This could boil down to a classic case of he said, he said. Reporter Daniel Dale says he was taking photos for a story from public land, Rob Ford says otherwise. The story Dale was covering is completely legit- about why Ford would want to buy land near his house to build a security fence; Ford says it was to make more of a play area for his kids. This might even be a story I would have done but I wouldn't have done it like that.
Covering politics is about relationships. If you've got good relationships, then you can get the stories; get the quotes you need when you need them. I can think of stories I've been able to get because I've kept good relationships with the people I cover. If you have bad relationships your work will suffer.
The whole situation raises questions for me. What was a Reporter with a newspaper that has a known feud (for want of a better term) going on with the Mayor doing anywhere near his house? And taking photos of the area at 7:30 in the evening? At this time of year, that time is when the lighting can be difficult, and if you don't have the proper equipment to compensate for that, or the photo editing software and patience your shots more often than not are going to be bad.
Ford's conduct in hindsight was on the extreme side. What he probably should've done was to stay inside and call the police. I can't blame him entirely though; the reaction was natural when you consider he had young children at home, and a history of threats against him and his family.
His reaction now of banning that particular reporter from scrums is in one way reasonable, in another extreme. It's a reasonable instinct that when you or your family is threatened to want to protect them; it's reasonable to defend them at all costs. But the thing about reporters is that we have a weird sense of reverse psychology; tell us to go right, we'll turn left... tell us to zig, we'll zag. If we think you're keeping something from us, then we become like the proverbial dog with a bone; we won't stop until we find out what it is. Ford would do well to remember that before changing his media policy.
It's courtesy to tell people you may be taking their photo; especially when private interests are concerned. In this, Ford should be treated like anybody else, and a knock on the door wouldn't have gone amiss... it might have led to a better picture- a way of doing it without using his home. And perhaps a quote for his story.
The Star's motives are a bit suspect to the say the least. They have had a well-documented fight going on with Ford, and I don't think we should dismiss the possibility this may have coloured their actions here. Even when you take this into account there is enough blame to go around.
It's going to be interesting to see how this plays out.
Showing posts with label Mayor Rob Ford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mayor Rob Ford. Show all posts
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
As The T.T.C.Turns
It's getting to be quite the soap opera isn't it? The latest developments involve Premier McGuinty and the firing of the system's General Manager Gary Webster.
Webster as we all know has been fired without cause, and Toronto taxpayers will likely be on the hook for somewhere between 500-750 thousand in severance. There's no getting around it; the firing had blatant political overtones and very likely had political motives behind it. Webster wasn't backing Ford's subway plan, and if speculation is to be believed may have maneuvered Karen Stintz into her motion. Regardless, if Ford had fired Webster a year ago he probably would've gotten away with it- when a regime changes everybody expects some personnel to change. What makes uglier than normal is it's coming now after Stintz got her motion passed.
When you take the politics, and intrigue out of it, was Gary Webster doing his job? Can anyone name one thing he's done besides taking ridership to new heights? Because I can't. I think the T.T.C. is pretty much a system stuck in the '80's, and it shows. Why didn't he try and automate the system? Or introduce new pass options. I'd find a 10-ride pass quite helpful for example; it would be a new way of making money. He could've done so much with the system and didn't. Ford may have been wrong to fire him the way he did, and with his timing but it probably needed to be done.
The ongoing drama at the T.T.C. prompted Premier McGuinty comment on his government's growing frustration with the situation saying in the press yesterday: we're running out of patience, I think the people of Toronto are running out of patience." This is as firm as I've heard McGuinty speak on the subject. It's also got a ring of truth to it; Torontonians are getting a little fed up with the dithering and want something done.
What does McGuinty really mean? Who knows. There is speculation it means Metrolinx will be asked to take over and sort the whole thing out. That would make sense- the provincial body could take over, and create one single broad cohesive system from Toronto to Hamilton. I'm sure the exact meaning will become to clear in the next installment of as the T.T.C. turns.
Webster as we all know has been fired without cause, and Toronto taxpayers will likely be on the hook for somewhere between 500-750 thousand in severance. There's no getting around it; the firing had blatant political overtones and very likely had political motives behind it. Webster wasn't backing Ford's subway plan, and if speculation is to be believed may have maneuvered Karen Stintz into her motion. Regardless, if Ford had fired Webster a year ago he probably would've gotten away with it- when a regime changes everybody expects some personnel to change. What makes uglier than normal is it's coming now after Stintz got her motion passed.
When you take the politics, and intrigue out of it, was Gary Webster doing his job? Can anyone name one thing he's done besides taking ridership to new heights? Because I can't. I think the T.T.C. is pretty much a system stuck in the '80's, and it shows. Why didn't he try and automate the system? Or introduce new pass options. I'd find a 10-ride pass quite helpful for example; it would be a new way of making money. He could've done so much with the system and didn't. Ford may have been wrong to fire him the way he did, and with his timing but it probably needed to be done.
The ongoing drama at the T.T.C. prompted Premier McGuinty comment on his government's growing frustration with the situation saying in the press yesterday: we're running out of patience, I think the people of Toronto are running out of patience." This is as firm as I've heard McGuinty speak on the subject. It's also got a ring of truth to it; Torontonians are getting a little fed up with the dithering and want something done.
What does McGuinty really mean? Who knows. There is speculation it means Metrolinx will be asked to take over and sort the whole thing out. That would make sense- the provincial body could take over, and create one single broad cohesive system from Toronto to Hamilton. I'm sure the exact meaning will become to clear in the next installment of as the T.T.C. turns.
Monday, February 13, 2012
More Thoughts on Toronto Transit
My friend and I got talking yesterday about the whole transit mess in the City of Toronto. We'd both been to London, UK and experienced the Oyster Card- think a re-loadable transit fare card that never expires. We both dream of using a similar card everywhere we go in southern Ontario- good on the T.T.C, and good on GO transit. The Presto Card is its equivalent, and transit systems are starting to adapt to that.
We both agreed Toronto fancies itself a world class city with a somewhat less than world class transit system. We would both go ahead with Rob Ford's plan to bury the Light Rapid Transit (L.R.T) lines. It is possible to pay for it with little impact on the taxpayer simply through advertising. In London for example, there are ads all over the place- on the floor, and along the walls going down to the train levels, why can't Toronto do something like that? The one thing that is arguably at a premium is advertising space.
I think Toronto has come to a sort of crossroads with the transit issue. Yes Ford still needs to find efficiencies, and save money. But on some items I think you should spend money- and transit is one of them, if we are ever to take enough cars off the road to make a difference. If he can work with Metrolinx on finding a way to do it for a decent price, why not let him?
It's a balancing act for Metrolinx too. But one thing I do wonder about is while they're busy trying to solve Toronto's transit woes, are we in the suburbs going to be stiffed? Milton for example has needed full-day Go Train service for at least the last 10 years if not longer, and so far as I know, it still hasn't happened yet... and I'm not really holding my breath on that one.
It takes vision, and healthy amount of bravery to scrap the status quo and look at doing something new. Underneath it all I believe Toronto is a world class city. Now I hope City Council is brave enough to build a transit system to make it one.
We both agreed Toronto fancies itself a world class city with a somewhat less than world class transit system. We would both go ahead with Rob Ford's plan to bury the Light Rapid Transit (L.R.T) lines. It is possible to pay for it with little impact on the taxpayer simply through advertising. In London for example, there are ads all over the place- on the floor, and along the walls going down to the train levels, why can't Toronto do something like that? The one thing that is arguably at a premium is advertising space.
I think Toronto has come to a sort of crossroads with the transit issue. Yes Ford still needs to find efficiencies, and save money. But on some items I think you should spend money- and transit is one of them, if we are ever to take enough cars off the road to make a difference. If he can work with Metrolinx on finding a way to do it for a decent price, why not let him?
It's a balancing act for Metrolinx too. But one thing I do wonder about is while they're busy trying to solve Toronto's transit woes, are we in the suburbs going to be stiffed? Milton for example has needed full-day Go Train service for at least the last 10 years if not longer, and so far as I know, it still hasn't happened yet... and I'm not really holding my breath on that one.
It takes vision, and healthy amount of bravery to scrap the status quo and look at doing something new. Underneath it all I believe Toronto is a world class city. Now I hope City Council is brave enough to build a transit system to make it one.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Toronto: A City of Wasted Potential?
I don't live in Toronto. I rarely go to Scarborough,and when I do, it's usually by car. Logically I shouldn't have any horse in this race, but tonight I've been trying to figure out why I'm so annoyed with Toronto City Council's decision to go along with Karen Stintz's plan to build part of the Eglinton LRT (Light Rapid Transit) line above ground.
I think it's probably that even though I don't live there; I still love Toronto- it has the potential to be the world class city it wants to. And that's what I can't stand- the city has potential, and it's never been realized. Such is the case I think with Transit.
Essentially there are two options; the first- Transit City, featuring a mix of above ground light rapid transit (LRT), and underground LRT. The first option; Stintz's plan is $2 billion under budget and would look at advancing other lines than the Eglinton. She gets points for that; saving money is a huge bonus. But I think it's fairly short-sighted. It'll save money now... but in the future will it? When completed the LRT above ground will be exposed to the elements; and that Toronto weather isn't the greatest, especially in winter. One of my parents remembers looking out their office window and seeing the Scarborough Rapid Transit frozen solid between stations. They say that passengers were lowered to street levels by ladders. I just don't think the added maintenance costs even it out.
Ford's plan is to bury the LRT by building Subways. Subways are my transportation of choice while in Toronto. They will also cost a lot more to build, and inconvenience people for a lot longer while digging the tunnels. But in the long run, I think they could save a lot of money too. On his side Ford also has Metrolinx looking to do the work, for cheaper by outsourcing it. He has signed
If it were up to me I'd pick subways. Stintz is right about one thing; the city needs a solution quickly, and that could be where she's coming from with this. Transit City is established already with some limited provincial funding. but it's a short-term fix. Ford's idea of LRT subways may inconvenience people for a while. But in the long run subways are underground; they don't block traffic or freeze during the winter. Besides, subways are what Rob Ford said he was going to do; he was fairly blunt on that subject during the election. And guess what? People still voted him in, meaning Subways are what the people want. Isn't that what democracies are all about? Listen to the people... because what they want, and what's the easiest or cheapest solution isn't always the right one.
Toronto; you have potential. Now smarten up and live up to it. It's never too late to change your mind.
I think it's probably that even though I don't live there; I still love Toronto- it has the potential to be the world class city it wants to. And that's what I can't stand- the city has potential, and it's never been realized. Such is the case I think with Transit.
Essentially there are two options; the first- Transit City, featuring a mix of above ground light rapid transit (LRT), and underground LRT. The first option; Stintz's plan is $2 billion under budget and would look at advancing other lines than the Eglinton. She gets points for that; saving money is a huge bonus. But I think it's fairly short-sighted. It'll save money now... but in the future will it? When completed the LRT above ground will be exposed to the elements; and that Toronto weather isn't the greatest, especially in winter. One of my parents remembers looking out their office window and seeing the Scarborough Rapid Transit frozen solid between stations. They say that passengers were lowered to street levels by ladders. I just don't think the added maintenance costs even it out.
Ford's plan is to bury the LRT by building Subways. Subways are my transportation of choice while in Toronto. They will also cost a lot more to build, and inconvenience people for a lot longer while digging the tunnels. But in the long run, I think they could save a lot of money too. On his side Ford also has Metrolinx looking to do the work, for cheaper by outsourcing it. He has signed
If it were up to me I'd pick subways. Stintz is right about one thing; the city needs a solution quickly, and that could be where she's coming from with this. Transit City is established already with some limited provincial funding. but it's a short-term fix. Ford's idea of LRT subways may inconvenience people for a while. But in the long run subways are underground; they don't block traffic or freeze during the winter. Besides, subways are what Rob Ford said he was going to do; he was fairly blunt on that subject during the election. And guess what? People still voted him in, meaning Subways are what the people want. Isn't that what democracies are all about? Listen to the people... because what they want, and what's the easiest or cheapest solution isn't always the right one.
Toronto; you have potential. Now smarten up and live up to it. It's never too late to change your mind.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Rob Ford & The Toronto Star
There's something refreshing about a politician who picks their stance on an issue, and sticks to it. That's what Rob Ford continues to do with Toronto Star. The newspaper printed a 2010 story about Ford and a possible physical confrontation with a high-school football player over a bad performance on the field. It even says witnesses interviewed even disagree on what actually happened that day. The story was proven wrong by the Globe & Mail, and the Star hasn't apologized for their error.
And the newspaper is supposedly paying the price. Ford has cut off all access to himself and will not grant them an interview until they apologize for the story. According to the Star as well, they have allegedly not been getting the news releases on the Mayor's appearances and schedule from his office. Being a journalist, this should be a space where I rant on about the freedom of the press to say whatever we want. But frankly on this one I agree with Mayor Ford.
I agree with Ford because as a Journalist I'm well aware that my professional reputation rests on my stories, and the facts contained in them. If I'm unable to confirm a fact or figure; or in this case someone's eye witness account it doesn't go into the story, period. If I publish something that has been clearly proven wrong such as this has been by the Globe & Mail, then I would have no problem admitting I'm wrong. It might stink having to swallow my pride but I'd admit it, and apologize.
The Star's claims that it hasn't been receiving press releases and media advisories from Mayor Ford's office rings completely bogus to me. The Toronto Star is one of Canada's leading daily newspapers, you can't tell me their journalists don't have their "anonymous sources" in the Mayor's Office, or one or two councillors who might happen to be at the same events as Mr. Ford that are talking to the newspaper or willing to share their schedules.
I haven't been at this media business very long, but I have realized two things especially when it comes to politicians; it's about relationships, and access. You have to have one to get the other; if your relationship sours with someone then it's pretty much game over on the access side of things.
This whole story seems to be a self-made one for the Star designed to try and sell newspapers and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Today's installment was a transcript of an interview Mr. Ford gave to Am640's John Oakley about his apparent "boycott" of the paper. Ford said he encourages people to read the Globe & Mail, and the Sun instead of the Star. He also told a story about how they had a party for his newly departed Press Secretary for council, and the media but the Toronto Star were the only ones who didn't show up.
That was the newspaper's choice; and they shouldn't complain about being excluded. It's time the Star either stayed quiet and take the consequences of its actions- and maybe someday when the Mayor is in a kinder mood have its access restored. Or they could just buck up, admit they were wrong, and apologize.
And the newspaper is supposedly paying the price. Ford has cut off all access to himself and will not grant them an interview until they apologize for the story. According to the Star as well, they have allegedly not been getting the news releases on the Mayor's appearances and schedule from his office. Being a journalist, this should be a space where I rant on about the freedom of the press to say whatever we want. But frankly on this one I agree with Mayor Ford.
I agree with Ford because as a Journalist I'm well aware that my professional reputation rests on my stories, and the facts contained in them. If I'm unable to confirm a fact or figure; or in this case someone's eye witness account it doesn't go into the story, period. If I publish something that has been clearly proven wrong such as this has been by the Globe & Mail, then I would have no problem admitting I'm wrong. It might stink having to swallow my pride but I'd admit it, and apologize.
The Star's claims that it hasn't been receiving press releases and media advisories from Mayor Ford's office rings completely bogus to me. The Toronto Star is one of Canada's leading daily newspapers, you can't tell me their journalists don't have their "anonymous sources" in the Mayor's Office, or one or two councillors who might happen to be at the same events as Mr. Ford that are talking to the newspaper or willing to share their schedules.
I haven't been at this media business very long, but I have realized two things especially when it comes to politicians; it's about relationships, and access. You have to have one to get the other; if your relationship sours with someone then it's pretty much game over on the access side of things.
This whole story seems to be a self-made one for the Star designed to try and sell newspapers and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Today's installment was a transcript of an interview Mr. Ford gave to Am640's John Oakley about his apparent "boycott" of the paper. Ford said he encourages people to read the Globe & Mail, and the Sun instead of the Star. He also told a story about how they had a party for his newly departed Press Secretary for council, and the media but the Toronto Star were the only ones who didn't show up.
That was the newspaper's choice; and they shouldn't complain about being excluded. It's time the Star either stayed quiet and take the consequences of its actions- and maybe someday when the Mayor is in a kinder mood have its access restored. Or they could just buck up, admit they were wrong, and apologize.
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