Freedom of speech. Freedom of the press. These phrases may conjure up Hollywood-style images of noble activists and principled reporters butting heads with those in power – and winning. However, the reality is often far different: surveillance, gag orders, expensive and oppressive lawsuits, and activists and journalists being arrested, imprisoned – and in extreme cases, […]
About John Cooper
John Cooper, EdD, is an educator and researcher who has taught journalism and corporate communications at Durham College and Centennial College.
Where the Monarchy Meets the State: Canada’s Vice-Regal Offices
April 11, 2019 By John Cooper
It is a role that straddles several worlds – political, royal, legal and diplomatic – and combines tact, careful judgment, discretion and wisdom. Welcome to the offices of the governor general of Canada and the provincial lieutenant governors. As a constitutional monarchy, Canada’s Parliament has two well-known components, the House of Commons and the Senate, […]
Law Society of Ontario Targets Systemic Racism in the Legal Profession
July 4, 2018 By John Cooper
An amended Rules of Professional Conduct was just one of 13 recommendations delivered by the Law Society of Ontario in a lengthy report designed to address issues of long-standing systemic discrimination in the legal system. Entitled Working Together for Change: Strategies to address issues of systemic racism in the legal professions, the report was approved […]
Journalists Feel the Chill in a Changing Media World
August 23, 2016 By John Cooper
Journalism students who are mulling over important questions such as “Where will I find a job?” and “Will I be able to cover the legal beat?” as they face a potentially shrinking job market, may have more than just job prospects to worry about. Today, the media world is rapidly shrinking, consolidating, shedding jobs and […]
