread is buttered and what will happen to the next reporter who does like Ms Smith, if Sean's not lucky enough to find an indiscreet source so that he can put 2 & 2 together & make a stink for them. (How many major papers have devoted any attention to the CAJ statement?)