Thanks to the alert readers who sent in a few recent links from the Calgary Herald that, I think, illustrate some of the problems with journalism in Canada these days.

First up, comes their Wednesday editorial:

For example, we have always suspected the integrity of polls in which newspaper readers tell us they are more interested in stories about equalization than a reported sighting of Brad Pitt at a popular city watering hole. They know the one is important, and should be read; the other actually engages them, and is read — we suspect — more widely.

Long time Herald readers will know how the paper tends to shy away from the “issues” whenever possible (Standard Headline: “OMG – Prince Harry!!! Flirting!!!”) and I think this is true of most local dailies. However, the Herald has now explained why they do this. In spite of survey and focus group results that say people want hard news and more news, the Herald Editorial board has decided that they know what Calgarians want – stories about Brad Pitt!

Another long time habit of the Herald which I think (hope) hasn’t become the norm across Canada is their frequent citing of wikipedia. The latest example of this comes from a story on their favourite topic – Celebrities visiting Calgary!

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland, Ohio because of Joel, reports Wikipedia. A total of 15 artists were to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, which hadn’t yet found a home and was going to be built in either San Francisco or Cleveland. Seven artists voted for San Francisco, and seven favoured Cleveland. Thus Joel was asked to make the tie-breaking vote. He chose Cleveland since he considers it one of his favourite cities to play in.

I know it’s quite taxing to do proper sourcing but a quick google search of “rock and roll hall of fame” will give you this factoid:

Since its opening in 1995, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum has established itself as the preeminent home for the celebration and study of rock and roll music.

I know Billy Joel trivia isn’t life or death but the Herald’s constant wikiciting is driving me a little up the wall, and it just shows how a little laziness will eventually lead to mistakes.

Remember. Just because you don’t want to report real news, it doesn’t mean you can’t cite real sources.