CBC declines Senate testimony on Islamophobia due to journalistic independence.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has declined to meet with the Senate Committee on Human Rights to discuss Islamophobia, stating concerns about journalistic independence. Shaun Poulter, the executive director for public affairs and government relations at CBC, stated that it would not be appropriate for news leaders to participate in the Committee’s work as journalists need to report independently. Thus, if CBC journalists were to be part of the scrutiny and recommendations of the Committee, it could risk being perceived as advocates or agents. Poulter’s letter argued that senators questioning news leaders about their editorial decisions and practices could undermine the Broadcasting Act’s journalistic independence. CBC’s Director of Media Relations, Leon Mar, did not provide any further comment, saying that any questions should be directed to the Senate Committee. Poulter’s letter also highlighted CBC’s policies on journalism and commitments to the goal that one out of every two hires or promotions should come from underrepresented groups. However, Poulter did not provide a 2022 ombudsman report that found CBC breached its own code of ethics. This report followed a website commentary by Zeehaa Rehman, who criticized political parties and their voters in relation to right-wing politics. CBC Ombudsman Jack Nagler called the article “not okay,” arguing that declaring a politician hateful should be based on their policies and actions, not the color of their lawn signs. The article was revised after being up for almost a month.