# Margaret Atwood Criticizes Canadian Media Over Steven Galloway Coverage The renowned author challenged media executives to reflect on their failure regarding due process. - **Source:** [National Post - RSS Feed](https://nationalpost.com/) - **Published:** 2026-10-16 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/851f2e9c-7962-4c1f-8424-cac4603892ff ## Atwood Challenges Media Establishment Margaret Atwood delivered a sharp critique of Canadian media at a Journalists for Human Rights gala in Toronto. She condemned the industry for failing to cover the firing and blacklisting of author Steven Galloway for eight years. Atwood highlighted the media's delayed response to this complex story involving allegations of sexual misconduct. ## The Galloway Case Context Steven Galloway was fired by the University of British Columbia following sexual assault allegations. A subsequent judicial review found he did not commit sexual assault, leading to a $167,000 arbitration award. Galloway later filed a lawsuit in 2018, and a civil trial regarding libel claims against four women is currently underway. ## Advocacy for Due Process Atwood was among dozens of literary figures who signed the 2016 'UBC Accountable' letter, which advocated for Galloway’s right to a fair investigation. She has consistently argued that the university mishandled the situation by failing to conduct proper due diligence before taking punitive actions against the former professor and author. ## Media Responsibility and Ethics During her speech, Atwood invoked Article 10 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to a fair and impartial trial. She urged assembled media executives to search their hearts regarding their past coverage, questioning whether they stood up for these fundamental principles during the initial controversy. ## The Impact of Social Mobs Atwood addressed the dangers of modern social media 'mobs' that prioritize verdict over trial. She noted that while these movements may be right in principle, they often fail in application by promoting a 'guilty by identity' culture. This dynamic creates a climate where public opinion overrides the necessity for evidence-based legal processes. ## Financial Pressures on Journalism The author analyzed how legacy media companies face significant financial constraints, which impact their ability to conduct deep investigations or defend against litigation. She suggested that these economic pressures have made news organizations more cautious, potentially emboldening power-grabbers who seek to suppress criticism and exclude dissenting voices from the public discourse. ## Historical Setting and Symbolism The gala took place at the Arcadian Court, a location Atwood famously featured in her Booker Prize-winning novel, The Blind Assassin. By speaking from this specific venue, she drew a parallel between the historical social dynamics of the space and the current state of the media industry, emphasizing the weight of the setting. ## Reflecting on Media Accountability Atwood’s address serves as a broader commentary on the role of journalists in confronting powerful interests. By challenging top media executives, she highlights the tension between social justice movements and the preservation of due process. Her remarks underscore the ongoing necessity for rigorous, impartial reporting in an era of intense cultural reckoning. ## Sources covering this story - https://nationalpost.com/news/margaret-atwood-steven-galloway — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._