TORONTO – On the eve of today’s election, Canadian broadcasters were distancing themselves from fellow journalist and Conservative candidate for the riding of Thornhill, Peter Kent.
The former Global News anchor (and NBC/CBC reporter) has posted a video on his web site where the likes of Lloyd Robertson, Pamela Wallin, Peter Mansbridge and Kevin Newman, among others, sing Kent’s praises.
While the video was made to honour Kent when he won the 2006 RTNDA Canada president’s award, the fact it is posted on Kent’s election site may make it seem to some that the journalists are endorsing his candidacy, and not just his body of work as a journalist.
“These taped appearances by Ms. Wallin and Mr. Robertson were made over two years ago for a broadcast industry event,” reads a CTV release from Sunday by news head Robert Hurst. “CTV would like to clarify that neither Ms. Wallin, Mr. Robertson nor CTV News have in any way publicly endorsed Mr. Kent, the Conservative Party of Canada or any other political party or candidate.”
The CBC issued a similar release where John Cruickshank, publisher, CBC News wrote: “Neither Peter Mansbridge nor CBC News have in any way endorsed Mr. Kent, the Conservative Party of Canada or any other political party or candidate.”
