Canadians flooded CBC with criticism for anti-Conservative bias
Claims by CBC host Travis Dhanraj about CBC's “centralized control and bias” and repeated blocking of Conservative coverage at the state broadcaster sparked furious public backlash.
Author: Alex Dhaliwal
CBC was flooded with angry emails after former host Travis Dhanraj told MPs he was instructed to keep Conservatives off the air, according to Access to Information records. In discussing his March 10 committee testimony, one manager said: “We don’t hit the mark in every story.”
A Blacklock’s Reporter report detailed strong public reaction to Dhanraj’s testimony, with largely negative views of the public broadcaster.
“You guys are awful. Your bias is obvious,” wrote one viewer. “The truth is finally out. Canadians have lost trust in CBC,” said another.
A third called it “a travesty” for CBC to take taxpayer money while promoting only a Liberal viewpoint, adding: “CBC has become Canada’s Pravda.”
In an Access to Information email, CBC editor-in-chief Brodie Fenlon said the network seeks balance “over time,” not in every story, acknowledging: “We don’t hit the mark in every story, newscast or program.”
Fenlon said the broadcaster receives bias complaints from all sides, calling them a concern for leadership. This contrasts with Dhanraj’s testimony alleging “centralized control and bias” and repeated blocking of Conservative coverage.
Dhanraj faced pushback for interviewing Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman and was not allowed to contact Pierre Poilievre. He only took the Canada Tonight host role expecting to lead the show, including booking guests.
“I tried to do my job as a journalist,” Dhanraj told the heritage committee on Mar. 10. “Within months I was pulled off the air, disciplined, restricted from speaking, stripped of my prime time program and eventually forced out altogether.”
Last fall, Dhanraj filed a human rights complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission, alleging workplace discrimination based on race that forced him out of his role.
He later launched the podcast Can’t Be Censored with Karman Wong, saying his aim is to assess whether the $1.6B taxpayer-funded broadcaster applies the same standards it expects of others.
In Apr. 2024, Dhanraj was disciplined over an X post on CBC executive bonuses and funding. In recorded exchanges with Andree Lau, he defended it as journalistic, while she cited concerns over integrity, conflict of interest, and criticism of the employer.
CBC confirmed the meeting occurred but said no formal discipline was issued, while Dhanraj’s lawyer called it “disturbing” and an attempt to intimidate him over internal criticism.
Dhanraj called on Fenlon to air his hearing live and unedited, saying it could easily be streamed on YouTube, to no avail. The committee meeting was streamed by Juno News here.
After the former host’s Mar. 10 testimony, viewers emailed CBC managers alleging “grotesque Liberal bias” and criticizing the network for not airing the hearing. “Where is your coverage?” one asked. “Where is your statement [on] censorship?”
Critical emails continued, with another viewer calling CBC “useless” and “biased” and insulting staff. The Ombudsman replied, asking the viewer to remain “polite and respectful” in future correspondence.
A 2025 Canadian Heritage study, Shooting the Messenger, found journalists at CBC reported hurtful remarks from conservative politicians or rival media, though no names were given. It surveyed 95 unnamed journalists, 41% from public broadcasters.
Prior Statistics Canada data ranked reporters below politicians and lawyers in perceived reliability.