By Ivan Pak
In recent years, Sam Cooper has become a well-known figure in Canadian journalism, particularly for his reports focusing on China and alleged ties between Chinese entities and activities within Canada. While investigative journalism plays a vital role in uncovering truths and holding power to account, Cooper’s body of work often seems to rely on speculation, rumors, and unverified claims—an approach that risks damaging the integrity of journalism in Canada.
The Case of the “China Spy Meeting” Photo
One of the most glaring examples of this issue came recently when a report by Cooper was revealed to contain a significant error. Cooper published an article suggesting that a former Canadian RCMP officer, William Majcher, was caught on camera meeting with alleged “triad leaders” in Macau, part of a larger narrative of foreign interference by China. However, it was later discovered that the “evidence” Cooper presented—a still image purportedly from a casino security camera—was not surveillance footage at all. It was, in fact, a scene from a 2015 Hong Kong film titled From Vegas to Macau 2, in which Majcher played a minor role. This revelation highlights the fragility of Cooper’s reporting and the dangers of jumping to conclusions based on unverified material.
Speculative Reporting Harms Public Trust
This incident is not an isolated one. Many of Sam Cooper’s reports have focused on anti-CCP (Chinese Communist Party) narratives, frequently linking individuals and events to China’s alleged influence in Canada. While it is critical to address genuine national security concerns, Cooper’s approach often seems to lean on conjecture and sensationalism rather than solid investigative findings. In this case, using movie still as supposed evidence in a serious allegation undermines the credibility of the entire story and calls into question the standards of verification and due diligence in his reporting.
Such speculative reporting is harmful on multiple levels. First, it damages the reputations of the individuals and communities implicated in the stories. William Majcher’s case is a prime example of how misleading reports can unfairly stigmatize individuals, feeding into broader, unfounded fears of foreign influence and espionage.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, it erodes public trust in the media. In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, the public relies on journalists to provide accurate, reliable, and well-researched stories. When journalists like Cooper fail to meet these standards, they contribute to a growing culture of skepticism towards the media, making it harder for the public to discern truth from falsehood. The integrity of journalism depends on rigorous fact-checking, careful sourcing, and a commitment to objectivity—all of which were sorely lacking in Cooper’s reporting on the “China spy meeting.”
The Agenda-Driven Narrative
Cooper’s work often aligns with a broader anti-CCP agenda, but the problem lies in the one-sidedness and lack of substantiation in his reports. While investigative journalism has an important role in exposing wrongdoing, it must be balanced, well-sourced, and free from ideological bias. Cooper’s focus on alleged Chinese interference often blurs the line between reporting and activism, which can result in harmful generalizations about Chinese-Canadian communities and individuals.
It’s essential to acknowledge the geopolitical context surrounding these narratives. China’s rising global influence and alleged activities in Canada are legitimate areas for investigation. However, sensationalist, speculative journalism that paints all connections as nefarious does little to promote a nuanced understanding of these issues. Instead, it risks creating divisions and promoting suspicion based on incomplete information.
The Way Forward: Upholding Journalistic Integrity
The media plays a crucial role in a democratic society. To fulfill this role responsibly, journalists must adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and fairness. When reports are based on rumors, unverified sources, or speculative analysis, it not only harms individuals but also weakens the role of journalism as a pillar of democracy.
This recent incident should serve as a cautionary tale for the media in Canada. The integrity of journalism is at stake when sensationalism and speculation take precedence over verified facts. Reporters like Sam Cooper need to be more vigilant about verifying their sources and ensuring that their stories are built on solid evidence. As consumers of news, we must also demand more accountability from our media outlets to avoid the spread of misinformation and harmful narratives that can damage trust in both the media and the communities they report on.
While Cooper’s reports may resonate with those concerned about foreign influence, his reliance on speculative claims does a disservice to Canadian journalism. It’s time for a renewed commitment to thorough, evidence-based reporting that upholds the principles of fairness, accuracy, and integrity.
By shedding light on this misreporting, I hope to encourage a broader conversation about the role of journalism in maintaining public trust and ensuring that reporters adhere to the highest standards of their profession.
(Ivan Pak, the co-founder and co-chair of Stop Anti-Asian Hate Crime Advocacy Group and Chinese Canadian Goto Vote Association)
Disclaimer
Voices & Bridges publishes opinions like this from the community to encourage constructive discussion and debate on important issues. Views represented in the articles are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the V&B.