The Decibel How The Globe and Mail covered and influenced Canada’s history
Dec 12, 2024
John Ibbitson, a seasoned reporter and columnist for The Globe and Mail, joins health reporter Kelly Grant to discuss their book, ‘A Nation's Paper.’ They delve into the newspaper's 180-year influence on Canada’s history, highlighting its pioneering coverage from the 1918 Spanish flu to the COVID-19 pandemic. They reflect on the challenges of media representation during crises and the evolving societal perceptions of immigration. Their engaging insights reveal the complex relationship between journalism and the Canadian narrative.
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Book's Origin
- John Ibbitson discusses the genesis of "A Nation's Paper," originating from an anecdote about Diefenbaker's lost luggage.
- This sparked the idea to explore the Globe and Mail's historical impact on Canada.
Early National Reach
- The Globe and Mail had a national reach from its inception in 1844, extending to London, Ontario, and eastward to Montreal.
- It often scooped New York papers due to its access to news arriving by ship in Montreal.
Pandemic Coverage Comparison
- Kelly Grant compares the Globe's coverage of the 1918 pandemic and COVID-19, noting significant differences.
- World War I overshadowed the 1918 pandemic, while COVID-19 dominated news coverage.
