“There is a reckoning underway in Canada”

Richard Madan is the Washington Bureau Correspondent for CTV News. Madan made the move to the U.S. from Canada in 2016 to cover the American elections. Madan has covered many aspects of U.S. political news, from midterms to NAFTA. In Canada, his reporting on veterans’ mental health issues led to him being awarded RTDNA’s 2015 Ross Munro Award for groundbreaking stories. Originally born in the U.S. but raised in Canada, Madan views his work as reflecting America to Canadians. Madan spoke with the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents about asking Trump questions at White House briefings, influencing change in Canadian policy through his work, and cautious reporting in the U.S.

What has your journey been like in the U.S. so far? 

It’s been extraordinary! Stressful! Eye-opening! Confounding! Challenging! Rewarding!  I moved here in 2016 ahead of the presidential election and have had a front-row seat to some incredible moments in history. 

We’ve traveled the country for campaigns, trade wars, and tragedies. We’ve met people from all walks of life – sharing different visions of America. 

You were originally born in the U.S. and moved to Canada as a child, which led to your interest in politics. Did you always foresee yourself returning to the U.S. in this capacity as an outsider looking in?

I always imagined returning to the US initially but never thought it would be in this role. When I started my career, very few TV reporters were minorities, and Network opportunities seemed out-of-reach – especially as a foreign correspondent. It took years to shake that feeling. 

Now that I’m settled in the US, it’s an odd experience being viewed as an outsider in my own country. 

Why did you decide to pursue journalism after working in politics on Parliament Hill?

True confession: My interest in politics and media ignited after reading George Stephanopoulos’ book, “All Too Human,” in university back in the ’90s. After a few years working for various Canadian Members of Parliament in communications/policy strategy, I freelanced for a few newspapers and discovered my passion for political journalism. That led to my first TV job in Winnipeg, Manitoba, covering local politics. It was a great experience and the start of a rewarding career path. 

Richard Madan | Photo Credits: NYT

You described your work in the U.S. as reflecting America to Canadians. The conversation in Canada continues to center on Indigenous injustices, a topic that has been skirted around in both the U.S. and Canada. How do you see our countries reflected in one another at this moment? How can journalists do more in the coverage of Indigenous/Native injustices?

There is a reckoning underway in Canada. Past horrific injustices are impossible to ignore, and it’s important to have this national conversation. Journalists are reporting on these stories and continue to shine a spotlight on this important issue.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said she was “deeply impacted” by Canada’s grim discoveries and recently launched an investigation into US Residential School policies "carried out by the same department I now lead.” It was a compelling moment.

You recently reported the tensions between the Canadian and American governmental bodies regarding the reopening of the northern border. Has it been difficult for you during the pandemic not to be able to return home? How did you handle that?

Yeah, it’s been difficult and frustrating. I’ve spoken to government sources on both sides of the border. It seems Canada is reluctant to re-open, while the US is pushing for it. There also doesn’t appear to be a coordinated reopening plan – at least not yet. 

Like many ex-pats, I’ve been unable to see my family for more than a year and a half! My partner lives in Canada, and we’ve been separated for most of the pandemic.  We are all connecting virtually on FaceTime and Zoom. 

What differences do you see between Canadian and American broadcast television?

There are plenty –   I’m specifically referring to what’s on US cable news channels that you won’t see in Canada: 

1. Extreme partisanship. One story gets a completely different treatment depending on the channel you’re tuned into. 

2. Prime-Time TV hosts dedicated to ginning up the outrage du jour. 

3. Network hosts attacking competitors by name and/or attacking a rival network to destroy their rival’s credibility. None of this helps Americans trust in media.  

Although our countries are close in geography and share certain similarities, is there anything that surprises or shocks you about American news and politics?

As I mentioned earlier, aggressive political partisanship in US media can be shocking, but since it delivers ratings, it’s not surprising. 

However, some big American media organizations do stellar investigative work and are better resourced than many Canadian media organizations. 

What is the most challenging aspect of reporting in the U.S.?

Access is a big issue – many newsmakers/leaders/lawmakers are focused on a domestic audience, and Canada obviously isn’t high on their priority list.  

What were some of the Canadian reactions to America’s past two presidential elections? Do you perceive your audience to be highly engaged in American politics?

Yes, our audience is very engaged in American politics – some by choice, others can’t avoid it. Most US news channels are seen in Canada, and political ads fill the airwaves. 

From my own experience, many of my non-media Canadian friends could name more members of the Trump cabinet than the Trudeau cabinet.  It shows how plugged in they were to the intense news cycle stemming from the previous administration. 

What story are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the major changes to government policy in Canada and increased funding for veterans after my repeated stories on the alarming number of suicides by returning troops from Afghanistan.  My stories set the national agenda for months. The Defense Department eventually expanded available PTSD treatments, and the federal government invested millions in mental health programs. Oh, and I won an award for my coverage.

Here in the US, I’m most proud of my coverage of the tense NAFTA negotiations and my series on voter suppression during the 2018 mid-term elections. 

How do you choose what stories to cover in the U.S.? What are some more important topics that you use to educate your audience?

The choice of stories is a collaborative effort between our assignment desk in Toronto and our Washington team.  Stories about American pop culture, national politics, and race relations generate high interest from our Canadian viewers.  I mostly enjoy reporting on the intersection of politics and business, including the economic impact of policy decisions.

The cancellation of the Keystone pipeline was a huge issue in Canada but got minimal coverage in the US.  Conversely, big domestic process stories like the infrastructure bill or debt ceiling get heavy rotation in the US, but not Canada. 

What was your experience attending White House briefings? 

My first briefing was a surreal moment I’ll never forget: The room was much smaller than I envisioned. It was packed. Noisy. Everyone was jammed so close to each other. I didn’t know the seats were reserved and how competitive it would be to ask a question.  

And on those fortunate moments, I do get called upon, I’m always hoping I don’t fumble my question. 

You had the opportunity to ask former president Donald Trump questions while covering the White House. What questions did you ask, and how did you choose those questions?

Yes, I’ve been fortunate to ask former President Trump questions – mostly about Canada, of course!

His most newsworthy response was to my question after the USMCA signing ceremony in the Rose Garden: I heard one of the biggest tensions was Canada’s resistance to allow the imports of US dairy products, so I asked Trump if dairy was the “deal-breaker” that would’ve lampooned the trilateral deal, and he said yes. It’s also worth noting, as Trump spoke, his trade representative was behind him and shaking his head.

What are the differences and similarities you’ve noticed between Canadian and American politics? Are the two ever influenced by each other?

I think the US influences Canadian politics more than the other way around:  Canadian politicians like to adopt US campaign slogans, hire US campaign advisors, and promote their close friendship with the US president. 

The major difference between Canada and US politics is money: Corporate and union donations are banned in Canada. There are no Super PACs. There are spending limits during campaigns.  This means you don’t see as many attack ads on TV during a Canadian election. 

How do you believe you portray America to your audience as a Canadian-American? What is your unique perspective?

Oh, good question!  I like to think I have a strong understanding of both countries and try to weave in the cultural perspectives in my reporting, whether its differences over the re-opening of the northern border or trade disputes with lumber or tariffs. 

Much like in Canada, there are vast cultural differences in this diverse country; how people think, their politics, and their values. Although many Canadians visit the US, there’s more to America than New York, Florida, or California. 

What lessons have you learned as a foreign correspondent in the U.S.? What lessons would you like to pass on to future/fellow foreign correspondents?

Every day I learn more, which is a blessing and a challenge. I’ve learned that original US political reporting requires more caution and multiple sourcing.  I’ve learned the old journalism model of “both sides” isn’t necessary if one side is blatantly lying. I’ve learned espionage is very real in the US, so be careful what you say and where you say it.