Why won't Canadian news media ... ?

          To all who ask, my answer is the same: "I don't have a clue?"  

          And while I may be clueless, an exponentially growing number of these Captain's Blog readers do have an opinion, for example:

• "Canadian journalists are sensitive to reporting on matters that reflect badly on Canada, including its businesses and its citizens. What this Keeping woman and her partner did to the U.S. children's charity is not something our [Canadian] news media wants to publicize." -- Jeff/Alberta
• "With a high profile government official like Victor Toews' getting involved, that brings politics into play and that can have a limiting effect on news coverage." - Alice/Stephenville
• "People, who reside and make their living in places like St. John's and Ft. McMurray, or any small town, don't like publicity that reflects badly about them or their community.   Theresa [Keeping] and Dale [Merkel] may also be friends with, or have business relationships at local newspapers, radio and television stations. Advertising revenue may be another issue." -- Robert/Ft. McMurray
• "This Keeping/Merkel story doesn't measure up to the story importance given to violence or sex scandals involving well-known Canadian politicians or celebrities." - Ken/St. Johns.
• "If this [story] involved a children's charity in Canada, the news coverage would be non-stop." - William/Stephenville
• "When a lawsuit is involved, the news companies are afraid to do anything fearing it might show favoritism ... influence the outcome ... or cause them to get sued." -- Allison/Calgary

          While I'm admittedly not familiar with the inner workings, disciplines, and possible politics involving Canadian news media, I can speak about what's become a story priority by many U.S. news media organizations:

          "If it bleeds it leads!" is the mindset for decisions involving front page newspaper or magazine coverage, or the promotional tease and lead-off story of a given television or radio broadcast. In this instance "bleeds" means "violence" or some type of "catastrophe" resulting in, or potentially causing personal injury or death.

          "Sex and crime!" is another prioritizing factor.

          "Politics, jobs and economics" are also lead-type stories, but usually secondary to events involving "violence, catastrophes, sex and crime." ­­

          Unfortunately, there are so many of the above - let's call them "sensational" type of stories - there is often little or no time for "less important" news, i.e., the one involving the fraud committed by Canadian developers, Theresa Keeping and Dale Merkel, and the resulting consequences upon the U.S children's "wish" charity and children suffering with a life-threatening illness!?

          Why does this type of story profiling exist?

          It exists because "violence, catastrophes, sex, crime, politics, jobs and economics = sensationalism = more viewers, listeners and readers = higher ratings = more sales and advertising revenue ... [and in many instances, peer industry bragging rights].

          What about the "... not wanting to influence a lawsuit or get sued" argument?

          Walt Disney believed, "The most worthless of any human invention is the excuse," and I believe that applies to story rejection decisions from news media "not wanting to influence a story ... show favoritism ... get sued, etc."

          While I find it irritating and chicken-s _ _ _, what makes more sense, and is a more believable reason a story doesn't get covered is due to "sensational profiling, personal bias, political and/or financial concerns."

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         "Criticism without a proposed alternative solution is meaningless," so as it relates  to news media coverage of the Keeping/Merkel story, the first and predictably the most relevant solution issue is "newsworthiness!"

          While admittedly biased, that doesn't change the fact that a story about a wealthy developer and self-proclaimed philanthropist who conspires and commits fraud, embezzlement, conversion, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and other civil and criminal statutory violations against anyone,  is newsworthy!

          How might the level of newsworthiness increase?   Add victims to the above scenario like,  in this instance, a children's "wish" charity benefiting kids suffering with a life-threatening illness; also juvenile delinquency diversion, character/self-esteem development and career pathway education programs for "at risk" teens.   

          Now add the fact that the responsible people refuse to accept/evade service of process; won't communicate or participate in the judicial process; ignore repeated efforts to prevent or mitigate damages; cause additional damage with more lies and deception; and you have a story not only warrants, but deserves media coverage!

          No?   Then what will it take to get Canadian news media to at least look into the validity of these charges, and then report on whatever the outcome might be? 

          Will a Court judgment with a large general and punitive damage award do it? 

          Is the filing of criminal charges and an arrest for fraud, embezzlement and conspiracy what's needed? 

          Honestly?  I really don't know!

          What I do know is that I have no control over why, what, how, when or if any news media will choose to publish or broadcast this story.

          What I can do, however, is continue being that proverbial, "squeaky wheel," ­­and provide the public and news media with accurate information via media releases and blog entries.   

          To do anything less would be a shameful disservice to the children who won't get their WishCruise experiences, and to the memory of Addison Glines, the courageous, cancer-battling teenager who was the inspiration for WishCruise Navy and its "make a difference" programs ...

-- RCF