CBC often intervenes to censor opposing voices in its comment sections according to documents obtained by Rebel News.
In a series of emails released through the Access to Information Act, Rebel News learned of several instances in which CBC took a heavy-handed approach to comment moderation, including to deflect against criticism of itself.
In one instance, CBC employees shut down the comment section of an editorial which discussed how the CBC can become more trusted by the public.
CBC ultimately reopened the comment section after a former CBC journalist complained to management.
“This morning we have been reviewing deactivated comments on ‘Canadian trust in journalism is wavering. Here’s what CBC News is doing about it,’” the email reads.
“Normally we consider criticism about moderation to be off topic but in this case, we feel that type of criticism is allowable in the context of this article.
On Tuesday, CBC News Editor-in-Chief Brodie Fenlon announced the state broadcaster is disabling comments on all Facebook posts to protect journalists from increasing “vitriol and harassment.”
In another series of emails, CBC staff discussed how to handle comment moderation on posts about the January 6 riot at the US Capitol.
The staff ultimately decided that commenters should not be allowed to link videos of former president Donald Trump, including his call for peace.
Along with censoring comments on the January 6 riot, CBC moderators also focused on censoring voices opposing official narratives on COVID-19.
Theories surrounding the 2020 Nova Scotia mass-shooting and the Quebec City mass-stabbing have also been censored.
A recent study by the consultancy firm Edelman found that 52% of Canadians believe most news outlets are more concerned with promoting their own ideology than telling the truth.
Another 49% of Canadians surveyed believe journalists are “purposely trying to mislead people by saying things they know are false or gross exaggerations.”
