‘Astonishing’: Are media fuelling the fantasy of a U.S. invasion of Canada?

You can listen to this episode on Amazon, Apple, and Spotify. Episode Description Full Press asks whether the media are raising the emotional temperature of Canadians worried about an American invasion, raises concerns that one family could soon own CNN, CBS, and American TikTok, and asks why Canada has become allies with the country that is the worst jailer of journalists. Episode Summary The discussion criticized a Globe and Mail op-ed by Jason Stanley, which claimed the U.S. is a “fascist state” and warned Canada to prepare for a potential military invasion. The panel argued the piece used inflammatory language without defining key terms like “fascism” or providing evidence, particularly for claims that many Americans are “irredeemably racist.” They noted Stanley has a pattern of publishing such warnings in Canadian media and questioned the editorial judgment of national outlets for stoking panic on a sensitive issue without rigorous fact-checking or opposing viewpoints. Another topic addressed a proposed media merger that would give the Ellison family (Larry and David Ellison) control over a vast portfolio including CBS, CNN, and the American side of TikTok. The panelists unanimously opposed the consolidation, arguing it concentrates too much power across different demographics and media types. They warned that such monopolies undermine viewpoint diversity and competition, and that regardless of political alignment, having media tilted too far in any direction deprives the public of a shared set of factual information. The discussion also covered the Committee to Protect Journalists report naming China as the world’s worst jailer of journalists for the fifth consecutive year, with 50 held in 2025. The panel expressed discouragement that authoritarian regimes face fewer international consequences for such actions, noting that Western leaders are now more reluctant to apply pressure due to shifting geopolitical priorities. They also linked this to the decline in Western foreign bureaus, leaving freelance journalists without proper training or support in hostile environments. The episode concluded with praise for civil debate and political figures willing to engage with critical media. This summary was prepared by NewsBox AI. Please check against delivery.