In March of this year I posted the following:
Cochrane and Simms do not control Muskrat Debate
It is not only Cashin who has a problem here and if we do not strengthen the investigative research of our local media the Upper Churchill will be repeated. The final paragraph and it's assumption may well have been proved to be wrong.
Over the past couple of weeks some members of the media -
commentators, reporters, and pundits appeared to have been dissuading
people and politicians alike - from continued opposition to Muskrat
Falls.
I have heard statements like - "nothing new" - which of course was the spin being promoted by Dunderdale and company.
I
have a question for David Cochrane who carries himself like the head
honcho of Newfoundland and Labrador "journalism". Have all the
previously noted concerns been resolved?
The problem is that if a question - the same question - goes unanswered (satisfactorily) should one just stop asking?
From
where I sit many questions asked from day one - have never been
answered. The fact that Kennedy or Dunderdale open mouths and spew
rhetoric does not mean an issue is resolved.
We are
talking about 6-8 billion dollars of our money, the money of our
children and grandchildren; we need to know if this project is the right
one.
Some of the Unanswered Concerns:
1. What happens in 2041 and does this project have the potential to harm us in future dealings?
2. The need for power.
3. Alternatives.
4. Lowest Cost Alternative.
5. Labrador benefits.
6. Cheaper power for Nova Scotia.
7. Subsidization by Newfoundland and Labrador ratepayers.
8. The need of a partner.
9. Long-term jobs.
10. Potential for alternative industrial development.
The
problem - as I see it - is the media who are demonstrably frustrated by
the ongoing debate are those individuals who are not educated enough on
the issue to ask the right questions or lack the guts to take on the
governing PC's.
I have watched most of Cochrane's
material and in my opinion - he lacks information or the desire to
really challenge the "facts" the government puts forth.
Randy
Simms - in my opinion does not have the knowledge to determine if
something regarding the project has been answered satisfactorily.
If
they are going to use the media power available to them - they must
also appreciate the responsibility that goes with that. I do not see
that concern in them - and therefore - in my opinion they are doing the
province and its people a disservice.
Now of course I
am assuming here that the media will not act like Dunderdale and Kennedy
and condemn somebody for speaking up. I do know better however.
1 comment:
Sue, I am happy to see you posting a little more frequently. You are correct in that you have been making these points for quite some time.
I am happy Mr. Cashin brought it up, as he does attract attention and he can take care of himself. I totally agree with his assessment of David Cochrane's reporting on this MF file. As host of On Point, Mr. Cochrane has allowed both Minister Kennedy and Premier Dunderdale off the hook on the real issues around this development and I get frustrated every time I watch an interview.
It seems to me, and this also applies to the media in general, that none of them with the exception of Geoff Meeker, have been asking truly perceptive questions. In Mr. Meeker's case, he has made several strong arguments against the development of this project but I have yet to see anything substantial come from most other media.
The open line shows have been totally wishy-washy, offering all sides ample time to espouse their views, but not openly challenging those for or against the project, the noted exception being when Paddy argues with Bruno.
What is sad though is that the government MHA's, and the few other proponents who call the radio shows, are offering trite platitudes and party propaganda with very little rebuttal from the hosts. They sometimes challenge those who oppose the project but never the government' propaganda.
The lack of hard questioning by these influential media outlets leaves me shaking my head, as they are allowing cheap propaganda to go unchallenged.
Your question: Will the Media act like Government? is a legitimate one, and I would hope that they will display integrity in the face of legitimate criticism.
We shall see!
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