Controlling the narrative: the White House announces your prime minister's phone call before you do. Americans are describing what was said on cable news. Your government hasn't issued a statement. The other side wrote the first draft of history, and you're standing there fact-checking someone else's version of your own conversation. Who's winning hearts and minds?

Matt Gurney calls it info war: government-led communication that establishes your version of events on the record. Israel did it during Gaza, putting out video clips, maps, military officers for press conferences. They knew public sympathy wouldn't be on their side and made a national-level effort to control the narrative. Canada doesn't do that. When the former prime minister dropped bombshell allegations about India killing Canadian citizens on our soil, there was no media campaign, no briefing package, no coordination with allies. India just said "didn't happen" and we had no answer.

Political parties run rapid response war rooms during campaigns because they know narratives set quickly. Gurney's ask: take the country as seriously as you take the party, and do it internationally. Social media is writing the first draft of history now, not journalists, and that tweet claiming your leader sold out the country gets a million retweets before anyone fact-checks it.

Topics: controlling the narrative, info war, government transparency, rapid response, public diplomacy

GUEST: Matt Gurney | @‌mattgurney | http://readtheline.ca

Originally aired on 2026-01-27

Controlling the narrative: the White House announces your prime minister's phone call before you do. Americans are describing what was said on cable news. Your government hasn't issued a statement. The other side wrote the first draft of history, and you're standing there fact-checking someone else's version of your own conversation. Who's winning hearts and minds?
Matt Gurney calls it info war: government-led communication that establishes your version of events on the record. Israel did it during Gaza, putting out video clips, maps, military officers for press conferences. They knew public sympathy wouldn't be on their side and made a national-level effort to control the narrative. Canada doesn't do that. When the former prime minister dropped bombshell allegations about India killing Canadian citizens on our soil, there was no media campaign, no briefing package, no coordination with allies. India just said "didn't happen" and we had no answer.
Political parties run rapid response war rooms during campaigns because they know narratives set quickly. Gurney's ask: take the country as seriously as you take the party, and do it internationally. Social media is writing the first draft of history now, not journalists, and that tweet claiming your leader sold out the country gets a million retweets before anyone fact-checks it.
Topics: controlling the narrative, info war, government transparency, rapid response, public diplomacy
GUEST: Matt Gurney | @&zwnj;mattgurney |<a href="http://readtheline.ca"> http://readtheline.ca</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-27

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.