Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s crack cocaine use has vaulted him from municipal leader to international celebrity.
Since Ford assumed office in 2010, he has been a lightning rod for media attention, but his latest blunder has turned him into a global sensation.
A picture of a visibly intoxicated Ford posing with three alleged gang members went viral in May. After constant prodding and investigation, Ford admitted his drug abuse, sparking a frenzy of reports from virtually every major media news outlet around the world.
The media has gone overboard with this marathon coverage of Ford’s crack use.
The media cycle gravitated the public’s attention toward Ford’s drug use rather than his performance as mayor.
As Ford maintains a tenuous hold on his job, the media should be reporting on whether Ford has delivered on his promises.
When Ford ran for mayor, he promised to “stop the gravy train” at city hall.
Ford has claimed that under his leadership, Toronto has experienced “the lowest tax increase of any major city in North America.” This claim seems fabricated.
Canadians for Tax Fairness have cited Windsor, Ont., and San Antonio, Texas as two cities that have seen smaller tax increases than Toronto under Ford’s watch.
Ford also promised a subway extension to Scarborough, which is estimated to take 10 years to complete and will require tax increases and 30 years of debt financing to fund.
Given the controversy surrounding Ford’s mayoral status, despite a sharp decline in public opinion and governing authority, the media debate should focus more on his professional accomplishments, not his past drug use and other political gaffes.
But the reality of modern journalism is that drama and entertainment sells, and this story has kept viewers addicted.
When a politician’s actions affect their performance in office or taint their credibility, it warrants some attention.
For example, in 2010, the media revealed that then-defence minister Peter MacKay used a Cormorant military helicopter to fly him from a private fishing camp in Nova Scotia to Gander airport, an estimated cost of $16,000 to taxpayers.
MacKay prevaricated about using military assets for personal reasons.
This is a worthy story for media coverage as was an example of poor political judgment and an abuse of power.
But when coverage of politicians devolves into prolonged and incessant coverage about details of their personal lives, journalism turns into gossip.
The media has a responsibility of serving as the watchdog over our nation’s leaders, but the more emphasis placed on their personal lives, the more they turn into celebrities.
Now that Ford’s antics have reached a worldwide stage, even after Toronto city council overwhelmingly voted to effectively revoke his authority, he is more of a laughing stock than an authoritative figure.
Ford’s refusal to resign while basking in his increased publicity is beginning to make him famous just for being famous, rather than being recognized for his public service.
The media has served their duty by showing that Ford’s drug use is morally reprehensible for a man in his position.
Now it’s time to hop off of Rob Ford’s fame-fuelled rollercoaster ride and focus on how Toronto city council recovers from this.