One-Sided Journalism
Posted on | August 26, 2005 |
As Winnipeg city council wrestles with the idea of privatizing its garbage collection service city-wide, I’m amused at how some in the media, who have already made a decision, will go to great lengths to find people to corroborate their position.
I am referring to Ross Romaniuk of the Winnipeg Sun. After reading his op-ed from last month (July 27) its quite evident Mr. Romaniuk opposes the complete privatization of the city’s garbage collection. I say “complete” because part of Winnipeg is already privately serviced. I also concede that journalists are of course entitled to their opinions, especially when penning op-eds, after all that’s what an op-ed is. But if you’re going to dig up information related to the piece you’re writing about then make sure the information is “fair and balanced” and not one-sided.
To back up his position, Mr. Romaniuk uses the thoughts of a homeowner in Winnipeg’s west end.
“I’m a regular citizen and I’m pissed off,” Scott says, adding it’s common for crews to leave her lane’s cans strewn about with waste still in them.”Last week, garbage was left in the can. And sometimes the cans are right in the middle of the lane. I understand that on windy days cans blow around. But these are not windy days that I’m speaking of.”
My god, Katy bar the door! We have an upset taxpayer so let’s just stop the insanity now before it’s too late. I for one am absolutely convinced the city is traveling the wrong road after reading of Scott’s discontentment. Did Mr. Romaniuk bother to seek out anybody in favour of privatization? The use of this type of tactic is disingenuous. I can find just as many people in favour of the idea as Mr. Romaniuk can find against it. In fact, I have family who reside in Selkirk, a town about 20 minutes north of Winnipeg and with a population of about 10,ooo, who are presently served by a private firm and have been so for years. The City of Selkirk contracts out its garbage collection services each year and is currently being serviced by BFI Canada. In an informal poll, I talked to several residents of that community and the vast majority were pleased with the service provided.
Selkirk is not alone. Most smaller communities use the services of a private firm to collect refuse. Besides, it’s not as if BFI Canada has a monopoly on garbage collection. If the City of Winnipeg is not pleased with the level of service they are free to hire another contractor - there are more than one.
Mr. Romaniuk, whose column I always enjoy reading, certainly has a right to voice his opposition to this issue. But don’t use your position as a journalist to present such a one-sided perspective. You’re better than that.
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