CANADALAND Death of the Columnist
7 snips
Jun 27, 2025 
Stephen Marche, a thought-provoking writer and host of Gloves Off, joins the discussion to unravel the transformation of opinion journalism in Canada. He critiques the shift from traditional columnists to advocacy-driven content, challenging the integrity of mainstream media like the National Post. The conversation dives into the evolving expectations of audiences and the need for honesty in journalism. Marche also emphasizes the significance of meaningful dialogue and the responsibilities of columnists in fostering public discourse.
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Shift from Truth to Advocacy
- Opinion columns have shifted from honest brokers to advocacy and activism.
- Previous columnists aimed to explore truth, not simply persuade readers to one side.
Shrinking Opinion Sections
- Newspaper opinion sections have shrunk and publish fewer staff-written columns.
- They increasingly rely on unpaid or low-paid advocacy pieces for cheap content.
Audience Craves Advocacy
- Audience expectations now favor advocacy over nuanced opinion.
- The rise of Substack and similar platforms reflects this demand for clear viewpoints.