When he wrote a sports column for The Globe and Mail Dick Beddoes used to refer to sports as the "toy department of journalism." There is no better example of this than the unholy uproar over the CBC's letting go of Ron MacLean as a host of Hockey Night in Canada.

People are writing in from all parts of Canada complaining about the CBC's wretched treatment of MacLean, best known over these many years as straight man to Don Cherry's xenophobic clown act. In fact, there’s a good chance MacLean might even know what "xenophobic" means, which in the toy department of journalism would qualify him as an intellectual.

Ken Dryden dealt with this aspect of sports in his magnificent book on hockey titled The Game. Any player on any NHL team found reading a book on the team bus would immediately and forever be known as the team intellectual.

The outrage over MacLean's contract not being renewed – he wants more than his paltry $400,000 a year – will peak in a few hours or days, then he'll either be back on TV with Grapes or he'll move on and make $400,000 a year somewhere else.

It's not MacLean I'm upset with. He is a fine TV host. He knows hockey and appears to do his research. He makes Cherry’s act work. And it is an act. The two actually are buddies who pretend at times to violently dislike each other, all for the sake of the ratings.

I'm upset with those writing in to say they'll never watch HNIC again because MacLean's gone. Do they really mean they'll stop watching hockey on CBC because one of the TV hosts no longer will be performing at intermission? One must ask if they're hockey fans or TV fans.

"I am sending this mail to inform the CBC that I will no longer be watching any CBC program that Ron would have been a part of," a viewer writes to CBC News Online. "The level of programming that CBC offers is pitiful, the only thing worth watching is the sports coverage."

This comes a week after CBC Television was nominated for 159 Geminis for excellence in TV.

Remember the unholy uproar over the firing of Dave Hodge back in 1987? This was the night Hodge hosted a Toronto Maple Leafs game and it ended early, which left time for the CBC to switch to a Montreal/Philadelphia game that had gone into overtime. Instead, CBC pulled the plug and switched to news.

"That's the CBC for you," Hodge said in a fit of pique, flipping his pencil in disgust.

Same as with the uproar over MacLean. "You nitwits, Hodge was the best thing on CBC." "You morons, I'll never watch CBC again."

Hodge went on to more successes, and not a few more failures. After being fired by the CBC for the pencil-flip, he later was canned by Global Television. He filed a $2.675-million wrongful dismissal suit, which was settled out of court. Soon after that Hodge was fired as a play-by-play commentator for the Minnesota North Stars. Most of the firings were the result of his outspoken integrity, as he detested being anybody's – especially Harold Ballard's – shill.

There have been times I have been asked to write full-time for the toy department, but I have refused. As any sportswriter will tell you, covering sports bring you too close to the rank smells of the sausage factory. Covering baseball at spring training is one thing, covering the 162-game season and playoffs is quite another. I love the game too much to punish myself that way.

My son and I followed the Toronto Blue Jays for the entire 1993 season, when they won their second consecutive World Series. That was wonderful, but that was enough, thank you.

In our book, we mentioned an earlier dugout incident at SkyDome when a sportswriter for The Toronto Star chatted with outfielder Lloyd Moseby about the admirable career of former New York Yankee Lou Gehrig. The sportswriter mentioned that one season Gehrig knocked in more than 100 runs – on the road.

"That's impossible," said strong-armed outfielder Jesse Barfield, who sat down beside Moseby.

When shown the figures to prove Gehrig's feat, Barfield asked, "How much did Gehrig make that year?" The sportswriter guessed Gehrig must have made about $40,000. Barfield turned to Moseby and said, "See, he couldn't have been that good. He didn't make no cake."

When I began to write this the e-mails protesting against dropping MacLean were coming in at the rate of four or five a minute. At this point, they're coming in at 19 a minute. This is the biggest e-mail reaction to anything that has appeared on CBC News Online, bigger than Trudeau's funeral, or Gzowski's death, or the wars in Kosovo and Afghanistan.

And Ron MacLean?

Relax. He'll be back.

Unfortunately I only had a chance to read your column "The Toy Department of Journalism" (Oct. 1, 2002) just today. Had I discovered this short-sighted, narrow-minded drivel sooner, I certainly would have responded much earlier than now.

It's interesting that that you referred to MacLean's former salary as a "paltry $400,000 a year" and his negotiations with the CBC as an "unholy uproar." Could it be, Mr. O'Malley, that there is at least a slight bit of jealousy that motivated this column of yours? Could the fact that I, for one, have never even heard of you before but have been a MacLean fan for years be the main catalyst for your scathing comments about CBC viewers' disapproval of the whole MacLean affair? One has to wonder.

You have quite childishly trivialized Ron MacLean's contribution to the CBC, Canadian journalism and indeed Canadian culture to a simplified role of nothing more than a straight man to Don Cherry. You even accuse Mr. MacLean of faking his rhetorical passion with Cherry in the name of ratings (unlike you, who only takes advantage of a popular story to get more attention, right?). Ron MacLean's ability to deliver the very heart and soul of Canadian sport goes far beyond his brilliant banter on Coach's Corner with Don Cherry! MacLean is more in touch with grass roots, true Canadians than you, the CBC or your 159 Gemini nominations (what a joke) could ever even hope to be. Moreover, MacLean's knowledge and ability to report on the professional sports ranks, the Olympics, the Commonwealth games, you name it, can be matched by few. That's something for you to think about while you're watching the next rerun of Anne of Green Gables!

It seems you were right about one thing – Ron MacLean has indeed (and thankfully) returned to the CBC. He got what he deserves. Too bad you won't.

Peter Hall
Vancouver, B.C.

I strongly suggest you re-think your position on Ron. Sure we protested Dave's departure in '87 and continued to watch CBC but what other choices did we have? Sure there may have been a couple of other stations to choose from but they were in there infancy (they still kinda suck actually). Today though, look how many choices we have. Do you want CBC to risk the viewers making another choice? More so, can they afford to risk the viewers making another choice?

You mention in "The Toy Department of Journalism" column that all this fuss over Ron comes a week after the CBC was nominated for 159 Geminis. You mention this as if this is some kind of significance for CBC. I'm curious to know how these awards come about, who are these people that hand them out? I'm also curious to know how the ratings compare between this so called 'award show' as well as the programs that were nominated (other than HNIC) and HNIC. I wouldn't be surprised if the majority of the HNIC viewers were even aware that CBC was nominated 159 times or if they even care. Let's face it Martin, HNIC pays your salary, and if I were you, I'd be careful in comparing Ron to Dave, you'll end up owing Ron an apology.

You also ask if we're "Hockey Fans" or "TV Fans"? I'm sorry Martin, you just don't get it. We're HNIC fans, as well as hockey fans. When Gretzky played for Edmonton, I was an Oilers fan. When he left Edmonton and went to the Kings I was no longer an Oilers fan, I was a Kings fan. When Gretzky left the Kings, I was no longer a Kings Fan but a Blues fan… Get the picture now? Today, maybe I'm still a HNIC fan, we'll see. I'll admit, I was horribly upset when Dave left in '87 but, hey, I was still living at home with no control over the remote. Today, however, I've got control over the remote and the ability to access a million channels.

Prior to your 'Hockey Fans' or 'TV Fans' comment, you make note that Ron makes 'Cherry's act work' and you go on to say 'And it's an act' as if we had no idea that it was an act. It's no wonder that your not allowed in the "Toy Department." You don't belong!

Let's imagine for a minute Martin that you were exceptional at whatever it is that you do (column writing isn't it?) like Ron is and you developed a fan base. Would you not expect your supporters to follow you wherever you go? Maybe one day you'll be lucky enough to ask yourself that question.

TV and hockey fan,
P. Hache
Guelph, Ont.

Oh, where to begin?

Clearly you are missing the point here. In your "intellectual" arrogance you have failed to realize the real issue. HNIC is good because of people like MacLean and Cherry. The games themselves are just that – games – whether they're on ESPN, FOX or HNIC. But what sets it apart is the play-by-play and intermissions. HNIC identifies with Canadians on a level that the American networks don't. HNIC seems to understand what a hockey fan wants, and delivers it. It makes no difference to me how many Gemini awards CBC has. I couldn't care less.

I don't have a staff or an editor or polls to tell me I'm right or wrong about this, all I rely on is what I like to see in hockey coverage, and I'm obviously not alone in my views. It's entertainment and I happen to like my hockey entertainment... with MacLean in the picture. But then again, I really don't care about "real journalism." All you people are doing is telling someone else's story, too, so knock off the "toy department" garbage. You're not really any different yourself.

Blaine Tomkins
Woodstock, N.B.

Dear Mr. O'Malley,

I sincerely hope that you wrote your piece on the "Toy Department of Journalism" in jest.

The response of people with the anti-Ron MacLean comments are clearly the comments of those who do not understand the reality of how the world works (at least on this side of the Atlantic). Anyone of moderate intellect understands the simple concepts of supply-and-demand and escapism.

Most people spend 50-plus hours a week stressed out by the rigors of life. Many of these people (especially the "smart" ones) find the 2.5 hour escape on a Saturday much more cathartic than the "countless documentaries (that) add immeasurably to the lives of Canadians."

In the world of corporate television (and trust me, CBC does not fit this category), I can understand the occasional miss when the network reads its customer (the corporate sponsor) correctly, but the sponsor misses the mark with its customer (the viewer). In the case of public television (especially when it does not need telethons), it is disgusting when the network misses the mark on its main demographic so widely. Saying that the taxpayers should have accepted the fiscal responsibility that the CBC displayed in not meeting MacLean's demands is on par with Tie Domi's (re: Eddie Belfour and the Toronto hockey fans), "If people are going to boo him, we don't need them here." By the way, CBC does need us here (just ask Labatt's), not to mention that MacLean is the one guy who will stand up and call this "Domi" stuff what it is!

Finally, for the sake of the CBC, I hope they wake up before they realize that these are catering to the minority of Canadians. Otherwise, CBC @ 60 might finally be in question.

Regards,
Kirk Munroe
Ottawa, Ont.

Mr. O'Malley

I dare to say that you are not a sports fan. You are sadly mistaken if you believe the uproar is about being a TV fan. We are fans of Ron MacLean, who has taken sports, journalism and commentary to a new level the same way Foster Hewitt did for hockey many years ago. Ron is not only a hockey commentator, he has also lent his personality and expertise to the Olympic Games, the Calgary Stampede and many other CBC special broadcasts. To add to this, Ron has kindly given his time to many charities and specialty organizations. I don't see any other "high profile" CBC personalities doing this.

R. Short
Red Deer, Alta.

So you want to knock those who love sports because sports aren't as important as other things in the world, and players are spoiled brats. What a clearly unique point of view. I haven't heard any insightful column like this since, oh, every day in the last 10 years. Welcome to brilliance, O' Malley.

The thing is people love sports. People are really attached to sports and their favourite teams. I can't remember a Saturday broadcast of HNIC without Ron since I was a kid.

What's interesting is that CBC types like yourself think the CBC is the only and most coveted venue for voicing opinion in Canada; the proof lies in the fact there wasn't such an uproar over Trudeau's death, Gzowski's death or wars in Kosovo and Afghanistan.

First, Trudeau didn't work at CBC. CBC didn't kill him. So why would we feel compelled to let the CBC know how we felt? Trudeau's death was huge, much bigger than MacLean but just because we didn't write the CBC about it is meaningless.

Second, Gzowski was a CBC employee. In fact, he retired and the country mourned that passing but it was his choosing not CBC's. I seem to remember some lengthy cross-country tour ending in televised broadcast of the last shows. Is CBC giving this to MacLean anytime soon? So we didn't complain about this so much. Also, if you think Gzowski and HNIC reach the same audience (breadth and depth) you're an idiot.

Third, CBC didn't create Kosovo and Afghanistan's wars. Why would we flood the CBC with our e-mails and concerns?

Fourth, Ron MacLean has taken place in my living room every Saturday night during hockey season since I was a kid. Most Canadians can say the same thing, not to mention every bar/pub as well. Hockey is fun. Death and war aren't. Ron's a nice guy, the CBC let him go, therefore we flood the CBC with angry e-mails saying what a bunch of jackasses you are.

Fifth, $400,000 is paltry for Ron MacLean. And if you think he'd get that anywhere else, you're nuts. I'm betting he's been offered a million from CTV Sportsnet, Global and TSN overnight. Some people are undervalued. He's one of them.

Finally, some (i.e. most) CBC types seem to think that CBC is the arbiter of Canadian mindset and wisdom. That the CBC is the source for all our important intellectual interests and pursuits is ridiculous. I'm sorry to break this to you but the CBC isn't what you think it is. On 9/11, I watched CNN. At lunch I watch MSNBC. In the evenings I watch NBC, CBS, ABC, Global, CTV, CityTV, TSN, Sportsnet, A&E, MuchMusic, MMM, Food Network, Showcase, Fox and a smattering of others. During the day, I read the Globe and Mail, The National Post, New York Times (Web edition), and several hundred industry-related Internet sites and journals. On Saturday night (between October and June), I watch HNIC on CBC (I guess if I lived in the Prairies or Montreal I'd watch the odd football game, too, but I don't). The CBC offers very little of interest to me. I wouldn't get too uppity about thinking I'm alone in this.

My point is, that's why we all jammed the CBC with e-mails about this - it's the only damn thing we watch and you want to change it.

(If it makes you feel any better, I never, ever watch TVO.)

James Whittaker

I think Ron MacLean is very good at what he does, if at times a bit sycophantic as regards Don Cherry. However, the fuss being made over his supposed departure is hard to believe. (Check that. I suppose the fact that it's not that surprising to me is what's so sad.) I don't know what Ron is 'really worth' and I don't know the perfect balance that CBC management has to strike given that they spend, largely, public dollars.

But I actually do like to see that at least CBC management is making a 'tough call' that seems at least to be grounded in a sense of accountability towards those tax dollars. I also wish everyone would 'take a reality pill.' This is simply a matter of negotiation between two parties. Ron wants more. The CBC is saying too much. Both sides are free to walk away or to concede and strike a deal. That's good. That's healthy. If it doesn't happen, I'll wish the best for Ron and wouldn't be surprised to see the coverage suffer by his absence.

But people acting as if this is some great public disaster? Give us a break!

Robert Armstrong

I think the real tragedy in this whole situation is the outrageous agreement the CBC reached with Don Cherry! I can't believe that such an arrogant, egotistical and intolerant individual is rewarded by CBC in such a manner as a $700,000 contract! Whether the between period sketch is an act or not, Cherry's approach is getting stale.

So for the record, I'll tune out when "Coaches Corner" airs, regardless of whether Ron MacLean is present or not!

Darrell Joy
Ardrossan, Alta.

Good day Sir,

I agree entirely with your comments regarding TV versus sports fans. Although Mr. MacLean is a recognizable personality and certainly makes Mr. Cherry seem (sometimes) understandable, the game is what attracts viewers.

The CBC has a rich history of excellence, the Geminis, the Olympic coverage, local programming, and countless documentaries add immeasurably to the lives of Canadians. If the country realized what exactly the CBC represents, they would understand that watching depends on viewer preference and interest in the programming. Sixty minutes of a Toronto or Montreal game hardly warrant ignoring just because one person is no longer on for 10 minutes.

Would I miss Mr. MacLean? Yes. Would I continue to watch HNIC? Yes. Please keep up the excellence in writing, which sadly is another subject most Canadians are unaware of.

Paul Ariss
Kitchener, Ont.

I often don't react in such a way, but reading your article on Ron MacLean on the Web today that describes your point of view and asks the question are we TV viewers or hockey fans clearly needs a response.

Are you clinically brain dead or simply uninformed? Did you really ask the question of Canadians as to whether we were TV viewers or hockey fans? If we are hockey fans we should watch the game on CBC no matter what? What about during a labour dispute? Should I still watch because I'm a hockey fan? What about if they have a sponsor that is clearly doing or supporting unethical causes in my opinion? Should I still watch because I'm a hockey fan? The problem here is that you are breeding the typical Canadian reaction to everything: "Ah well, screw it. I won't stand up for anything!" Well, in this case, we are all hockey fans, you fool, and we are standing up for an injustice. What better way to get our point across then boycott the network and HNIC.

Do you really think the CBC has great programming because it was nominated for 159 Geminis? You are living in a fog and are clearly not qualified for your job. Geminis? Are you serious? The same artsy weirdos who are giving out the Geminis have the same artsy fartsy attitudes of the CBC top brass. The CBC lineup outside of the news and HNIC is shit, period! Shit!

Embarrassing to question if we are hockey fans or simply TV viewers. Chames on you and the pathetic CBC!

Gord MacLeod
Toronto, Ont.

Dear Mr. O'Malley,

I read your story on the reaction to Ron MacLean with some amusement. Your observations concerning the knee-jerk, if not silly, threats to stop watching CBC are correct, I think, as far as they go, but they miss several key points.

First and foremost, most of the viewers claiming to boycott HNIC or the CBC (or even Labatts!) are hoping that such threats are read by CBC management (and the sponsor) as real enough to make them reconsider their position. They do not necessarily reflect the real intent of the authors of those threats. The fact that the sponsor has put some pressure on the CBC to rectify this "mistake" shows that they have had the desired effect.

Second, many of these threats were made in the "heat of the moment" and the hyperbole reflects the strong passions (probably just as surprising to your letter writers as to the CBC) elicited by Ron MacLean's departure. I suspect that given a few moments to breathe and think things through viewers would still be enormously disappointed, but would nevertheless watch the broadcasts. Even so, however, they would tune in with yet more animus directed towards CBC management and the "nickel and diming" of not Ron MacLean but the CBC viewers, taxpayers who help pay for CBC operations.

Third, the passions elicited by this occurrence cannot easily be explained in terms of Mr. MacLean's professional qualities or personality but by the unconscious attachment to his presence on HNIC as inextricably linked to being Canadian and supporting Canadian values. Herein lies the greatest blunder (and most troubling) made by CBC management in letting Ron MacLean go: they did not recognize the quintessentially Canadian values that he manages to exemplify in his on screen persona, and therefore did not recognize the significance of Ron MacLean on HNIC to millions of Canadians. The net effect is to reinforce the opinion many hold that CBC brass often have no clue about what the average Canadian cares about (despite the fact that this is the raison d'etre of the CBC), and that decisions at senior levels are still made on largely economic or political bases, without much regard for the audience.

Lastly, as some have observed, even the argument that this decision was made necessarily by the need for fiscal responsibility in a Crown Corporation flies in the face of reason. I have worked with some senior CBC people in the past and it has always been clear that Hockey Night in Canada is far and away the largest cash cow that the Corporation has. It is truly hard to believe that Ron MacLean's salary and/or perks could possibly amount to more than CBC stands to lose over this embarrassing pickle in which they have got themselves. The fact that this issue has been discussed on Parliament Hill and at Queen's Park suggests that it hasn't done them any service politically either.

Interestingly enough, you never state clearly your own opinion about Ron MacLean or his contract dispute. As someone who seems to enjoy sports and intellectual pursuits (as I do), I would think you, too, would miss Mr. MacLean's intelligence, wit and erudition. It is a rare and wonderful occurrence to find something of a philosopher and intellectual in the toy department and I cherish it.

Sincerely,
Stephen Solyom
St. Catharines, Ont.

MacLean will be back.

You know the business side will win – CBC wanted to test the waters and float the story about him aking $400,000+ and see if that affected anyone's take on the story about his departure. I guess not.

Your bit about people being hockey fans or TV fans was very well put. Good story.

Blake Corkill
Mt. Hope, Ont.