Governor General warns against sensationalism in Canadian journalism

HALIFAX (CP) - Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean cautioned Thursday against sensationalism and gossip replacing critical news reporting, urging an audience of journalists to remember their civic responsibility.

Without narrowing in on specifics, Jean painted a bleak picture of the dangers of transforming journalism into a commodity, where sales figures and deadline pressures erode the quality of reporting.

"As though the name of the game were to entertain at all costs-which is, after all, where the money is - and to think as little as possible," Jean told The Canadian Press annual dinner in Halifax.

"The unfortunate conclusion is that thinking is too demanding while entertaining is far more profitable."

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(It is good to see her speaking about this, her background certainly gives her credibility in this area and it is certainly an issue of substance.)