Rex Murphy’s pro-oil sands speech prompts CBC to review journalistic rules
rbarnes
Posted On February 19, 2014
On Jan.17, on his weekly spot on CBC’s The National, Rex Murphy slammed Neil Young for what he called the rockstar’s “unfathomably irresponsible” comments against Alberta’s oil sands.
But what the famous Newfoundlander did not reveal on his “Point of View” TV segment was whether Murphy also receives payments for his work outside the CBC, giving pro-oil sands speeches.
iPolitics columnist Andrew Mitrovica calls that a serious conflict of interest.
“His audiences have a right to know where he’s coming from, and that he’s being paid by powerful vested interests…” said Mitrovica on Monday from Toronto.
Rex Murphy did not respond to a request for comment Monday.
At issue, are a number of keynote speeches that he has made to oil-friendly conventions — Murphy does not appear to disclose this when he talks on public air waves in defence of the oil sands.
In Mitrovica’s research, such speeches from similar high profile personalities can earn anywhere from $2,000 – $30,000 per occasion.
