Complaints Report: 2006

• RICKER VS. THE NANAIMO DAILY NEWS

RICKER VS. THE NANAIMO DAILY NEWS

The B.C. Press Council has dismissed with reservations a complaint by Dr. Eric Ricker against the Nanaimo Daily News. The complaint, heard by the Press Council Nov. 24, 2006, arose out of the newspaper’s refusal to publish letters to the editor which the complainant considered corrections to errors in the coverage of certain events in Nanaimo.

Dr. Ricker, a regular letter contributor, complained his letter was rejected for publication as being libelous. Two subsequent amended letters were also rejected and Dr. Ricker was advised by Editor Cale Cowan that the newspaper was curtailing publication of letters from people on a list which included him.

In a later column, the editor referenced the alleged libel without identifying the writer. A separate column by Walter Cordery also referred to foes of the mayor being afraid of a lawsuit. The complainant was of the opinion that the column referred to him as well.

Council found the Nanaimo Daily News has the right to decide what to print and Council cannot substitute its opinion for that of the editor. It was clear from evidence that it was the editor’s belief the original letter was arguably defamatory. Council also found the opinions expressed in the Cordery column to be fair comment and reasonable given the circumstances outlined in the evidence.

In addition, The Press Council found the Nanaimo Daily News’ Letters-to-the-Editor policy as stated in its newspaper to be consistent with industry standards where it is clear that not all letters submitted to a newspaper will be published. However, Council did have a reservation about curtailing publication of letters from an identified list of individuals and does not recommend such practice.

Council also expressed concern with an apparent lack of respect shown to the reader by the newspaper.

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