The Media Accountability Project  

"I do not understand how citing the intention of the song (being in solidarity with Palestinians) and introducing its name (“RIVER 2 THE SEA”) could possibly violate CBC’s standards. I believe any argument suggesting it does would rely on an unfair interpretation that represents a double standard against Palestinians. It is unimaginable that CBC would go to lengths like this if an artist had made a song in “solidarity with the people of Ukraine” for instance."

On May 6, 2024, CJPME sent an alert to MAP responders to ask them to critique Toronto Sun’s decision to publish an article by Joe Warmington about the U of T student encampment as “news.”

While we have regularly taken issue with Toronto Sun and Joe Warmington for his inflammatory columns, this particular article was not only inflammatory but violated basic journalistic standards as it was identified as “news.”

Following the huge number of letters our MAP responders sent, the article is now identified as “opinion.”

While our other issues weren’t addressed, such as his offensive description of the U of T encampment and his uncorroborated claims that it is antisemitic, it is still a notable change since our past attempts weren’t as effective. This will only encourage more to keep pushing for the respect of basic journalistic obligations to media outlets even if they are not as receptive.  

"Many Jewish students at York and elsewhere do not support Israel nor its ongoing actions in Gaza, which are plausibly genocidal. To obscure the essential and relevant information that Hillel is not merely a Jewish student group, but a Zionist one, is to profoundly mislead your viewers."

"Recall that claims of 40 beheaded Israeli babies circulated in the fog of war. There is still no evidence. When the beheaded babies story started to fall apart, new top stories emerged, like the sexual assault allegations. Skepticism was justified, given the context."

"While it is not my role to defend Mr. Zaarour — I do not know him nor am I familiar with his broader beliefs — I am concerned that the article obscures a couple of important aspects of the Instagram post."

"It is imperative that the CBC either give a fair and balanced description of Ron East or simply not interview him. It is inappropriate to present someone with such controversial public views as a sober-minded representative of a group of people in Winnipeg."

"While East has been given a great deal of space to describe Palestinian protests in Winnipeg, no journalist has bothered to mention his racist comments made during the pro-Israel rallies that he organizes."

"The top priority for anyone who cares about human rights and upholding international law is to do everything possible, urgently, to stop this catastrophe.  Rally participants are calling for an immediate ceasefire, the opening of a humanitarian aid corridor and an end to the occupation that Palestinians have endured for over 50 years."

"I challenge you, therefore, to include Ms. Abu Daqqa’s nationality in the article, along with additional context around what Palestinian civilians in Gaza face.  I also insist, just as you have done for the hapless and tragic Israeli victims of the recent fighting, that you include dramatically more details and examples of Palestinian victims."

"Alongside all Christians of conscience, I look forward to the time when Canadians will join with Palestinian Christians in the quest for an inclusive future in the land of the Holy One. Jesus is still weeping over Jerusalem."