EXCLUSIVE: Leaked audio of CBC disciplinary meeting with former TV host Travis Dhanraj
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Travis Dhanraj, once the host of a CBC television news show called Canada Tonight with Travis Dhanraj, resigned earlier this month with fiery letters accusing the CBC of 'tokenism masquerading as diversity, problematic political coverage protocols, and the erosion of editorial independence.'
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His letters, one to CBC leadership and another to CBC colleagues, were made public and created controversy, including over perceived political imbalance in news coverage at the publicly funded broadcaster. Last week, Conservative Members of Parliament called for a public hearing into Dhanraj's 'damning allegations' on workplace culture and biased reporting.
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More than a year before his still reverberating resignation, however, a disciplinary meeting for Dhanraj was convened by CBC shortly after he made a social media post on April 19, 2024. His post on X said: 'At a time when the public broadcaster is under increasing scrutiny and when transparency is needed.' CBC's president Catherine Tait had been asked to appear on his show. 'We wanted to discuss new budget funding, what it means for jobs & the corporation's strategic priorities ahead. Our request was declined. This is unfortunate.'
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At a time when the public broadcaster is under increasing scrutiny and when transparency is needed, #CanadaTonight requested an intvu w/ @PresidentCBCRC Catherine Tait. We wanted to discuss new budget funding, what it means for jobs & the corporation's strategic priorities ahead.…
— Travis Dhanraj (@Travisdhanraj) April 19, 2024
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The disciplinary meeting preceded his removal from on-air duties for the CBC News Network show that bore his name.
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Dhanraj declined to comment on the recording or the meeting, referring questions to his lawyer, Kathryn Marshall. Marshall confirmed the recording National Post has is an authentic portion of a longer disciplinary meeting between Dhanraj and CBC officials.
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The CBC manager speaking in the recording is identified as Andree Lau, senior director of digital publishing and streaming. Lau's LinkedIn page describes her job as overseeing the strategic and editorial direction of CBC News Network as well as other CBC news properties.
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In the recording she appears to equate a CBC journalist reporting something critical about the CBC with a potential breach of journalistic conflict of interest ethics, on the grounds that a CBC journalist has a personal stake in the broadcaster's success.
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Vancouver Sun
12 hours ago
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'How is this justice?' Poilievre, Conservative MPs show support for Freedom Convoy leaders ahead of sentencing
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A sentencing hearing for Barber and Lich is scheduled to take place in Ottawa on Wednesday. Lich has posted on social media that the Crown is seeking a sentence of seven years for her and eight years for Barber. She posted a screen shot of part of the Crown's submission to the judge, which called their actions 'the worst case of mischief' and argued that the right to political expression has never existed without limitations. The Canadian Press has not independently verified the screen shot. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre posted on X on Monday to question the Crown's approach. 'Let's get this straight: while rampant violent offenders are released hours after their most recent charges and antisemitic rioters vandalize businesses, terrorize daycares and block traffic without consequences, the Crown wants seven years prison time for the charge of mischief for Lich and Barber,' he said. 'How is this justice?' 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Toronto Sun
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- Toronto Sun
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SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Elections Canada reported Monday that the 132 candidates sponsored by the Longest Ballot Committee are registered for the byelection, which features federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre running for a seat in Parliament. The Longest Ballot Committee's previous record of 91 candidates was broken last week when it reached 100. The total number of candidates from all parties along with Independents was at 138 as of Monday afternoon. Candidates can continue signing up for another week ahead of the July 28 cutoff. Read More The Longest Ballot Committee has helped dozens of candidates register in multiple contests in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba since 2022 to draw attention to its cause. 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