In our blog post, we aim to clarify the journalism standards and current affairs at CBC News. More blogs can be found on our website.
Over the weekend, we received numerous messages, including some strongly worded ones, ahead of a special cross-border episode of the long-standing Cross Country Checkup show hosted by Ian Hanomansing. While the show has addressed challenging topics before, this particular edition, co-hosted by Jeremy Hobson and broadcast on NPR stations and C-SPAN in the U.S., sparked outrage in Canada even before it aired.
The program’s title, “51st State: A Cross-Border Conversation,” stirred controversy as some felt it hinted at the annexation of Canada by the U.S. This led to accusations of clickbait and allegations that CBC was endorsing President Trump’s disparaging remarks about Canadian sovereignty. However, the intention was to engage listeners in discussions on current events, as is customary for Cross Country Checkup.
The show’s producers aimed to explore the evolving sentiments towards the U.S. in Canada amidst recent trade disputes and political tensions. They sought to facilitate a dialogue between Canadians and Americans without political interference. Feedback prompted a revision of the initial question posed to the audience, shifting the focus to Trump’s remarks regarding Canada becoming the 51st state.
The incident highlighted the importance of precise language and question framing in media content. Despite the initial backlash, the producers viewed the episode as a valuable opportunity for cross-border communication during a significant period in bilateral relations. Listeners were encouraged to form their opinions after listening to the episode or watching it on YouTube.
