How consumer reporting has changed in Canada

A story about CBC’s “Marketplace,” which covers consumer news in Canada, explores how consumer reporting has changed since it launched 50 years ago.

The story states, “One of the biggest changes over the years has been a growing trend for people in positions of power — be it politicians, CEOs or those orchestrating massive scams — to decline interview requests, says Common.

“‘Part of the process of putting our special together involved screening hours and hours of past shows,’ says Common.

“‘It struck me how accessible politicians were, back in the day. You see Joan [Watson] interviewing the federal minister of consumer affairs — that kind of access is extremely rare today.’

“Instead, says Common, requests for interviews often turn into lengthy exchanges with ‘handlers’ who might take weeks or longer to eventually decline the request, or only agree to answer questions in writing.”

Read more here.