When in doubt, blame the reporter

Not that many people outside politics are paying much attention to it, but former Prime Minister Mulroney testified again today about the Schriber/Airbus affair. At one point he started to break down on the stand. His PR team was quick to post on Mulroney's web site:

"...Mulroney struggled to tell the story. As he did, he looked out into the audience and saw the producer of the Fifth Estate, Harvey Cashore and Globe and Mail reporter, Greg McArthur laughing–laughing–at his testimony. It was that sight–not captured by the cameras–that caused Mr. Mulroney to break down. “They were carrying on like a pair of school children,” said Mr. Mulroney after the break. “It just got to me.” What a disgrace."

Note to PR team: If the guy you're representing, who happens to have been Prime Minister, has admitted he's accepted envelopes full of cash from an arms dealer, labeling tittering journalists as a "disgrace" is a bit much.

Sarcasm award

CTV just announced that it's selling three TV stations it had slated for closure for $1 a piece to Shaw Cable.

"I think it's great," said Ivan Fecan, President and CEO, CTVglobemedia, and CEO, CTV. "We've accepted their offer of $1 per station. Cable is rolling in money and can obviously afford to underwrite the losses. Good for them."

Zing!

Why even bother with the window dressing of civility?