Categories Politics

CBC Faces Backlash for Citing Baaz News in Patrick Brown Story

CBC is under fire for its recent report on alleged Indian interference in Patrick Brown’s 2022 Conservative leadership race. The controversy doesn’t stem from the claims themselves but rather from CBC’s reliance on Baaz News, a media outlet closely aligned with Canada’s Khalistan community. Baaz News alleged, citing “multiple sources,” that Indian officials pressured campaign workers and Brown’s campaign co-chair, MP Michelle Rempel Garner, to withdraw their support for Brown. CBC echoed these claims, citing Baaz and unnamed sources.

Criticism Over Questionable Sources

Baaz News has been criticized for its activist leanings and lack of objectivity. Journalist Alex Zoltan pointed out its close ties to the Khalistan community and accused Baaz of allowing its biases to influence reporting. He further noted that Baaz frequently amplifies allegations of Indian interference without sufficient evidence or a balanced perspective.

“By citing Baaz News as a neutral source, CBC risks its journalistic integrity and the trust of its audience,” Zoltan stated.

A History of Controversy

Baaz News has previously faced accusations of spreading misinformation. One infamous case involved a viral image of a Sikh man defecating in Brampton, which Baaz claimed was photoshopped. The image was later confirmed authentic. Similarly, Baaz accused Hindu religious figure Bhagwatcharya Devkinandan Thakur of being a molester—a claim proven false. The accusers were convicted of fabricating the story.

Additionally, Baaz has been criticized for targeting Hindu individuals, such as labeling Indian-origin MP Shuvaloy Majumdar as “anti-Sikh” without providing credible evidence.

Political Fallout

Patrick Brown has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. Prominent Indo-Canadian businessman Vijay Sappani also dismissed the claims, accusing the Liberals and CBC of using propaganda to undermine Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Sappani stated on Twitter that Michelle Rempel Garner has no ties to India’s diaspora and that the accusations were baseless.

The Need for Journalistic Integrity

Critics argue that CBC should have exercised greater caution in vetting its sources before amplifying such controversial claims. Using an outlet like Baaz News, which has a track record of misinformation and ideological bias, undermines CBC’s credibility as a respected news organization.

What are your thoughts on this controversy? Should media outlets prioritize transparency and impartiality when citing sources? Share your views in the comments and follow Canam Network for more updates.

About The Author

Kaasvi Bhatia is a Media Studies student at the University of British Columbia with a passion for digital storytelling and content creation.
Outside of work, Kaasvi enjoys playing tennis, running, and spending time with her friends.

More From Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *