Keelin Glatley

Media Outlet Report

March 29th, 2014

The purpose of the following report is to discuss how local media reports news stories to the local
community. As per requested, I followed one print medium (Victoria News), one radio broadcast (On
The Island, and All Points West, CBC Victoria), and one social media feed (Victoria News). Below, I
will discuss my findings.
Overview Of Stories Covered
On The Island radio show, with host Gregor Craige covered a variety of stories, always interviewing
guests relevant to the topic. On March 2, he interviewed Adrienne Geer, a senior nurse union official
about the horrific conditions that nurses face on the job, and the steps taken to change them (Craigie,
March 2, 2015). For the March 3rd broadcast, he interviewed Councillor Pam Maddoff about the fate of
the Maritime Museum, a current pressing issue in Victoria (Craigie, March 3rd, 2015). Craigie's March
5th show centred around Lisa Helps discussing the safety of the new Johnston Street Bridge, and it's
ability to withstand earthquakes and other dangers (Craigie, March 5th, 2015). Lisa Help's bright,
encouraging tone showed her passion towards making this bridge safe for this city. Craigie's March 6th
political panel was incredibly interesting, bringing in several people (Martyn Brown, Elizabeth Cull,
Norman Spector), who have had careers in Canada's political world to discuss issues relevant to
Victoria and BC (Craigie, March 6th, 2015). This particular political panel focused on Christy Clark and
her battle with BC Hydro, the waste of money on the municipal audit, as well as the ban on ECigarettes (Craigie, March 6th, 2015). This was an intense skewering of Christy Clark, and what was
perceived as her using other's mistakes to make her look good, and never taking responsibility for her
actions (Craigie, March 6th, 2015). The panel was incredibly interesting, and no one's remarks came off
as bitter or sullen due to their inside knowledge of Canadian politics. The March 6th show also touched
down on transgender washroom selfies, a step taken by Victoria's trans community, as well as an
amendment to a transgender rights bill (Craigie, March 6th, 2015). This show interviewed Brae Carnes,
a local transgender woman (Craigie, March 6th, 2015). Several broadcasts on On The Island dealt with
the proposed Raven Coal application, and displayed several different sides of the issue. The first
broadcast interviewed John Snyder, president of Coalwatch Vancouver Island, an opposer of the
situation who discussed flaws found with the controversial coal mine (Craigie, March 3rd, 2015). The
second interview shone a new light on the situation, with Kim Burdon of the Parksville Chamber Of
Commerce, saying that the Raven Coal Mine could lead to hundreds of jobs, benefitting the island's
economy (Craigie, March 5th, 2015). The third interview interviewed environment minister Mary Polak,
also saying that the jobs could benefit the economy, but not at the expensive of the environment - the
environmental criterium is still not being met (Craigie, March 6th, 2015). Craigie's unique interview
style and attention to local values shone through. Often dealing with interviewees who were sometimes
angry or passionate about the daily topic, he would asking leading, interesting questions in a neutral,
curious tone. He would also always ask about solutions to the issue being presented, rather than let the
show become a rant. Craigie often steps back, and lets his interviewees be centre stage for the time on
his show.
CBC Victoria's other local news broadcast, All Points West, had a similar tone to it. Host Robyn
Burns focused on local news topics with a sense of fun. The March 2nd broadcast focused on the pros
and cons of bike lanes, interviewing councillor Jeremy Loveday (Burns, March 2nd , 2015). For the
March 4th show, the issue of transportation arose again, this time featuring Steve Wallis of Wallis
driving school, discussing left lane hogs and the difference in driving skills between the younger and
older generations (Burns, March 4th, 2015). Similar to Craigie, Robyn focused on the solutions to the
issues presented, rather than let the show become a series of rants.
Victoria News covered a variety of stories. The first five stories of the Wednesday issue (March 4th,
2015) were as follows: Protected bike lanes eyed for Pandora, Rockland greenway project becomes

a permanent fixture Firefighters remember the fallen, Mayor digs in for big flower count, and
Privacy bill concerns draw big turnout.
The bike lane story (Protected bike lanes eyed for Pandora) discussed the possibility of several
options: a two way bike lane running along Pandora, a one way protected bike lane along Pandora, and
a one way protected bike lane on Johnson Street (Peacock, 2015, p.A1). The story focused on how the
lanes would benefit businesses, increase safety for cyclists, and connect the city better (Peacock, March
4th, 2015). This article had a relatively positive tone, stressing the benefits of these changes (how they
would benefit safety, downtown businesses, etc.).
The Rockland greenway project story (Rockland greenway project becomes a permanent fixture)
focused on the cycling issue further. The 900 block stretch of Rockland, between Quadra and
Vancouver Street is now dedicated to only cyclists and pedestrians (Peacock, 2015, p.A2). This change
is permanent (Peacock, 2015, p.A2). This change is aimed to make the greenway a safe, community
focused place (Peacock, 2015, p.A2). Mayor Lisa Helps said she hopes it will become a gathering
place (Peacock, 2015, p.A2). This article had a positive tone, and focused on community values.
The article regarding the privacy bill (Privacy bill concerns draw big turnout) focused on the scrutiny
of a federal bill that aimed to redefine the role of Canada's intelligence agencies (Palmer, 2015, p.
A3). A town hall meeting was called to discuss Bill C-51, a privacy bill that is have already received a
great deal of backlash (Palmer, 2015, A3). The bill's critics, who include lawyers, academics, and
former politicians, deem the bill to be overly broad, and lacking proper parliamentary oversight
(Palmer, 2015, p.A3). Other problems involving the bill include encouragement of terrorism, not
addressing violence in youth, and adding to the no-fly list (Palmer, 2015, p.A3). The overall tone of
this article was critical, stressing the negatives of the bill.
The first five stories of the Friday, March 6th issue of The Victoria News were as follows: Maritime
Museum future uncertain in Victoria region, New species of glass sponge discovered, B.C. will
target left lane hogs, The trick to counting flowers, and $42,00 donation boosts transition houses.
The Maritime Museum article discusses the possibility of Victoria losing it's Maritime Museum, unless
there will be lease with the CPR Steamship Terminal (Peacock, 2015, p.A1). The museum has been
homeless since October 21st, and has had offers from both Nanaimo and Vancouver (Peacock, 2015,
p.A1). The article has an underlying sad tone, ending on a quote from Victoria Councillor Pam
Maddoff, describing how she would miss it, and it would be a loss to the city (Peacock, 2015 p.A1)
B.C. will target left lane huggers discusses the West Coast's fondness for hogging the left lanes (BC
will target left-lane huggers 2015, p.A2). Transportation Minister Todd Stone, who has lived in several
other provinces, noticed that this practice is exclusive to the West Coast (BC will target left-lane
huggers, March 6th, 2015). He is looking to make legal changes to enforce new policies (BC will
target lane huggers, 2015, p.A2). Currently, signs are being used to implement new rules regarding
safety (BC will target left lane huggers, 2015, p.A2). Stone did not reveal specifics of what new laws
will be coming (BC will target left lane huggers, 2015, p. A2). The article combined both humour
and seriousness to stress the importance of this issue.
42, 000 donation boosts transition houses discusses Royal Lepage Shelter Foundation's generous
donation to support women's transition houses across Victoria (Peacock, 2015, p.A3). The money
raised was divided between The Cridge Transition House For Women, Victoria Women's Transition
House, and Margaret Laurence House, and Sooke Transition House (Peacock, 2015, p.A3). These
houses rely on community support, which they receive: Since 1992, Royal Lepage Coast Capital Realty
has raised nearly $200,000.00 for women's transition houses (Peacock, March 6th, 2015). Women
staying at these houses receive counselling, as well as other services (Peacock, March 6th, 2015). The
warm tone of this article really shone through it was a happy article and the writing showed that.
The Victoria News and their social media feed covered mainly the same stories as the newspaper and
CBC did, and focused on local community events. The stories covered involved the bike lanes,
transition houses, the future of the museum, and local charity events (See Appendix D).

Newsworthiness and Media Difference

The Victoria News tended to mix serious and playful topics, whereas CBC Victoria Radio tended to
focus on serious, even emotional topics. For example, in the first five stories of the Friday edition of
the Victoria News, there were stories about the Maritime Museum, glass sponges, flower counts and
transition houses. In contrast, CBC Victoria Radio focused on stories such as Christy Clark's battle with
BC Hydro, what it means to be transgendered, and workplace violence. However, both of these
mediums reflected community values accurately. More than 85% of CBC is produced at the local level,
and that came through in the broadcasts (Vivian and Maurin, 2012). Radio is often used to bring depth
and understanding to current issues (Vivian and Maurin, 2012). By bringing in people to discuss
serious community issues who are at the forefront of the situation, it brings light to the situation. Radio
is something people listen to in the car with their ears, but it is, as Marshall McLuhan said, a visual
medium (Vivian and Maurin, 2012). For example, reading about Brae Carnes and her transgender
washroom selfies in a newspaper would have most likely evoked sympathy from a reader, but hearing
her voice, tone, and words as she explained her struggle was much more moving. I could visualize what
her day to day struggles felt like after listening to the interview much more vividly then I could have
reading a four paragraph article. Radio also does have time to use as an art and storytelling medium
(Vivian and Maurin, 2012). On The Island featured only several interviews daily, and had the time to
delve deep into the issues at hand, whereas a newspaper has a lot more to cover, up to hundreds of
stories (Vivian and Maurin, 2012).
Victoria News covered a lot more ground, because as a hometown weekly, readers most likely
expected coverage of a variety of hometown news, such as sports, family, business, etc. (Vivian and
Maurin, 2012). Because of that, most articles in the Victoria News were not very lengthly, or in-depth.
A hometown weekly would cover issues within the community, but would not be where to look for
extremely in-depth coverage of a serious issue (Vivian and Maurin, 2012). Because a larger newspaper
such as the Times Colonist would most likely be doing that sort of coverage, Victoria News could focus
on topics such as flower counts, the Salvation Army's new food truck, and paramedics receiving new
tools. Victoria News also had space to dedicate to local volunteers, and a Carrier of The Month
section, something that a larger newspaper would not dedicate space to.
Several stories were covered by both mediums, and the difference in coverage wasn't extreme, but
noticeable. The Maritime Museum story was covered in both outlets differently. The Victoria News
wrote a rather small article that focused on the possibility of losing the museum (Peacock, March 6th,
2015), whereas CBC Victoria interviewed Councillor Pamela Madoff and focused on the steps taken to
ensure that the museum would stay (Craigie, March 3rd, 2015). The tone of the Victoria News article
was quite negative, whereas the tone of the interview was pleasant and convincing. The article did
quote Pamela Maddoff, stating similar statements to the CBC interview (Peacock, 2015, A1). Both
articles stated that the museum's fate was still very much undecided, and it would be missed.
The protected bike lane story was also covered in both mediums. All Points West interviewed
councillor Jeremy Loveday about the bike lanes, and the Wednesday article of the Victoria News
covered the story on the front page. Robyn Burn's interview with Jeremy Loveday was inquiring and
upbeat, discussing how to change the anti-bicycle attitude, and change downtown traffic to be less car
centric (Burns, March 3rd, 2015). The article was also supportive of the bike lane, stressing how it
would benefit downtown businesses (Peacock, 2015, p. A1). A reoccurring difference between CBC
and Victoria News is that the radio offers the in-depth opinion of one or two people, whereas a
newspaper article can involve the opinions of multiple people. The bike lane article quoted several
different people, such as Edward Pullman, president of the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition, Mayor
Lisa Helps, and Shaun Deveraux, owner of Habit Coffee (Peacock, 2015, p.A1). Where the newspaper
doesn't go as in depth, it can offer different perspectives, something a radio could not do due to the

constraints of air time.

Both media outlets covered the story regarding the left lane hogs. For CBC, Robyn Burns interviewed
Steve Wallis of Wallis driving school. Her fun, light-hearted interview with him focused on the
difference between baby boomer's driving skills and the driving skills of the youth of today (Burns,
March 4th, 2015). The reoccurring statement throughout the interview was to focus on driving as time
and space, rather than speed (Burns, March 4th, 2015). Steve Wallis spoke of how baby boomers
focused on speed, a contributing factor in being a left lane hog (Burns, March 4th, 2015). For the
Victoria News article BC will target left lane huggers (BC will target left lane huggers, March 6th,
2014), the article focused on the penalties taken for left lane hogging, and the steps taken to prevent it.
The article also used a sense of humour to discuss a serious road safety issue, describing the left lane
hugger as a species only found in B.C. (BC will target left lane hugger, 2015, p. A2). Both outlets
referenced Transportation Minister Todd Stone and his views on the matter. The storytelling methods
used in both outlets once again highlighted the difference between radio and newspaper. The newspaper
will be read by people on their coffee break, or on public transportation on the commute home from
work (Vivian and Maurin, 2012). The newspaper tells the story in an informative manner with a touch
of humour to inform the community of a local issue. The article covers the story, but once again, does
not go into great detail due to size constraints. It outlines the issue for the reader. However, the
coverage is satisfactory, and the community is informed hence, the newspaper has done their job
(Vivian and Maurin, 2012). In contrast, the radio uses the method of discussing the issue in a way that
both younger and older listeners will be able to relate to, and apply to their daily life. The newspaper
informs so that readers are aware, but the radio brings the story to life (Vivian and Maurin, 2012).
Older listeners will be able to visualize their first time driving and the methods they learned, and
younger listeners will be able to apply it to the driving skills they are learning in present day. The
greatest impact of radio is the non-visual aspect of it the listener can hear the story, and form their
own visuals, as well as create their own connection to the story (Vivian and Maurin, 2012).
The only story that evolved was The Raven Coal Mine application story. The three interviews showed
how different perspectives can completely change the feel of a story in a media setting. When the first
interview aired, the coal mine was shown in a negative light, with John Snider saying that several failed
screening tests are a hindrance to the coal mine, and that the community is not receptive to the mine
five years after it being proposed (Craigie, March 3rd, 2015). To make matters worse for the proposal, it
has not met the requirements of the Canadian Environment Assessment Agency (Craigie, March 3rd,
2015). An interview two days later showed the coal mine in a slightly more positive note, with a
member of Parkville's Chamber of Commerce stating that they were in full support of the mine, on the
condition that environmental standards were met (Craigie, March 5th 2014). The Chamber believes that
the mine could lead to up to 300 direct jobs, something that would benefit the economy (Craigie,
March 5th, 2014). This interview also stressed that Vancouver Island has a long history of mining, and
there are multiple other things, such as marijuana grow opps, that are just as controversial (Craigie,
March 5th, 2014). The following day, an interview with Mary Polak, environment minister, shed more
negative light on the issue. She cites an assessment made with the coal mine that found 435
requirements not being met, some of the requirements not being complex (Craigie, March 6th, 2015).
She went on to say that if the coal mine proposal was to be accepted, it needed to prove it was worthy
of investments by fulfilling requirements (Craigie, March 6th, 2015). The jobs may be there, but the
project needed to be environmentally safe to truly work (Craigie, March 6th, 2015). This relates to the
concept of agenda setting the media can tell people what to think about, but not how to think (Vivian
and Maurin, 2012). Although this is a serious matter, none of these interviews were strongly enforcing
a single viewpoint, and Craigie did not reveal his personal opinion in regards to the coal mine. By
displaying these three informed viewpoints on the matter, the audience is given several different
aspects of the story to think about, and form their own ideas about the coal mine.

Twitter
For my Twitter portion of the media outlet monitoring, I focused on the Victoria News and their Twitter
feed. The newspaper's Twitter feed featured mainly the same stories, with several additional ones that
were not covered in the newspaper. Twitter is a thriving force in the current events world, because it
can be updated at any second, from anywhere (Wexler, 2014).
A difference noted between the print edition and the social media feed of the Victoria News was
coverage of crime stories. Victoria News print edition featured no crime coverage, and tended to focus
on more positive events. Victoria News did mainly the same, except for on March 5th, Victoria News
tweeted (in larger font) about a body found in the inner harbour (See Appendix D). This story was not
covered in the Victoria News print edition on Friday, March 6th, most likely because evidence and facts
for the story were still not sufficient enough to warrant a newspaper article. Still, the Twitter account
could be used to announce to the community that a crime had taken place. Aside from that, Victoria
News complimented their newspaper by posting the same stories in Twitter, with the exact same
headline as the print edition (See Appendix D). Included with each tweet was a link to the online
edition of an article. Since the Twitter feed was updated several times daily, stories were posted on
Twitter before the Wednesday or Friday print edition of the news. More and more people are turning to
Twitter for news coverage due this often, social media will post a story before newspapers and
television broadcasts do (Caumont, 2013). Older generations typically read the newspaper at work, and
in the afternoon (Vivian and Maurin, 2012). However, younger users usually get news updates from the
internet and social media, usually on a smartphone or a tablet (Caumont, 2013). By providing the exact
same news focusing on the headline, the news is more accessible to young people (Caumont, 2013).
Victoria News is providing community news to a younger generation, who will be receptive to it in that
format.
Conclusion
Monitoring these 3 media outlet gave me insight into how media and news coverage plays an integral
part in communities across Canada, as well as Canada as a nation. We do not think about it, but current
events play such a huge role in everyday life, big or small. A privacy bill impacting Canada's political
world is just as important as a flower count within a small community to some. A reoccurring thought
throughout this assignment is that media and news coverage isn't so much about the journalists and
media workers it's about the listener, and the reader on the receiving end of the news. As stated
throughout the report, the newspaper informs readers of events happening in both the world, and the
community around them. The newspaper is, as a whole, a reflection of the reader and their values
(Vivian and Maurin, 2012).
Radio has been written about as a powerful force in the world of current events and news (Vivian and
Maurin, 2012). That rang true throughout this assignment. Radio is a storytelling medium like no other.
Radio will stand the test into the 21st century, as for hearing someone else's story in their own spoken
words is a powerful experience that other mediums cannot provide (Vivian and Maurin, 2012).
In conclusion, this assignment has brought a quote to mind. Marshall McLuhan once famously said
The medium is the message (Vivian, and Maurin, 2012). This has never rang more true than when
completing this assignment. Current events just aren't events, they are stories told by various
storytellers, reaching out to multiple audiences.

References
1) Caumont, A. (2013, October 16). 12 trends shaping digital news. Retrieved
March 28, 2015, from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/10/16/12trends-shaping-digital-news/
2) Vivian, J., & Maurin, P. (2012).The media of mass communication (6th ed).Toronto, ON: Pearson
Canada
3) Wexler, A. (2014, February 12). Twitter Is The 21st Century Newspaper.
Retrieved April 1, 2015, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adam-wexler/twitteris-the-21st-centu_b_4774976.html

Appendix A
Victoria News, March 4th, 2015, p. A1
1) Protected bike lanes eyed for Pandora
Discusses possibility of protected bike lanes along Pandora, and their benefits to the city.
Victoria News, March 4th, 2015, p. A2
1) Rockland greenway project becomes a permanent fixture
Discusses how a 900 block of Rockland Avenue is now solely for cyclists and pedestrians.
2) Firefighters remember the fallen
Discusses memorial service held for firefighters on March 9th, at the B.C. Legislature.
Victoria News March 4th, 2015, p.A3
1) Mayor digs in for big flower count
Esquimalt mayor Barb Desjardins is determined to win a competition to count the most flowers.
2) Privacy Bill concerns draw big turnout
Discusses concerns over a federal bill aimed to redefine the role of Canada's intelligence agencies.
Victoria News, March 6th, 2015, p. A1
1) Maritime Museum future uncertain in Victoria region
Discusses the possibility of Victoria losing it's Maritime Museum, and the steps being taken to prevent
that.
Victoria News, March 6th, 2015, p. A2
1) News species of glass sponge discovered
A new species of glass sponge was discovered by experts from The Royal BC Museum.
2) BC will target left lane huggers
Legal changes are being made to keep the left lane open for passing.
Victoria News, March 6th, 2015, p. A3
1) The trick to counting flowers
Tips and secrets to win at the Victoria Flower Count.
2) $42,000 donation boosts transition houses
A donation from Royal Lepage is helping out women's transition houses across Victoria.

Appendix B
On The Island, March 2nd, 2015
1) BC nurses to take legal action
Discusses safety issues nurses face daily, and the legal action being taken.
2) Hunters to protest in Victoria today
Non island hunters are being allowed to hunt on Vancouver Island, creating unfair hunting conditions.
On The Island, March 3rd, 2015
1) Maritime Museum: sink or swim?
Discusses the future of the Maritime Museum in Victoria B.C.
2) The artist behind new Nixie Tube clocks
A Port Alberni Artist is putting old nixie tubes into Steam Punk Clocks.
3) Raven Coal Application pulled
Discusses the proposed Raven Coal mine, as well as the withdrawal.
On The Island March 4th, 2015
1) A complicated hero: WW1 General Sir Author Currie
The life and accomplishments of Sir Author Currie, a commander of the Canadian Corps.
2) Orange Your Workplace
Discusses Orange Day and Orange Your Workplace and the meaning behind it: To prevent violence
against women.
3) Uvic Ideafest the best liar wins: Hidden information and role-playing
Discusses the titular event taking place at Uvic for Ideafest, and the brains behind it.
On The Island, March 5th, 2015
1) Will the new Johnson Street Bridge withstand the Big One?
Multiple measures are being taken to ensure that the Johnson Street Bridge will be earthquake-proof.
2) Raven Coal mine supporter says project will stimulate the economy
The Raven Coal mine has potential for great economic opportunity.
On The Island, March 6th, 2015
1) Raven coal mine: Minister says jobs, but not at any cost.
Another setback has arrived for the Raven Coal Mine environment requirements are not satisfied.
2) Transgender washroom selfies to protest proposed
Canada's trans community is protesting against an amendment to a federal transgender rights bill.
3) Political Panel: BC Hydro, municipal auditor and e-cigs
Weekly political panel discussing Christy Clark's battle with BC Hydro, money wasted by the
municipal auditor, and a ban on e-cigarettes.

Appendix C
All Points West, March 2nd, 2015
1) Victoria City councillor discusses need for bike lanes
An interview with Jeremy Loveday about proposed bike lanes in downtown Victoria
All Points West, March 3rd, 2015
1) Exploring the myths of creativity at Ideafest
A panel discussing the myths of creativity at Ideafest, and what it truly means to be genius.
All Points West, March 4th, 2015
1) Left lane hogs to be ticketed
An interview with Steve Wallis of Wallis driving school, discussing steps taken to prevent left lane
hogging.
All Points West, March 4th, 2015
1) Calling for an end to senior's discounts
Discusses how seniors should not be exempt for the property taxes and bus ride fees we all pay.

Appendix D
1) @VictoriaNews Twitter feed March 2nd, 2015, 10:51 a.m.
Kevin Laird: Deadline draws near for Little League sign up #yyj
Retrieved from: https://twitter.com/VictoriaNews/status/572469260892561408
2) @VictoriaNews Twitter feed March 3rd, 2015, 9:37 a.m.
Andrea Peacock: Handbags give hope to cancer research @TeamForHope, @BCCHF, @bccancer
Retrieved from: https://twitter.com/VictoriaNews/status/572807976219635712
3) @VictoriaNews Twitter feed March 4th, 2015, 3:34 p.m.
Andrea Peacock: Victoria @FlowerCount starts tomorrow! Find out how to count the blossoms.
Retrieved from: https://twitter.com/VictoriaNews/status/573265221499793408
4) @VictoriaNews Twitter feed March 5th, 2015, 1:46 p.m.
Don Denton: Body found in Inner Harbour #yyj
Retrieved from: https://twitter.com/VictoriaNews/status/573600404266618880
5) @VictoriaNews Twitter feed March 6th, 2015, 8:36 a.m.
Victoria News: Victoria's Origin Bakery earns best employer award.
Retrieved from: https://twitter.com/VictoriaNews/status/573884907824357376

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