Summary and Recommendations

Columnists have quit or been terminated after writing articles criticizing the policy. In response, CanWest executives have heaped scorn on their own employees and outside critics. They caused further controversy by banning peaceful forms of protest by employees, including organized byline withdrawals.

CJFE defends CanWest Global's right to instruct its editors to carry chain editorials. But we believe it has failed to show equal respect for the free-expression rights of others. In actions and statements associated with the introduction of its chain-editorial program, it has sought to muzzle its employees to the point of denying them the right to withhold their names from publication. "Not in the newsroom" appears to be CanWest Global's approach to the principles of free expression.

Suspensions, threats of dismissal and reprimands to journalists exercising the right to dissent are unacceptable and unnecessary curbs on freedom of expression. Other actions, while not constituting direct threats to freedom of expression, set dangerous precedents, and raise disturbing questions about CanWest Global's commitment to the free exchange of information and ideas. These include tying the hands of local editorial boards, cancelling columns and failing to provide fair and comprehensive coverage of a significant news story

Finally, the actions and statements of CanWest Global and its executives threaten to undermine the defence of freedom of expression by media organizations. Media organizations have a special responsibility to ensure that their activities do not weaken support for free-expression rights in general. Journalists must retain the freedom to speak publicly on professional issues, including those involving their own employers. CanWest Global's confrontational style and dismissive tone will only make it more difficult to unite all media professionals in the task of defending free expression.