MAIL BOox— Media contro! a growing concern Dear Ecditor: Trevor Lantens (Aug. 1) persists in’ den g the NDPL even while writing about a court decision that exonerates — forme finance — minister Callin the budget ¢. He goes so far as to sup: gest that although one just might allow the decision was “sound)s based in aw.” some thing clse was at play: Justice Mary s was in thrall to some left-wing “establish: ment” and, besides, she wouldn't: dare unleash the dogs of chaos by finding for the plaintiff and upsetting government. The evidence was all against the plaintiff, but nev- ertheless the justice, in finding accordingly, was a toady. Democracy is a sham. And so on. Oh, well. That's Trevor. Evidence doesn’t matter. | would) never conceds any: thing to the NDP regardle However, what's more disturbing piece is that he docsn’r tackle the key questions about democracy that the ca docs raise. i f \ { | } 4 West Vaneau Parks & Specifically, why was the impression of events xenerat- ed by the mass media so much different: than: what actuaily took place and is now in the court record. Why is Trevor given. his special editorial slot in’ the North Shore New He already has a media vehicle — the Vancouver Saiz, a large metropobinn daily, Shoulda‘t a “sommunity” pewspaper like the North Shore News be providing alternative view- points? Or are readers ta be 1 the identical perspective everywhere they cairn How are readers to find out what really happens in their society and politics when almost all the mass media are owned by people of the same political stripe? When the dominant media compan are themselves politically engaged, giving money to one side in the political debate. When the Vancouver San, The Proviner and also the North Shore News — anid almost all the daily newspapers in Bri Columbia — are controlled by the same party (Conrad Black) with extravagant: and combative political convic- tons. Are even nght-wing read: ers served by the media distor- tion that results?) Wouldn't they, like others, benetit bv a broader range of reporting and more diversity. in’ the media? Don’t we all deserve much better? Ww ho is going to provide sion Viewers and radio “lst eners with critical analysis of how this media power operates -— essential for standing of what to the public is so tightly con- trofle What is to be done about forthcoming CanWest takeover of the Vanconver Sun, The Province. the Victoria Times-Celonist: and the se concentra- tion of media ownership even more. Finally, and most. inmpor- tantly, how can one possibly have an effective demucracy without, at the same dime, having diverse and representa- tive ownership of the mass media? These are the questions which Trevor and the rest of We create functional work spaces. We can design a work station with your spacific needs in ming ¢ A Home Office * A Student Workstation * A Computer Desk * Bookcases or Cabinets * Lockable file drawers * Keyboard Pullouts. Choice of Birch, Oak or Melamine finishes Ask about our free in-home estimates visit us att www. cancloset. com ops crown ee WOODLINES CUSTOM auiLT FURNITURE FOR HOME OR OFFICE Commun ver Services West Van residents, your guide arrives Sunday, August 20th,with the North Shore News. Fall Registration Begins Aquatics, Arena, Community Centres, and Culture & Heritage Register Sat. Sept. Sth Seniors’ Centre Register Wed. Sept. 6th 925-7270 us should be asking. Sandra Bauer, President West Vancouver-Garibaldi NDP Constituency Association rr _DEROSA __Jj~ 71 I I 1 AUTOMOTIVE | 1 Lube, Oil & Filter ! ee I 988-2239 i iti0 Fell Ave, North Vancouver 3 Friday, August 18, 2000 —- North Shore News - 7 NEWS columnist Hana Mercer is on holiday. Fair Comment returns next Friday. Trouble fitting How ‘bout | We solve space problems. Rack ‘n' Roll Car Rack Shop Now Open! is LIENS? em + SARS ERICSAGLS MENT age Cenificates WELCOME TO Bik é BO: AKDE ” HEAVEN! BY (Corner af Smithe) : 681-5252 - ; Chair or Loveseat $ with the ’ purchase of a Kroekier sofa for UNLIMITED COMPANY ) by s from International Plaza at Capilano Road) 1882 Marine Dr., North Vancouver 980-8712 Showroom Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am-7pm, Sat. 10am-G6pm. Closed Sundays.