Stand up to anti-press political bullying, says CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth

At the CMG Convention this week: CMG President Annick Forest, CWA President Claude Cummings, and CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth.

With continuing attacks on the press by powerful politicians in Canada and the U.S., it is more important than ever that media workers stand up for each other, says CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth.

Smyth made the remarks in an address to the Canadian Media Guild (CWA Canada Local 30213) biannual convention this week in Toronto.

“For an American president to chastise a reporter at an official event, calling him a list of inappropriate names, and questioning his ability to do the job,  marks a new low in our industry,” Smyth said.

“In Canada, we have also seen a candidate for the highest political office eat an apple and toss it away while refusing to answer standard questions from a  reporter. The candidate’s team then posted the video online where it was widely shared and liked for ‘tearing down of the press.’

“This bullying of the press is unconscionable. As a union representing media workers, we must make it a priority to fight back, to support our colleagues, and to work with employers to stop it, and to deal with potential mental health issues like PTSD.

“We will not let these aggressive attacks in this age of rage stop us from doing our job, which is sharing the facts and the truth as we find it.”

Smyth congratulated CMG on a year dedicated to supporting media.

“In efforts to reinforce the importance of media, particularly local and regional media in smaller communities across the country, the CMG ran an unprecedented campaign over the last year. This online petition asked Canadians to ensure politicians recognize how important community news delivered by trusted and professional media is. This is the first time the CMG or any CWA Canada local has reached out so widely for public support in this way. Congratulations to the leadership who made this happen.”

Claude Cummings Jr., president of the Communication Workers  of America, CWA Canada’s international union, also attended the convention. He shared his sympathy at the recent political attacks on Canada by Donald Trump, and expressed his hope for a united and global defence of the media industry.