![Text Box: Dec. 1/05
Bumps and Stumbles Out of the Blocks
National media coverage portrayed both the Liberal and Conservative campaigns as hitting bumps and stumbles coming out of the gate of Election 2006.
Network television coverage emphasized mixed messages between Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and Deputy Leader Peter MacKay over Wednesday’s Conservative policy announcement about creating an independent prosecutor office to pursue politically charged investigations like the Quebec sponsorship scandal. CTV News concluded the Conservative campaign seemed to be stumbling out of the starting blocks. [CBC News, CTV News]
Prominent print coverage featured a legal challenge to the Gomery judicial inquiry, filed in federal court by lawyers for former prime minister Jean Chretien. News reports said this will make sure the scandal remains in the media spotlight during the campaign, despite efforts by the Liberal campaign to turn the page. [Ott Cit A1, Cgy Hld A1, Van Sun A1, Tor Star A6]
The NDP and Bloc Quebecois had a better day in media coverage.
NDP Leader Jack Layton delivered a clear promise to spend $4 billion to make post-secondary education more affordable. However, coverage was overshadowed by several other campaign developments. [Ott Cit A3]
BQ Leader Gilles Duceppe received coverage outside Quebec for a proposal to allow Quebec to send its own sports teams to international events like the World Cup or hockey competitions. [Ott Cit A3]
Television news reports and front page print coverage highlighted another difficult moment for the Liberal campaign, featuring angry Liberal party supporters protesting international author and academic Michael Ignatieff, their own star candidate. [Tor Star A1, Nat Post A1, Globe A7]
News developments off the campaign trail also had an election impact:
In negative tones for a Liberal campaign emphasizing a strong economy, Domtar Inc. announced 1,800 layoffs and plans to close plants in Quebec and Cornwall, Ont., reduce operations in Ottawa and sell a mill in Vancouver.
The RCMP received coverage for starting a review of heavy trading just hours before Finance Minister Ralph Goodale announced tax changes on investments.](Dec_1_files/image303.gif)
|
Minority Parliament Countdown
Lifeline Communications will provide ongoing daily analysis of national and regional media coverage during Canada’s first winter election campaign in 25 years.
Our media analysis will track the tone of news reports, columns, editorials and opinion pieces. Lifeline Communications will assess efforts of political parties to frame national issues, deliver key messages through the news media, and define the ‘ballot question’ issues voters will decide January 23, 2006. |
|
Resources |
|
Media Links |
