"Disaster for democracy" as reporters kept at a distance
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated major changes to everyone's workplace, virtually overnight, and it took some time to get adjusted to the new reality where isolation is the safest option. But it's had tremendous, negative consequences for journalists reporting on every aspect of the pandemic -- f…
"No more handshakes": Safety and storytelling during a pandemic
When health officials declared a global pandemic, it quickly became obvious it would have an impact on our lives. Just as every industry and family had to adapt to the rapidly-changing public health orders and advice, so have TV news journalists. From microphones on hockey sticks to dinner-table in…
Solidarity, Disruption and Spin: Covering Canada-Wide Demonstrations
For weeks, demonstrations in support of hereditary chiefs of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation in northern British Columbia have resulted in in unprecedented rallies, blockaded railroads and intentionally disrupted commuter routes for drivers and transit users alike -- not to mention attempts to stall …
Flight 752: Finding & Telling the Victims' Stories
The world was shocked when a Ukrainian Airlines flight went down near Tehran, but when officials confirmed dozens of Canadians were on board our nation was stunned -- as journalists sprang into action to tell the stories of the innocent lives taken too soon. With so many victims in the Lower Mainla…
"It's not funny": When Journalists are Harassed, Slapped and Even Punched on the Job
When an American journalist was slapped on the butt as she was reporting live during a run, it went viral for many reasons. Most saw it for the on-the-job physical assault that it was, but a few didn't think it was a big deal and that she should "lighten up." For broadcast journalists who've experi…
A Horrific Dragging MVI Begins and Ends with Mystery
What started as a routine pedestrian accident quickly took several unusual turns as Vancouver Police revealed the driver didn't know he'd dragged a young woman for nearly six blocks. How was that possible? When an American punk band was later connected and witnesses began coming forward with their …
The Berry Trial: Sisters Murdered by Dad on Christmas
The heart-wrenching details instantly made headlines across the country: two young sisters found dead in their beds, their Christmas presents sitting unopened under the tree. Their father, Andrew Berry, was covered in blood and claimed he was attacked by mysterious loan sharks who must've killed hi…
"It was grating my bones": A Grizzly Attack Survivor's Story
There are few people who could survive a harrowing attack by an apex predator and fewer still who are willing to tell the tale of how they tried to pull a grizzly bear's teeth off their limbs as the animal started eating them alive -- just days after it happened. But Powell River's Colin Dowler did…
The Fugitives: A Manhunt Drawing International Attention
A young couple found dead, a middle-aged man's body near a burnt-out camper, two teens missing after leaving home to look for work: these storylines would all converge in the remote landscape of northern British Columbia, culminating in a manhunt that would put the spotlight on a bizarre manhunt sw…
The Spotlight on "Bare Knuckle Politics" in Surrey
Municipal politics generally don't capture the attention of constituents, much less observers outside the city in question, but that's definitely not the case in Surrey. Less than a year after winning a landslide victory, the mayor of Metro Vancouver's fastest-growing suburb is seeing support on ci…