CBC: The fifth estate

the fifth estate received several hundred emails, an unprecedented number, in response to our story Sticks and Stones. The majority of them (about 85%) were positive about the story we broadcast. We've excerpted some of them, both pro and con, to give you a flavour of the viewer opinions we received.

Great show - it's so hard for me to believe that America, who holds itself to be the supreme example of freedom and democracy, is held prisoner by its media. While it might seem amusing to see how easily the Bush administration, Fox News or talk radio has manipulated the truth or distorted reality, it's also becoming increasingly terrifying to live so close to so many angry people. I just don't know whether to laugh or cry some days.
- Bonnie Ladell

The new Cable Station Fox News Channel here in Canada has me worried about your honesty in reporting the news. Are your charges about Fox based on the fact that "CBC fears" the new competition? You have a proud history please don't do anything to damage it.
- Tim MacDonald

It seems to me that news has become entertainment and that Coulter and O'Reilly are merely the Jerry Springers of the news world.  They will say and do whatever it takes to boost their ratings and book sales with little regard for truth, decency or ethics.  How sad that such a large number of their viewers have decided to let people like this do their thinking for them. Not since Hearst sparked an invasion of Cuba just to prove how powerful his newspaper empire had become has American journalism been dragged so low.
- Jim Beddow

Believe it or not there are many people who would consider Fox News much more "Fair and Balanced" than CBC.
- Randle

Congratulations to everyone at the fifth estate on a show well done!  It's reassuring to know that we in Canada are at least able to tackle the unmistakable one sided view of the American media on their behalf.  Shame on the mainstream American media!  Owned by giant corporations with obvious political ties.  Republican or Democrat, Americans have to be blind not to see it.
- Philip Thompson

I wondered how a program on the CBC - the most liberal leaning, government controlled network in Canada - could possibly present a non-biased report on this subject.  No need to wonder - they can't!  While there are blowhards and extremists on both sides of this issue, it cannot be denied that the U.S. media has always been (until the last few years) totally left biased.
- Barbara Hunt

I want to thank you very much for the excellent show covering the influence the American media is having on it's people. I have never watched Fox News before, but from the segments you aired it seems to be one of the most irresponsible and dangerous media programs I have ever seen. It disturbs me to know that Fox is comfortable with allowing "experts" like O'Reily and Coulter to spout off with no regard to the accuracy or effects of what they say, and I am shocked by their derogatory comments directed at Canada as well as the Globe and Mail reporter that was interviewed. I suppose I am missing Fox's ultimate goal, as the constant conflict and lack of respect must be what gives them great ratings, although it is very unfortuante anyone would consider this to be accurate news.
- Michael Rennie

I found your program entitled "Sticks and Stones" to be not only excellent, but right on target. I thoroughly enjoyed your interviews and the perspective you shared. As a political science student, I am very enthusiastic about programs that explore the media's impact on politics decisions and political culture in general. Your ability to get right to the heart of the issue is quite refreshing. Thank you for a great program.
- Peter Clarke

Thank you for making everything clear. So, if a network is owned by a corporation - that is bad (biased), but if a network is owned by a government it is good (non-biased). Got it - yup, perfect.  �.Smug, "we are better than them reporting", will only ensure that the CBC becomes a thing of the past .
- Mike de Pfyffer

I live in Buffalo, NY so we watch CBC among other Canadian channels.  I just wanted to say that the fifth estate is a great show and the crew are real pioneers in speaking the truth.
- Bud Fox

Your program "Sticks and Stones" was very disappointing. I have dual citizenship USA/Canada. I lived in the USA for 30 yrs and in Canada for 35 yrs and have been involved in politics in both countries. Therefore, I was looking forward to your program anticipating unbiased information. Did I say unbiased? - silly me!  I should have known better! When those responsible for your programs have developed professionalism and journalistic integrity in their reporting then, and only then, do you have the right to 'air' other countries reporting methods. You are a classic example of "The Pot calling the Kettle Black".  �You did a wonderful job of advancing your own biased opinion.  You should have at least given equal time to people, topics and reporting from both camps. I have always felt that Canadian reporters were more concerned with journalistic integrity than their American counterparts. At least where the fifth estate is concerned, I was wrong.
- Barbara Blanchard

- I would like to believe that what I saw tonight was just a bad dream.  Unfortunately I'm still awake.
P.Wilson

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