… and a few gourds.
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday August 16, 2024
Link to the animated version of this editorial cartoon.
The decline of AM radio and traditional local media erodes vital community engagement, diverse cultural representation, accurate news coverage, and job opportunities, leaving society adrift in a landscape increasingly dominated by misinformation and fragmented digital platforms.
April 9, 2012
As automakers like Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, and Tesla phase out AM radios from their new vehicles, a cornerstone of American life teeters on the brink of obsolescence. The removal of AM radio from cars signifies more than just a shift in technology; it marks the erosion of a key medium that has been the voice of local communities for nearly a century. This change is part of a broader trend that is seeing traditional centralized sources of information—radio, television, and daily newspapers—being eclipsed by the vast, decentralized world of the internet. While this transition is exciting in its promise of innovation, it leaves us to grapple with the profound implications of losing a vital source of local information.
The recent closure of WCBS Newsradio 880 is a stark illustration of this trend. For nearly 60 years, WCBS was a bastion of all-news radio, providing reliable updates and in-depth coverage of local and national events. Its impending shutdown, as Audacy shifts its focus to sports programming, highlights the financial and operational challenges facing traditional news formats. Despite being a top-billing station, WCBS’s inability to survive in the current media climate underscores the fragility of established media outlets in the face of evolving consumer preferences and technological changes.
News: What the Demise of WCBS Newsradio 880 Says About the Future of All-News Radio
October 4, 2013
Similarly, the shuttering of CHML in Hamilton, Ontario, this week, further exemplifies this shift. CHML’s departure from the airwaves represented the loss of a local institution that had served the community for decades. This move not only deprived listeners of a trusted source of local news but also contributed to the growing phenomenon of news deserts, where local information becomes scarce and harder to access.
News: 900 CHML closes, ending nearly a century of local radio in Hamilton
The loss of local radio is emblematic of a broader issue: the decline of traditional media outlets that have long served as the backbone of local news. Daily newspapers and local TV stations, once staples of American households, have been supplanted by a plethora of online sources, often leading to news deserts—areas with little to no access to reliable local news coverage. This shift has significant consequences for public accountability, as fewer local journalists are available to cover city council meetings, school board decisions, and other vital civic matters.
As we navigate these uncharted waters, society appears to be adrift, struggling to find its bearings in a rapidly changing media landscape. The evolution from centralized traditional media to a decentralized digital world is fraught with challenges. Job losses in journalism and broadcasting have been significant, leading to uncertainty about the future of local information. In the absence of robust local media, rumours, confusion, and misinformation can spread unchecked, undermining the very fabric of our communities.
Essay: End of a love affair: AM radio is being removed from many cars
June 9, 2022
The excitement of the digital revolution is undeniable. It has democratized information, giving voice to the previously unheard and connecting us in ways that were once unimaginable. However, this progress comes at a cost. Little has emerged to fully replace the comprehensive coverage and local accountability that traditional media provided. As a result, we find ourselves in a precarious position where the loss of local radio and other traditional media forms threatens the cohesion and informed nature of our society.
In this moment of transition, it is crucial to reflect on what we stand to lose and what we must do to preserve the integrity of local information. Efforts to save local radio are not just about preserving a nostalgic past but about ensuring that our communities remain informed, engaged, and connected. We must seek ways to adapt traditional media’s strengths to the digital age, finding new models that blend the best of both worlds. Only then can we hope to navigate these uncharted seas without losing our way. (AI)
Published September 13, 1995
Way back in September 1995, before I became the Spec’s editorial cartoonist, I drew for the Brabant chain of newspapers serving the communities of Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Flamborough, Stoney Creek and Hamilton Mountain. I was given a nice gig at the time illustrating local personalities (John Fortino, Max Mintz, Sheila Copps, George Love and Jimmy Lomax) written up by longtime CHML radio presenter, John Hardy. He was axed from his job in local radio the same year, 1997, when I was hired at the Hamilton Spectator. In the Saturday August 17 edition in the Spec, Hardy reflects on the loss of am900 CHML, and what it means for the city of Hamilton.
June 18, 2024
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday June 18, 2024
Trust in Science and Expertise is Crucial to Preventing Future Viral Outbreaks
March 6, 2024
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us many painful but invaluable lessons. One of the most significant is the paramount importance of trusting in science and heeding the advice of health experts. As we face the potential threat of the H5N1 avian influenza, it is crucial to remember these lessons and ensure that we prevent and mitigate such dangerous viral outbreaks through informed, science-based actions.
Science is our most powerful tool in understanding and combating infectious diseases. The rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines were nothing short of miraculous, showcasing the incredible capabilities of modern scientific research. These vaccines saved countless lives and provided a pathway out of the pandemic. Similarly, ongoing research into H5N1 and other viruses holds the promise of new vaccines, treatments, and preventive measures that could protect millions.
Analysis: H5N1 Bird Flu Isn’t a Human Pandemic—Yet. American Contrariness Could Turn It into One
January 27, 2023
However, the power of science is only as effective as our willingness to embrace it. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hesitancy and misinformation led to unnecessary suffering and death. Many people were swayed by pseudoscience, quackery, and unfounded claims, often promoted by individuals with no expertise in public health. This eroded trust in health interventions and hampered efforts to control the virus.
Health experts and scientists dedicate their lives to understanding diseases and developing ways to combat them. Their advice is based on rigorous research, data analysis, and peer-reviewed studies. When they warn of potential dangers or recommend specific actions, it is because the evidence supports those conclusions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci and organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided critical guidance that helped shape effective responses. Listening to their advice on mask-wearing, social distancing, and vaccination was key to reducing transmission and saving lives.
As we confront the threat of H5N1, it is vital to continue valuing and following the advice of health experts. The virus’s high fatality rate and recent spread to new animal hosts, including dairy cattle, highlight the urgency of taking proactive measures. Ignoring expert advice could lead to a preventable disaster. As noted by McMaster University’s Matthew Miller, “I have never been more worried in my career than I am about H5N1” due to its high case fatality rate and potential for rapid spread in new settings (Jon Wells, The Hamilton Spectator, June 17, 2024).
News:McMaster viral immunologist fears spread of bird flu virus with ‘staggering’ death rate
August 7, 2020
One of the most significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic was the spread of misinformation. Social media platforms and certain political figures contributed to a landscape where conspiracy theories and false information flourished. This misinformation not only caused confusion but also led to deadly consequences as people rejected proven health measures.
To prevent a similar scenario with H5N1 or any future viral threat, it is essential to combat misinformation vigorously. This requires a multifaceted approach: promoting scientific literacy and critical thinking skills to help people discern credible information from falsehoods, ensuring that health authorities and scientists communicate clearly, transparently, and frequently with the public, encouraging media platforms to prioritize accurate reporting and holding them accountable for spreading misinformation, and implementing policies to reduce the spread of false information, especially on social media.
News: A Bird-Flu Pandemic in People? Here’s What It Might Look Like
February 8, 2022
As a society, we must prioritize science and expert advice to safeguard public health. We need to invest in research, support and fund research into vaccines, treatments, and preventive measures for emerging infectious diseases. Strengthen public health infrastructure to build a resilient public health system capable of responding quickly and effectively to outbreaks. Foster trust by engaging with communities to build trust in health interventions and address concerns and misconceptions directly. Promote global cooperation by collaborating with international partners to monitor and respond to viral threats, recognizing that diseases know no borders.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring science and expert advice. As we face new threats like H5N1, we have the opportunity to apply the lessons learned and protect our communities. By valuing science and listening to health experts, we can prevent needless suffering and ensure a healthier, safer future for all. (AI)
By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 15, 2024
June 17, 2023
Father’s Day has always held a special place in my heart. As both a father and a son, this day resonates deeply with me, allowing me to reflect on the intricate tapestry of love, responsibility, and legacy that binds generations together. My journey through fatherhood, coupled with the honour of being a son to an extraordinary man, has taught me profound lessons about life, love, and the enduring bonds of family.
As I prepare to spend this Father’s Day with my two remarkable daughters and my 90-year-old father, I am reminded of the rich history behind this cherished day. The roots of Father’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. Inspired by the establishment of Mother’s Day, Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, sought to create a day to honour her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent who raised six children. Her efforts led to the first official Father’s Day celebration on June 19, 1910. Over time, the idea gained traction, and in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law a bill making Father’s Day a permanent national holiday, celebrated on the third Sunday of June.
May 13, 2023
In Canada, we embraced this tradition with similar enthusiasm. Given our close cultural and social ties with the United States, many Canadian holidays and traditions have been influenced by American practices, including Father’s Day. By the early to mid-20th century, Canadians began to observe Father’s Day, celebrating it in much the same way as our neighbours to the south.
This weekend, as I sit down for lunch with my father, I can’t help but marvel at the life he’s lived and the legacy he’s built. At 90 years old, he remains a pillar of strength and wisdom. His stories of resilience and perseverance, from his early days to the challenges he faced, are a testament to the enduring spirit of fatherhood. Sharing a meal with him is more than just a tradition; it’s an opportunity to honour the man who has been a guiding light in my life.
Later, as I gather with my daughters for a dinner of Chinese food, I am filled with immense pride. Watching them grow into confident, compassionate young women has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Our time together is precious, filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and shared memories. These moments remind me of the profound impact a father can have on his children, shaping their values, dreams, and the people they become.
In reflecting on the dual role I play as both a father and a son, I am reminded of the famous words by poet Rudyard Kipling in his poem “If—”:
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:
May 13, 2017
Kipling’s words encapsulate the essence of what it means to be a father—steadfast, patient, and wise. They remind me of the values my father instilled in me and the principles I strive to impart to my daughters.
Father’s Day is more than a celebration; it is a reflection on the enduring bonds that unite us. It is a day to honour the sacrifices, love, and guidance of our fathers while recognizing the profound responsibility and joy of fatherhood. As I look into the eyes of my father and my daughters, I see the unbroken chain of love and legacy that binds us together, and I am filled with gratitude for the role I play in this beautiful tapestry of life.
And thank goodness for Artificial Intelligence for throwing these sentiments together in lightening speed! (AI)
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 30, 2024
April 3, 2021
As we prepare for the festivities of Easter, the iconic figure of the Easter Bunny hops into our consciousness, laden with baskets filled with colourful eggs and, of course, chocolate delights. It’s a tradition cherished by many, invoking feelings of joy, anticipation, and sweet indulgence. However, behind the whimsical facade of this beloved holiday tradition lies a troubling reality: the looming threat of chocolate shortages, yet another grim indicator of the costs of climate change.
For decades, chocolate has been a staple of Easter celebrations, symbolizing abundance, happiness, and the simple pleasures of life. Yet, as we delve deeper into the intricacies of chocolate production, we uncover a narrative tainted by the harsh realities of environmental degradation and climate instability.
News: Easter eggs are more expensive this year and climate change may be a culprit
April 20, 2019
The recent surge in cocoa prices, reaching unprecedented highs, serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our global food systems. Poor harvests in West Africa, home to the majority of the world’s cocoa production, have been exacerbated by erratic weather patterns and the spread of crop diseases. The consequences are dire: dwindling cocoa supplies, soaring production costs, and dwindling incomes for cocoa farmers.
But let us not mistake this issue as merely a matter of economics. The chocolate shortage is but a symptom of a much larger crisis: the catastrophic impact of climate change on our planet’s ecosystems and livelihoods. From the decimation of insect populations crucial for pollination to the degradation of fertile land due to deforestation and soil erosion, the fingerprints of climate change are unmistakable.
April 4, 2015
As we savour each bite of our Easter chocolate, let us pause to reflect on the profound implications of its scarcity. It is a harbinger of a future where the simple pleasures we often take for granted may become increasingly elusive. The Easter Bunny’s deliveries, once a symbol of abundance and joy, may one day be overshadowed by the spectre of scarcity and uncertainty.
But amidst this gloomy forecast, there lies a glimmer of hope—a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers alike. We must recognize the urgent need to address the root causes of climate change and embrace sustainable practices that safeguard the future of chocolate production and the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
Opinion: NOT another chocolate shortage article
December 1, 2007
Furthermore, we must demand accountability from the major stakeholders in the chocolate industry, urging them to prioritize environmental stewardship, fair labour practices, and long-term sustainability over short-term profits. It is time for us to reevaluate our relationship with chocolate, not merely as a commodity to be consumed but as a symbol of our commitment to a more equitable and resilient future.
This Easter, as we revel in the delights of the season, let us heed the Easter Bunny’s silent warning—the shortage of chocolate is not just a logistical inconvenience but a sobering reminder of the urgent need for collective action to mitigate the impacts of climate change before it’s too late. (AI)