How The Globe and Mail covered and influenced Canada’s history
Dec 12, 2024
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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.
The Globe and Mail's historical coverage demonstrates the evolving responsibility of media in providing comprehensive information during public health crises, notably contrasting reporting on the 1918 pandemic with COVID-19.
An analysis of early immigration coverage by The Globe reveals how media narratives influenced public perception and policy, highlighting the need to address historical prejudices for a more inclusive identity.
Deep dives
Uncovering Historical Narratives
The project aims to explore how The Globe and Mail has documented significant events in Canadian history, highlighting both the successes and failures in its reporting. A key motivation for this examination stemmed from the realization that there had never been a comprehensive history of the newspaper, despite its pivotal role in shaping public discourse. By selecting thirty notable issues or events, the project intends to show how the newspaper intertwined with Canada's evolving identity and societal views. This initiative not only pays homage to the publication's legacy but also prompts Canadians to reflect on their historical narratives and how they impact contemporary perspectives.
Pandemics Through the Lens of Coverage
The contrasting coverage of the 1918 pandemic and COVID-19 illustrates the evolving role of media in public health crises. During the Spanish flu outbreak, reporting was limited, overshadowed by World War I, with very few front-page mentions, which contributed to its status as a 'forgotten pandemic.' In stark contrast, the coverage of COVID-19 was extensive and dominant in the media landscape, reflecting a society gripped by uncertainty. This shift in reporting not only underscores the importance of context in media coverage but also highlights the responsibility of news organizations to provide comprehensive information in times of crisis.
Immigration and Historical Reflection
The examination of immigration in Canada, particularly during the late 19th century, reveals long-standing tensions between different cultural groups and the media's role in reflecting or shaping these sentiments. Early coverage by The Globe and Mail was marked by significant prejudice against Irish Catholic immigrants, raising questions about loyalty and morality. This historical lens allows for deeper understanding of how media narratives can influence public opinion and policy regarding newcomers. By drawing parallels to contemporary immigration issues, it becomes clear that understanding past prejudices is essential for fostering a more inclusive Canadian identity today.
For 180 years, The Globe and Mail has covered the biggest issues and events in Canada. To commemorate its history, editor John Ibbitson and more than two dozen Globe and Mail journalists dug into the archives to answer the question: “how did the Globe’s coverage intersect with Canada and influence its story?”. The answer to that question can be found in the new book, ‘A Nation’s Paper: The Globe and Mail in the Life of Canada.
Menaka Raman-Wilms hosted a panel discussion in front of a live audience with Ibbitson and Globe reporters Ann Hui and Kelly Grant about the essays they wrote, the times the Globe was ahead of the curve and the instances where the paper got it wrong.