[LINK] "Is Solomon scandal the latest sign of a CBC celebrity culture?"

[rfmcdonald]

Reacting to the aftermath of the bizarre Evan Solomon scandal at the CBC, The Globe and Mail's Konrad Yakabuski wonders what sort of culture the CBC has built up around its stars.

“I did not view the art business as a conflict with my political journalism at the CBC and never intentionally used my position at the CBC to promote the business,” said the ex-anchor, who had been regularly touted as a leading contender to replace Peter Mansbridge on The National.

Yet, it was precisely Mr. Solomon’s “position at the CBC” that enabled him to meet and socialize with the likes of Mr. Balsillie and Mr. Carney in the first place. And he was well aware of the business potential in those relationships. “He has access to the highest power network in the world,” Mr. Solomon said of Mr. Carney in an e-mail to his art dealer.

Like so many other journalists in the tiny Ottawa bubble, Mr. Solomon seems to have confused what is ultimately a transactional relationship with friendship. But only a naive or egotistical reporter could think “people of great power” want to be their friend for their intellect or sense of humour.

How could Mr. Solomon not recognize the ethical red flags those relationships raised? And wouldn’t the CBC be the first to take down a politician in a similar conflict?