Archives: decisions

January 31, 2023 – for immediate release

The National NewsMedia Council dismissed a complaint about accuracy in an October 13, 2022, article, “North Vancouver Election 2022: Traffic congestion, development dominate debate,” published by the Vancouver Sun.

The article outlined key issues ahead of the municipal elections for Vancouver’s North Shore communities, including debate surrounding housing, infrastructure, and taxes.

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February 18, 2020

The National NewsMedia Council has reviewed and dismissed a complaint about accuracy in a January 13 article in the National Post.

In the article, “The hidden cost of almond milk: ‘Exploited and disrespected’ bees are dying by the billions,” the writer explored the impact of various human activity on bee populations.

The complainant took issue with the statement, “[…] researchers have found that pesticides — such as glyphosate (an active ingredient in Roundup) — are the leading cause of colony collapse disorder, but they’re not the only threat facing the pollinators.” He argued that the statement was inaccurate in that it falsely attributed colony collapse disorder to pesticides without providing any scientific sources to support this conclusion, and that glyphosate was mischaracterized as pesticide when it is in fact an herbicide.

The complainant requested that the paper provide scientific sources to support the conclusion or a correction and an apology. Pest sometimes can be beneficial for the soil but A1BBEP| Bed Bug Specialist , Bed Bug Removal points out that bugs on bed can be harmful and it is important that you find natural ways to getting rid of them. Later, the news media organization responded by rejecting the complainant’s claim that the journalism was careless. It provided a list of links to sources to support the writer’s statement.

It is not the role of the NNC to decide on issues of scientific debate. Our role is to examine journalistic standards, which include accuracy, context, and opportunity to respond to harmful statements and allegations.

The NNC accepts the news media organization’s response that the journalist and editors exercised due diligence in examining research in this area and selecting sources.

In reviewing the article and related material, the NNC noted that the statement in question is qualified in two ways. While the phrase, “researchers have found,” suggests that research finds pesticides to be a factor in colony collapse disorder, it does not close the door to other findings. Second, the phrase, “but they’re not the only threat facing the pollinators,” recognizes that pesticides are considered only one factor affecting bee colonies. Read as a whole, the statement does not claim that pesticides alone cause colony collapse, but rather characterizes an area of research for readers.

The NNC would note that the term “pesticide” is commonly defined as an umbrella term that refers to substances that manage or destroy “pests,” including fungus, plants and animals.

The NNC supports journalists’ prerogative to choose the focus of a story. In this case, the NNC finds that the article explored several factors affecting bee populations, particularly, the mass transport of bees, and acknowledged that the exact causes of colony collapse disorder are unknown.

The NNC also defends journalists’ freedom to select the sources they deem credible. It does not dictate the type or number of sources in a story. While the reader may prefer to rely on other sources or to see more links in an article, this preference does not necessarily indicate a breach of standards.

For these reasons, the NNC found no evidence of inaccuracy and no breach of journalistic standards. We would also point out that the NNC does not compel its members to issue apologies.

30 September 2019 – for immediate release

The National NewsMedia Council has considered and dismissed a complaint about a factual inaccuracy in an article published by Toronto Life on August 19, 2019, entitled “Sale of the Week: The $3.4-million modern Thorncrest home took a few tries to sell.”

The complainant, Nancy Pierce, described herself as a real estate agent who has lived in Toronto’s Thorncrest Village for over 20 years. She took issue with the description of the house, arguing that it would have been better described as a “Princess-Rosethorn” home, and that the misidentification had a negative impact on potential buyers in Thorncrest Village and her real estate business.

The complainant described the article as “reckless reporting and a breach of journalistic standards.” She requested the news magazine publish an apology along with an article that was “more flattering” about real estate in Thorncrest Village.

The NNC does not compel its members to issue an apology, nor does it direct news media organizations on editorial decisions. For these reasons, the NNC will not take action on the requests for an apology and substitute article.

The news media organization responded to the complaint by stating that names of Toronto neighbourhoods differ based on a variety of sources and that it is the practice of the news media organization to describe areas by more commonly identifiable locations. While the news organization  acknowledged  that Thorncrest Village has a particular history and distinct identity, it pointed out that the article did not refer to the home as being located in “Thorncrest Village” but in  a larger area that it has referred to for the past ten years as “Thorncrest” after the name of a principal street in the area.

Real estate agents often face challenges when marketing properties, including ensuring accuracy in property descriptions and locations. While this particular complaint focused on the misidentification of a neighborhood, there are others, such as discrepancies in property sizes or features. To maintain credibility and avoid potential legal issues, real estate agents should take great care in accurately describing properties and their locations, and be aware of any specific guidelines or regulations in their area. Additionally, utilizing third-party verification services or collaborating with reputable media outlets can help ensure accuracy and provide added credibility to property listings.

In reviewing the article in question and additional materials submitted, the NNC supported the view of the news organization regarding its use of neighbourhood names. While acknowledging there are varying maps and designations describing Toronto neighbourhoods, the NNC supports the prerogative of a journalist to select the source that best serves the focus of an article. In this case, the article prominently reported the house number and street name of the property, removing any question about the exact location of the property

The complainant argued that this geographical reference diminished the value of other properties located in Thorncrest Village. However, no evidence to support this allegation was submitted or found in the article. In an ordinary reading, the article is about a specific house and does not comment on the neighbourhood.

For the above reasons, the NNC dismisses the complaint about inaccuracy. The NNC takes allegations of reckless reporting very seriously. In considering the totality of this complaint, it finds the complainant’s allegation to be without merit.

For immediate release – June 10, 2019

The National NewsMedia Council has dismissed a complaint about accuracy and balance against the National Post.

The complainant, Jay Squalli, objected to an April 12, 2019 article that ran under the headline: “Couple’s young daughters taken from Canada to child-custody limbo in Casablanca.” This feature-length story examined the complex, troubled relationship between the complainant and his ex-wife, and the complexities involved in the mother’s effort to regain custody of the couple’s two children.

In his submission, the complainant alleged the news organization violated its editorial code of conduct, which demands honesty, accuracy, objectivity, and balance in its reporting. Moreover, he alleged the news organization included many details which he deemed were “irrelevant”, and cited this as the basis for his concerns about editorial bias. He argued that omitting certain details that he deemed to be crucial ultimately violated the thoroughness, honesty, and independence of the reporting.

In its response, the news media organization stated that the article was carefully vetted before publication to ensure that the perspectives of Mr. Squalli, and those of his wife, were adequately represented. In addition, the news organization underscored that the accuracy of the facts reported in the story were supported by the Hague convention regarding parental abduction.

The NNC supports the view that widely accepted journalistic principles dictate that news reports must be based on facts supported by verifiable sources; and that the reports be balanced and accurately reflect more than one perspective on any given issue or situation.

After careful examination of the news story in question, the NNC found no breach of journalistic standards with regards to accuracy. While the NNC does not provide rulings on specific matters pertaining to family or international law, it found that, at every instance, the news organization relied on reputable sources and documentary evidence to support the reporting in the article.

With regards to the portion of the complaint dealing with the issue of balance, the NNC has, in previous decisions, supported the prerogative of the journalist the select the focus of an article. After careful consideration, the NNC was satisfied that facts included in this story were supported by proper context and other widely-accepted journalistic standards and dismissed the complaint about accuracy.

Council was of the view, moreover, that the news organization provided the complainant with adequate opportunity to present his version of events in the custody case described in the National Post. For these reasons, the NNC dismissed the portion of the complaint about balance.

Lastly, the complainant also raised concerns that the news organization exhibited a ‘personal prejudice’ against him based on his religion and ethnicity. The NNC declined to comment on these matters, as there was no prima facie evidence to support the allegation.

August 23, 2018 – for immediate release

The National NewsMedia Council has mediated and dismissed a complaint about a headline in an article published by the Vancouver Sun and also carried in the National Post.

Complainant Raymond Wright stated that the headline and article from the May 15 2018 article, “B.C. Mormons fret after polygamy conviction” was misleading and inaccurate. He said that the headline failed to specify that the Mormons in question are a splinter group.

The complainant argued readers cannot be expected to be familiar with previous reporting. He said it is important that news organizations inform readers that there is a mainstream church which does not incorporate the word ‘fundamentalist’ in its name, and does not practice polygamy.

The Vancouver Sun responded to the complaint by agreeing that definitions are important. It noted that the first paragraph of the column defined and limited the group being reporting on to those within the fundamentalist Mormon community. It pointed out that the article provided further definition by means of a direct reference to the community and to the church name “Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.”

The news organization also said the writer has covered the polygamy case in Bountiful, B.C., for many years, and that readers are familiar with the difference between the polygamist sect and mainstream Mormons.

The news media’s response stated that the words in the headline, “B.C. Mormons”, are sufficient on their own—and more than sufficient when combined with the name of one of the religious bodies as stated within the article—to distinguish the splinter group from the mainstream church.

The NNC agrees with the news organization’s position. In this case, specifying “B.C.” in connection with “Mormons” would easily be recognized by a reasonable reader to mean a group distinct from the same church elsewhere.

The NNC also noted that the article itself contained distinctions by stating “the fundamentalist Mormon community,” referring to “the religious community of Bountiful in southeastern B.C.,” and describing “Bountiful and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.”

Given that the sect issue in Bountiful has been investigated and reported on for 20 years, we support the news organization’s view that readers are familiar with the issue and understand it to involve a distinct group. The use of descriptions serve to flag even a reader unfamiliar with the long history that this article is about a specific—not wider—group.

In light of the above, we do not support the complainant’s argument that the news organization breached a standard of accuracy by failing to distinguish between the splinter group and mainstream church, nor do we find evidence that failure led to negative results for members of the mainstream church. We find no evidence of a breach of journalism standards of accuracy, and for this reason dismiss the complaint.

The NNC noted that the complainant cited and sought response from the National Post in making his complaint. While news organizations are responsible for content they publish, the National NewsMedia Council’s policy on wire services and shared content is that complaints about content are handled by the originating news organization. We find no reason to deviate from that policy in this case.

July 3, 2018 – for immediate release

The National NewsMedia has dismissed four complaints and upheld one complaint raised by a municipal official against The Voice of Pelham.

The complainant, Darren Ottaway, Chief Administrative Officer for the municipality of Pelham, stated that the Voice of Pelham broke CAJ ethics guidelines for transparency and fairness by using anonymous sources and failing to give opportunity to respond to allegations.

The complainant referenced the CAJ code of ethics, which the news organization cited as the code it follows.

Breach of transparency was cited in terms of quotes from unnamed sources in the articles; lack of rationale for withholding identity of the sources; lack of indication the sources had appropriate knowledge to speak on issue; and no apparent attempt to corroborate the information from the sources.

The complaint about fairness centered on lack of opportunity to respond to allegations and accusations from anonymous sources. The complainant said the allegations were based on a limited or lack of understanding of the topics presented in the articles.

The Voice of Pelham responded by stating it took concerns raised by two sources directly to the Town of Pelham in January 2018. After discussion with the town and failure to receive information, it filed an FOI in February. The news organization stated that it asked for comment from the firm overseeing the tendering process, but got no response. It also noted the article quoted a former town staffer about town documents.

The Voice of Pelham stated that the May 10 2018 article is about an unfulfilled FOI request and the town’s failure to produce requested documents. It said the focus was not the FOI or tendering processes themselves.

The newspaper also noted there was no allegation of factual errors, and that a link to its ethics guidelines, including use of unnamed sources, is published every week. It said a clarification added on May 24 did not change the guidelines.

The complainant cited five specific complaints:

1. The complainant stated that unnamed sources were used with no reason for anonymity or qualification of sources; there was no approach to the winning contractor or other sources; and the story alleged wrong-doing in the process and by the winning bidder. The news organization responded by citing its guidelines on use of sources, including ensuring the credibility of the case and the source. It said the use of sources was fair, the comments were contextually appropriate, and the public interest was evident. The paper said it attempted to get comment from the overseeing firm and spoke with a former staffer. The NNC dismissed this complaint. The article identified the sources as “employees of a Niagara construction firm” and having experience in submitting project proposals, and another source as “a former Town staffer”.  These descriptors are useful indicators of the qualifications of the anonymous sources. The NNC recommends as best practice that the paper tell the reader, at first introduction of the anonymous sources, as much as possible about qualifications and the reason for withholding names. Providing this information in concise fashion, at the story’s outset, helps the reader assess the decision to give anonymity and safeguard the news organization from criticism. The NNC found the news organization followed standard journalistic practice by seeking comment from the overseeing firm and a former municipal employee, and by reporting the results.The NNC noted the winning bidder has not filed a complaint about the article, and declined to comment on that aspect of the complaint.
2. The complainant stated it had no opportunity to respond to the source’s comment about apparent absence of process around tendering, and that the tender process was not defined for the reader. The news organization responded that the story was not about the tendering process, but about the town’s failure to fulfill an FOI request.The NNC dismissed this complaint. It found the article described both the municipal tendering process and the FOI request related to tender information. The article defined tendering, quoted the town’s policy and, via FOI info, stated the tendering instructions from the contract. The comment on apparent absence of process was the view of the source, identified as a construction firm employee, and was supported by the reported and uncontested facts. The NNC believes this overview gave the reader sufficient information to assess whether there was a variation from process in this case.
3. The complainant stated there was no reason to use an unnamed former staffer, and that the paper could have consulted FOI experts. It said requests take longer to process than the source indicated, and that the report was one-sided and damaging to the town. The news organization responded by stating the story is about an unfulfilled FOI, not an analysis of the FOI process.The NNC dismissed this complaint. The paper followed widely accepted journalistic standards by seeking sources, such as the former staffer. The source cited the time needed to physically generate the information in question while the complainant cited the time involved in the FOI process. The NNC noted no evidence was presented about ‘damage’ to the town because of this reporting.
4. The complainant said the comment from an anonymous source that the town is ‘pushing everything off til the election” is a cheap shot, and that the wrong staff authority was cited in relation to FOIs. There was no direct response from the news organization to this portion of the complaint.The NNC upheld this complaint. While the complainant acknowledged the information requested by the newspaper has still not been provided, we find the comment in question is the opinion of the source, and that no information was provided to support the opinion. In this view, we found the statement was speculation that should have been tested, and a breach of journalistic standard.The NNC found the complaint about consulting the wrong staff authority to be immaterial to the general thrust of the article.
5. The complainant objected to the quotes about “hiding”, “no checks & balances” and “no paper trail”, and stated that the town, bidder, and company were not given opportunity to respond. The complainant also stated that it does not reveal tender prices, and that the FOI is a de facto paper trail. The news organization rejected the implication that the town should be asked for comment on an ongoing basis. It stated it took the concerns raised by the sources “directly to the Town of Pelham in January 2018”, and that the town clerk had opportunity to comment when giving notice about the FOI deadline extension notification. It said the onus is on the town to explain delays, and that the town had nearly 90 days to comment. The newspaper also noted the overseeing company did not acknowledge questions from reporters. The NNC dismissed this complaint. The news organization set out the facts and the tender process, met journalistic standards by seeking comment from knowledgeable sources and the overseeing company, and reported their response or decision not to respond. The NNC viewed the statements in question as the opinion of the source, tested against their knowledge of the usual procedure as stated by the town policy and the source’s experience, and assessed against the uncontested deviation from process in this case. The NNC noted that best practice is to allow opportunity to respond, and recommended that the news organization would strengthen its story and credibility with readers by putting the statements from the sources directly to the municipality and reporting its response. The NNC also noted that the town has posted information online for a number of accepted bids, and suggest it is not reasonable to state there is a paper trail via the FOI if the information requested is not delivered.

In reviewing this article, the complaint, and responses submitted, the NNC supported the news organization’s use of anonymous sources, and recommended best practice in use of anonymous sources and giving opportunity to respond.

In dismissing four complaints, the NNC noted the complainant did not allege factual errors; that it is undisputed that an FOI was filed and not fulfilled at the time of the complaint; and that the winning contractor has not registered a complaint about the article. The NNC upheld the complaint about the comment by one anonymous source.

The complainant objected to what it called changing ethical guidelines. The NNC supports the prerogative of a news organization to set reasonable guidelines that reflect community standards and needs. In this case, the news organization followed best practice by making those guidelines readily available to readers.

April 27 2018 – for immediate release

The National NewsMedia Council has dismissed a complaint that an opinion article in the Vancouver Sun contained misinformation and unsupported facts.

The complainant, Alan McPhee, said an April 6 2018 opinion article, published in The Vancouver Sun with the headline “Oil companies asked to pay their fair share of climate-related costs”, contained a statement that was not supported by facts.

He said the opening sentence, “Devastating droughts, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, freak snowstorms and sea level rise linked to climate change have already exacted staggering costs, with billions more to come as land and sea temperatures continue to rise”, is not supported by evidence for what he called an “apocalyptic” claim.

The complainant referred in some detail to data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and stated the absence of sea level monitoring by the Vancouver port authority as evidence that the article contained misinformation.

The newspaper responded by stating the article represented the columnist’s strong opinion on the threats posed by climate change and the need to hold oil companies accountable.

The news organization said the first sentence summarized the general consensus of international scientists on climate change and its impacts, and was supported by reference to a 2011 government-funded study that estimated the cumulative costs of addressing climate change.

The news organization urged the complainant to express any contrary opinion by submitting a letter to the editor for consideration.

In reviewing the article and materials provided, the NNC found the column was in large part about a petition and legal campaigns lobbying for policies to fund projects that address the impact of climate-change. It cited Victoria, San Francisco and New York, noted that four other B.C. municipalities are involved, and quoted a person engaged in the campaign, from the campaign letter, and from an oil company’s response.

In this view, the article was balanced and met widely accepted journalistic standards.

The NNC found the opening sentence was followed by two paragraphs with comment from the Surrey mayor about the cost of dealing with flood control measures, and a third paragraph citing the National Round Table on Environment and Economics.

The NNC agreed with the newspaper that those paragraphs supported the statement. In light of the above, Council found no breach of journalistic standards and no basis for a complaint.

The complainant referred to statistics on degrees of probability indicated by scientists around the impact of climate change, as referenced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Broadly speaking, the NNC has found in other cases involving research that journalists have the prerogative to use the sources of their choice. Specifically to this data, Council noted a vast majority of scientists agreed that an impact from climate change was ‘likely’ to ‘very likely’.

The NNC has also found that in cases like climate change, where the preponderance of evidence is on one side of the issue, there is no need to give an exhaustive account of dissenting views. However, best journalistic practices in this case could include a link to the studies noted in the article in the digital edition for readers’ clarity.

For the reasons above, the complaint is dismissed.

The complainant also took exception that readers were directed to a Facebook plug-in to comment on articles. The NNC declined to comment on a news organization’s decisions about how to provide commenting and social media access.

March 6, 2018 – For immediate release

The National NewsMedia Council has dismissed a complaint about bias and error in a Vancouver Sun article about a temporary modular housing project.

The complainant, Jack Yang, said the February 11 2018 Vancouver Sun article, “Vancouver unveils Marpole temporary modular housing”, showed bias, failed to include important information, and contained factual error in mis-stating the distance of temporary modular home from schools.

The complainant said the student spokespersons cited in the article don’t live in area and can’t represent elementary students, and objected that the news media made no attempt to seek the neighbours’ reaction to the project.

In a subsequent email, the complainant took exception to the Sun’s balance in reporting on the Marpole homes issue. He objected to reporting that the Mayor attributed opposition to the project to some in the community and misinformation, saying the information was provided by the city. He also faulted the news outlet for failing to describe the prospective tenants or the alternate sites the neighbours suggested.

The Vancouver Sun acknowledged that the reported distance to the schools was incorrect, and stated that an online correction was made.

The news outlet said the article included acknowledgement from the mayor about local neighborhood concerns. However, it noted the focus of the story was on the opportunity to tour the modular homes, which are part of a larger plan to address the city’s affordable housing crisis.

Referring to the student spokespersons, the paper denied any factual error and re-affirmed they are from the high school as stated.

Regarding the complaint that the news media failed to describe the home’s tenants, the Sun responded that tenants are yet to move in. It said that when they do move in, the Sun will report on the true mix of tenants, the services in place to support them, and neighborhood reaction.

It also noted that previous stories have focused on the conflict between those who support and oppose the location of the temporary modular housing and the potential mix of tenants, and cited two relevant articles.

Reviewing the materials presented, the error in stating the distance to the schools was corrected in a timely manner and appropriate fashion.

Council found no evidence in the article about where the students live, nor that they do not attend the school in question. It also found no allegation that the students claimed to represent elementary students. On that basis, Council dismissed this portion of the complaint.

Regarding the complaint that the mayor or city misinformed citizens, the NNC found the specific nature and source of information or misinformation was not addressed in the article or complaint.

The Sun stated the article was intended to give readers a ‘tour’ of the newly-opened temporary modular housing project, and indicated that other stories it has published covered the controversy around the homes. It is within the news media’s editorial latitude to decide how to cover a story. Writing a story describing a newsworthy municipal facility is well within journalistic standards.

Council found it is not obligatory to cover all aspects of an ongoing story in each article, and in this case the news media’s statement that it intends to do follow up stories on tenants, services, and residents’ reaction indicates that part of the controversy will not be left out.

In light of the above, Council found no grounds for the allegation of bias or failure to include important information, and no breach of journalistic standards, and dismissed the complaint.

The National NewsMedia Council has dismissed a complaint from Ryan Campbell about inaccuracy and lack of opportunity to respond in an article by the Vancouver Sun.

The complainant stated that a May 3 2017 article, “Delta Liberal candidate admits to mistakenly signing nomination papers for Green opponent”, attacked BC Green Party candidate Jacquie Miller by including a quote from an NDP spokesperson that she was a last-minute entry who did not live in the riding.

According to the complainant, the comment was inaccurate and misleading, and the news media organization did not seek Miller’s comment before publication. He said the candidate’s contact information was available on the party website, and accused the news media organization of refusing to seek comment or make a correction.

The paper responded by stating that the Green Party was contacted with a request for a comment from the candidate, and that the party chose to respond through its communications director.

The Canadian Association of Journalists’ Ethics Guidelines states that those publicly accused or criticized should have opportunity to respond before publication, and that effort to contact be genuine and reasonable. The NewsMedia Council found the news media organization adhered to that principle by contacting the Green Party to seek comment from the candidate. The party chose to make a spokesperson available, which is its prerogative and widely accepted practice. The paper also sought comment from the major rival parties.

Council agreed with the news media organization’s statement that the focus of the story was on the action of a Liberal candidate, who was one of the signatories to the nomination of a Green Party candidate. It was a newsworthy issue.

The news media organization adhered to accepted journalistic practice by seeking response from the newsmaker and from rival parties. The views of one rival were unflattering to the Green Party candidate. The accuracy of those views, delivered as direct quotes, reflected on the speaker and not on the accuracy of the news media organization.

Other evidence in the story and on the website did not support the complainant’s allegation of inaccuracy. The statement in question could reasonably be considered a detraction to the candidate, but the Green Party was given fair opportunity to respond. The news media is not in a position to force a political party to offer an interview with a candidate if it chooses to use another spokesperson instead.

Council noted the Green Party’s response did not address the issue of the candidate’s current residency, and that it is not Council’s job to research her address.

July 21, 2017 – for immediate release

The National NewsMedia Council has dismissed a complaint from Louise Yasinchuk about bias, inaccuracy and lack of opportunity to provide response related to a May 12, 2017 article, “Perp avoids jail while victim haunted by assault”, in the Timmins Daily Press.

The complainant identified the accused as her son, and provided background information about a previous acquittal and the relationship between the victim and accused in the current case. The NNC is not in a position to investigate or comment on that background.

The complainant further stated that the reporter failed to accurately describe the nature of the charge, did not ask the accused for his account of events, and objected to quotation marks around the word ‘assault’ in the story headline. She also objected to the reporter’s language in a social media exchange with her.

The news media organization responded by stating that it reported information about the charge as discussed in court. The NNC agreed with the news media that widely accepted journalistic practice in court reporting is to view and rely upon the agreed statement of facts as a legitimate source that provides fair representation for both parties. In covering a plea and sentencing, it is not the job of the media to question the victim or the accused, though those and other questions may be appropriate in a follow up story.

On that basis, the NNC found no breach of journalistic standards regarding bias, accuracy or opportunity to provide response.

However, the news media organization noted corrective action had been taken to remove quotation marks around the word assault in the online version of the story, and to remove the modifier “only” in relation to the sentence imposed, as it could be viewed as editorializing. It also noted that the exchange on social media could have been more tactful and stated that policy has been adjusted accordingly.

The National NewsMedia Council has dismissed a complaint from Pav Penna that a Toronto Star article on June 4th, 2016, “America’s first ‘climate refugees”, incorrectly claims climate change as the primary contributing cause for the need to relocate Isle de Jean Charles citizens. It also dismissed the complaint that the news media organization failed to take responsibility for corrections to a wire service article.

The complainant provided extensive background and research materials related to sea levels, climate study, and previous New York Times articles. He argued that the NYT article that appeared in the Star does not give enough weight to subsidence, and quoted National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration measurements that show “relative sea level is rising almost 10 millimeters per year in Louisiana partially because the land is also subsiding.”

The complainant also alleged that the New York Times presents “alarmist” stories that support NOAA. The Council declines to comment on that aspect of the complaint.

In its response, the Star pointed out that the article clearly states more than 90 per cent of the island was lost before relocation was contemplated, and relies on a statement from the National Climate Assessment report that rising sea levels make Isle de Jean Charles among the most vulnerable of populations.

The paper also noted that the article is from the Star’s New York Times wire services, and that the Star does not correct wire content without consulting the source. It agrees with the New York Times decision against a correction on the article. In considering the complaint, Council found the article makes clear that past and ongoing rising sea levels are the cause for the relocation of the citizens of Isle de Jean Charles when it states that “Channels cut by loggers and oil companies eroded much of the island, and decades of flood control efforts have kept once free-flowing rivers from replenishing the wetlands’ sediments. Some of the island was swept away by hurricanes.”

In dismissing the complaint, Council notes that journalistic standards require the news media to present balance in reporting, but it also notes that presenting balance in cases such as climate change or vaccinations includes noting that the great majority of science and expertise rests on one side of the issue.

The NNC is a forum for journalism standards and cannot serve as an arena for assessment of or debate on deep science. It is not reasonable for every news article to delve deeply into complex science in order to present both sides of an issue. Journalists and editors have the discretion to cite or rely on sources of their choice.

Journalistic standards related to fairness and balance have been satisfied in the article’s noting of factors such as subsidence and channel cutting. Council finds this is a reasonable balance considering the weight of scientific and expert views.

The complainant states the article supports climate change and rising sea level by reporting that residents describe the land as being “flooded”, “sinking into the sea” and “the rising waters”. Council finds these words and phrases could be understood by a reasonable reader to illustrate the issue of water where there used to be land, whether caused by land sinking or water rising.

Regarding the complaint about accuracy of wire copy, Council finds the news media organization exercised due diligence by consulting with the wire service about the accuracy of statements in the article. It confirmed that, contrary to the complainant’s allegation, there was no statement that climate change is the only reason for changes on Isle de Jean Charles.

Council finds no breach of journalistic practices or standards and therefore dismisses the complaint.