The Media Accountability Project  

Unfair framing of headline and article about Palestine protest and Halifax Pride

"I’m concerned that the framing of this story is unfair. The pro-Palestine protest that occurred at the Halifax Pride parade is described as being “disrupted” in the headline. The story itself frames the protesters as being at the centre of “pushing and shoving.” While you quote one of the protesters speaking broadly, it you quote two people who opposed the protest to frame the narrative about what happened."

July 23, 2024

To:

Nancy Waugh, CBC

Josh Hoffman, CBC

 

Dear Nancy Waugh and Josh Hoffman,

 

I'm writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East to express concern about the article "Halifax Pride parade disrupted by pro-Palestinian protests,” published July 20, 2024.

 

I’m concerned that the framing of this story is unfair. The pro-Palestine protest that occurred at the Halifax Pride parade is described as being “disrupted” in the headline. The story itself frames the protesters as being at the centre of “pushing and shoving.” While you quote one of the protesters speaking broadly, it you quote two people who opposed the protest to frame the narrative about what happened.

 

The group Free Palestine Halifax, who helped organize the protest, claimed on their official Instagram that “community members joined [the parade] in solidarity.” They reject the claim that the protest was a disruption, but rather an act of solidarity between Palestine activists and those celebrating pride. Given that the group responsible for the protest rejects CBC’s framing, it only appears fear to modify or update your article to reflect this claim.

 

Of course, if some people viewed their act of solidarity as a disruption, there is no reason CBC cannot quote them, but to frame the entire article and use the headline to portray this event as a deliberate disruptive attack on the Halifax Pride parade is both unfair and unbalanced in its current form.

 

I insist that the CBC modify its headline and include reference to the statement released by Free Palestine Halifax.

 

Sincerely,

Jason Toney

Director of Media Advocacy, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East

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