The official Twitter account of the CBC said it will be “pausing” its activity on Twitter after the platform labeled it a “government-funded media” outlet and several of the state broadcaster’s journalists are also following suit.
At least two journalists with the CBC have also said they will be departing from Twitter as a result of their employer’s decision.
Liberal politicians and legacy media journalists were outraged by Twitter’s use of the label, arguing that it was unfair and that the CBC was independent despite receiving $1.2 billion in taxpayer funding annually via the federal government.
Hamilton Spectator journalist Grant LaFleche called the move an “attempt to discredit legit journalism.
Meanwhile, National Observer columnist Sandy Garossino alleged the “real problem” were companies like Postmedia and Twitter.
On Monday morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau waded into the debate as well, accusing his opponent, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, of attacking “independent media organizations” a week after he called on Twitter to apply the label.
“I think it says a lot about the Conservative Party of Canada. They’re choosing to constantly attack independent media organizations, journalists who are working hard to keep Canadians informed and support our democracy,” said Trudeau.
Liberal Minister of Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez and Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen also denounced Twitter’s use of the label.
