The CBC parted ways with news host Evan Solomon on Tuesday night, saying it found he had acted in ways “inconsistent” with the broadcaster’s code of ethics. It happened after a Toronto Star report alleged he had “secretly been brokering lucrative art deals” with people he has dealt with through his job. Solomon, one of CBC’s best-known news personalities, said he did not view his private business partnership to broker Canadian art as a conflict with his political journalism at CBC. He said he never intentionally used his position at CBC to promote the partnership.
Here’s a look at some others associated with the media business who have themselves made headlines amid controversy:
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KEVIN CRULL: Bell Media parted ways with its president Kevin Crull after he admitted he tried to influence how subsidiary CTV covered a story. Crull drew criticism in March after a published report said he called on CTV not to give any airtime to CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais. Crull was apparently unhappy with Blais’ announcement of rule changes requiring broadcasters to offer a low-cost packages to cable TV consumers.
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LESLIE ROBERTS: In January, Global News anchor Leslie Roberts resigned after media reports that he co-owned a public relations company, and that some of the firm’s clients appeared on Roberts’ morning show. Global News said it was never informed of his connection to the PR firm. Roberts said when he sat in the anchor chair he was in journalist mode and nothing stood between him and the story.
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AMANDA LANG: The CBC determined business reporter Amanda Lang — the host of “The Exchange with Amanda Lang” — abided by journalistic standards during her involvement in a 2013 story concerning the Royal Bank of Canada and its use of temporary foreign workers. In early January, media website Canadaland alleged that Lang had a conflict of interest in the story and tried to “sabotage” it. The report said the bank had sponsored some speeches or events at which Lang spoke and that Lang had a “serious relationship” with a bank board member. Lang said the bank was just one of several sponsors at the events, and the CBC said “appropriate protocols” were put in place after her personal relationship with the board member became known. A week after the controversy involving Lang, the CBC said it would no longer approve paid appearances by its on-air journalistic employees. It said on-air journalists may speak at public events, moderate debates or take part in other public appearances, but they must make sure the activity “does not represent any real or perceived conflict of interest” and “get permission from his or her supervisor to do so” beforehand.
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JIAN GHOMESHI: The former host of the CBC radio program “Q,” Jian Ghomeshi, faces five charges of sexual assault and one count of choking. The CBC fired Ghomeshi last October after executives saw what they described as graphic evidence that he had physically injured a woman. Ghomeshi has admitted to engaging in rough sex but said it was consensual. His lawyer says he will plead not guilty to all charges.
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PETER MANSBRIDGE: Last year, CBC News anchor Peter Mansbridge faced questions after reports he made a paid speech to petroleum producers. Mansbridge said he has never publicly promoted or opposed oilsands development. He added that when he receives a fee for making a speech, he often donates part or all of the money to charity. The CBC’s ombudsman said Mansbridge did nothing wrong by accepting fees for the speaking engagement, noting that his speech focused on what it means to be a Canadian.
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REX MURPHY: CBC personality Rex Murphy came under fire for giving speeches in support of oilsands development. Murphy, who hosts the show “Cross-Country Checkup,” said he always speaks his mind and his opinions can’t be bought. The CBC has defended Murphy’s actions, saying he is a freelance commentator paid to take a “provocative stand” on issues.
