A case study in lazy journalism
Philippe Lagassé is an associate professor at Ottawa’s Carleton university. He is also apparently the only human on the entire planet who has ever studied the Canadian political system or British Columbian politics, since he’s routinely been the sole person asked to offer commentary in a vast number of stories about the political drama that’s consumed B.C. since last month’s indecisive election. In fact, Lagassé has made nearly an appearance-a-day in stories about the politics of a province he lives 4,300 km away from.
May 24, 2017
The final election results of BC election are confirmed.
May 30, 2017
Outlet: CBC Power and Politics (TV)
Headline: The B.C. Greens and B.C. NDP have cut a deal to work together in the provincial legislature
Is Lagassé the only person offering analysis? No (one other guy).
How is Lagassé described? “Associate Professor of International Affairs at Carleton University”
May 31, 2017
Outlet: Vancouver Sun, The Province
Headline: B.C.’s next political quagmire is electing a Speaker of the legislature
Author: Rob Shaw
Is Lagassé the only person offering analysis? Yes.
How is Lagassé described? “an associate professor at Carleton University and a specialist on issues involving the Crown.”
June 1, 2017
Outlet: The National Post
Headline: An MLA with diarrhea could topple the government: A playlist of just how crazy things could get in B.C.
Author: Tristin Hopper
Is Lagassé the only person offering analysis? Yes.
How is Lagassé described?? “an Ottawa-based expert in the Westminster system”
June 2, 2017
Outlet: Radio-Canada B.C.-Yukon
Headline: Assemblée législative divisée : l’élection d’un président pourrait s’avérer difficile à Victoria
Author: Nahila Bendali
Is Lagassé the only person offering analysis? No (one other guy).
How is Lagassé described? “a professor at Carleton University and a specialist in the Crown and Westminster system.”
June 3, 2017
Outlet: CBC News B.C.
Headline: Speaker speculation: why the next step in B.C. politics hinges on one position
Author: Justin McElroy
Is Lagassé the only person offering analysis? Yes.
How is Lagassé described? “a Carleton University professor who specializes in Canada’s Westminster parliamentary system of government.”
June 4, 2017
Outlet: The Canadian Press
Headline: B.C. legislature in ‘uncharted territory’ as it tussles with Speaker appointment
Author: Geordon Omand
Is Lagassé the only person offering analysis? No (four other people cited).
How is Lagassé described? “a professor at Carleton University in Ottawa who studies the Westminster parliamentary system.”
June 5, 2017
Outlet: Maclean’s
Headline: Why the B.C. Liberals should suck it up and offer a Speaker
Author: Jason Markusoff
Is Lagassé the only person offering analysis? Yes.
How is Lagassé described? “Carleton University political scientist who specializes in Westminster institutions.”
June 5, 2017
Outlet: Reuters
Headline: Speaker role latest twist in British Columbia political drama
Author: Nicole Mordant
Is Lagassé the only person offering analysis? Yes.
How is Lagassé described? “international affairs professor at Carleton University”
June 13, 2017
Outlet: Canadaland (podcast)
Headline: Amy Goodman/The Constitutional Clusterf**k
Is Lagassé the only person offering analysis? Yes.
How is Lagassé described? “Associate Professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University”
June 15, 2017
Outlet: The Vancouver Sun
Headline: Horgan, Weaver reaffirm alliance, blast Clark for delays, distraction
Author: Cheryl Chan
Is Lagassé the only person offering analysis? Yes.
How is Lagassé described? “a parliamentary expert”
June 18, 2017
Outlet: The Vancouver Sun
Headline: Will there be another election? Everything you need to know about what’s going on in B.C. Politics
Author: Stuart Thomson
Is Lagassé the only person offering analysis? Yes.
How is Lagassé described? “a Carleton University professor who studies our parliamentary system”
I suppose it is possible Associate Professor Lagassé is the greatest political mind of our generation and there exists absolutely no one else capable of offering searing insights into B.C. politics on par with “the purpose of the Speaker casting a tie vote is to prevent there from being a total logjam” or “it’s a regrettable situation.”
I suppose it’s also possible a lot of journalists in this country are just deeply lazy people who all call the same guy because they know he’ll answer the phone.
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