Despite constantly claiming the need to reduce costs by cutting down on the amount of space devoted to news and information, The Gazette somehow managed to save space for four full-page excerpts (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4) from a book about Canwest Global founder Izzy Asper this week, representing over 6,200 words. This does not include a 1,200-word review of the book which dismisses the fact that it was paid for and pre-screened by the Asper Foundation and Asper’s wife.

Since these excerpts appeared in newspapers across the Canwest chain, it seems clear once again that The Gazette exercised no editorial control and that this content was forced upon The Gazette by its Winnipeg-based owners, Asper’s sons, Leonard and David.

Do you believe The Gazette should control what appears in its own newspaper? Take action and keep The Gazette in Montreal.

CBC’s Radio Noon call-in show today focused on the issue of journalistic independence and media diversity. Host Anne Lagacé Dowson talked to Marc Edge, author of Asper Nation.

Among the callers is Charles Shannon, former Gazette copy editor and Montreal Newspaper Guild vice-president, who talks about buyouts and how Canwest shapes your local news.

Listen to the interview in Real Audio format: Part 1, Part 2.