The CBC, still dealing with fallout from the Jian Ghomeshi scandal, is defending one of its highest-profile personalities against a report that she attempted to “sabotage” a 2013 story about a bank that had sponsored some speeches or events at which she spoke.
CBC News Editor-in-Chief Jennifer McGuire said in a memo to staff Monday that the allegations about business reporter Amanda Lang’s involvement in the story on RBC’s use of temporary foreign workers were “categorically untrue.”
Lang is the host of “The Exchange with Amanda Lang” and occasional fill-in anchor of “The National.”
The CBC memo came after media website Canadaland published a report alleging Lang tried to scuttle a story on RBC’s use of temporary foreign workers. It also said Lang was in a “serious relationship” with a RBC board member at the time the story ran.
The CBC said the RBC story “rolled out on all platforms” and is a story the public broadcaster is “proud of” and continues to follow.
McGuire said Lang’s executive producer knew about the relationship had put “appropriate protocols” in place for when her coverage involved the bank.
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Lang said she disclosed the relationship in 2012 to the public broadcaster, which determined an on-air disclosure to viewers was not necessary.
She also addressed Canadaland’s allegations that she was paid for speaking at various events sponsored by RBC. Lang told The Canadian Press a number of companies sponsored the paid engagements, which meant they were not in contravention of CBC policies.
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