Calgary Sun under fire over Idle No More coverage
Posted Jan 13, 2013 3:46 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The way a local paper is handling the Idle No More movement is gathering attention from protesters.
A mock funeral for racism was held at the Calgary Sun building Sunday afternoon.
Actress and organizer Michelle Thrush alleges the paper is allowing comments by the public to be posted in bad taste, and doesn’t approve of the media giving a forum to racist comments.
“The other day I just got really tired of seeing the comments that are being given permission by certain media outlets, and the polls that are are taking place that are encouraging racism and that are giving brand new permission to stir up the hate pot,” she said.
The Gemini award winner organized the rally in just three days with the help of social media.
More than 100 people showed up in support.
The publication is also responding to the protest.
Editor In Chief Jose Rodriguez said he defends the Sun’s coverage and he’s prepared his own response to the demonstration in a column.
“As far as we’re concerned, there are no sacred issues, race has nothing to do with this,” he said. “We are chasing what we believe is an important story for our readers and if somebody wants to paint that as racist, we believe that they are wrong, but they have every right to say that.”
Rodriguez added although he respects the right to speak out against the paper, he finds the allegations of racism unfounded.
