Media blacklist dropped by Debates Commission

The Leaders' Debates Commission has reversed its decision to blacklist certain media outlets from televised election debates, following two unsuccessful attempts to defend the ban in Federal Court.

Blacklock's Reporter says the Commission's move comes after the Rebel News Network successfully challenged the ban, arguing it was an attempt to censor media critical of the Liberal cabinet.

According to the Commission, a media organization will now be accredited if it produces original news content related to Canadian or international political news, or covers political, social, and policy issues.

This decision aims to ensure a consistent and transparent process for all media representatives and organizations.

The Commission's initial attempt to blacklist Rebel News was struck down by Justice Elizabeth Heneghan in 2021, who ruled that it was not within the Commission's mandate to regulate the journalistic profession or establish minimum standards for practice.

Rebel News had argued that the Commission's ban was politically motivated and unreasonable. The company's lawyers noted that Rebel News does not accept government funding, allowing it to maintain its editorial independence and challenge the views presented in Canada's legacy media.

The debates will take place at CBC studios in Montréal on April 16 in French and April 17 in English.