Mar 7, 2022

Telecom Trends Weekly - Issue #45

By Mark Goldberg • Issue #45 • View online

Last week, I continued my series of “myth-busting” Canadian telecom popular misconceptions. An article on MediaPolicy.ca referred to me as “ever the deflator of populist dreams”. I’ll wear that moniker with honour.

The first post deals with correcting telecom-related misinformation; the second one looks at the need to invest in digital literacy, and teaching critical thinking skills.

On Tuesday, a late evening post was inspired by the Heritage Minister saying that the government expects the CRTC to collect evidence and render a decision on Russia Today TV in just two weeks. I am uncomfortable with the CRTC conducting a show trial.

And I wrapped up the week with a post on the challenges of investing in digital literacy to tackle disinformation.

Truthiness and Canada’s telecom industry • Telecom Trends

Another myth-busting post.

I was reminded of Stephen Colbert’s term “truthiness” when I watched CRTC Chair Ian Scott’s recent appearance before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology. Such sessions can be very informative, but unfortunately, the opportunity is wasted if Committee members are unprepared or do not have a solid understanding of the industries they are overseeing.

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Respectfully, Minister: What’s the rush? • Telecom Trends

How do we expect the CRTC to conduct a proper, legal review of Russia Today in just two weeks? It smacks of a pre-ordained determination.

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Curing the disease of disinformation • Telecom Trends

Tackling the “disease of disinformation” has a challenging return on political investment.

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