Jeremy Hopwood

Jeremy Hopwood

Sunday, February 14, 2010

CTV Shames itself once more - If this is Local TV it does not matter

Firstly congratulations to Alex Bilodeau and Canada for winning its first gold medal on home soil. He performed awesome in the Mens moguls and definitely had a gold medal run that had all the ingredients.

As an Aussie i was cheering for Dale Begg-Smith and unfortunately he didn't get the win but Alex Bilodeau put on a great peformance on home soil and edged out Dale Begg-Smith for the gold.

Now for the commentary on the joke which is CTV

CTV and its representation of Canadian Journalism has unfortunately hit a new level of ineptitude with its hatchet job on Dale Begg-Smith in its pre event coverage. As a country immigrants to vilify somebody for leaving Canada at the age of 15 to follow both a work and sport related dream is very hypocritical. Not to mention the fact that Canada has prospered from successful athletes from other countries on countless occasions. This includes individuals such as Donovan Bailey and Daniel Igali who have won Gold for Canada.

The piece form CTV definitely bordered on sensationalist negative journalism in which they fabricated a story based on there desire to paint somebody who left Canada 10 years ago to pursue other opportunities 10 years ago.

Lastly to all those people who shouldn't be allowed access to social media outlets such as twitter due to there inability to conduct rational thought that are calling Begg-Smith a traitor and taking joy in somebody missing out on gold by a small margin I have the following commentary for you which will take more than 140 characters.

Firstly, if you look at Begg Smiths podium reaction it is nearly identical to when he won gold in Turin four years ago. The fact the guy does not show a large deal of emotion in victory or defeat is not something that anybody needs apologies for. In fact his reaction on the podium was exactly the same as when he won gold in Turin.

Secondly, the guy is 10 ties more successful then 99% of the population and the fact he has the focus to make this happen is something that we can all take lessons from. Form this regard seeing someone who has made business and sport succeed in his early 20's is something that I look at as inspiration.

To wrap up congrats Canada and Alex Bilodeau on winning Gold. Also congrats to Dale Begg-Smith for an awesome performance in which and being a shining example of how to focus and execute on your goals.

To CTV all I can say in response to your campaign "Local TV Matters" in the case of your appalling and pitiful standards of Journalism it does not and if there is any sense in this world we will not have pay any extra to see your hatchet jobs and depressing excuses for journalism into the future.