Though PC leader Doug Ford’s campaign videos have been the centre of controversy so far in the Ontario election campaign, local candidate Jim Wilson said he likes them.
“I think it’s smart,” said Wilson.
Ford’s campaign videos are part of a website called Ford Nation Live. The videos on the site are made in the style of TV-news. Some feature interviews between ford and a staffer holding a microphone with a flag that reads Ford Nation Live. The videos are tagged with labels such as “live” or “news.”
The videos feature narration in the style of TV reporting, and interviews with Ford supporters. The Liberal party has called on Elections Ontario to investigate the videos, suggesting Ford’s campaign is trying to pass off political advertising as media coverage. Statements from the party referred to the video’s as “Ford’s Fake News.”
Wilson said the videos are reaching people where they already get their news (online). He said much of what he does as an MPP he posts videos of on his online platforms.
“You have to get the word out somehow,” said Wilson.
Mike Krizanc, a Wasaga Beach resident and former CHCH journalist, also thought the Ford Nation Live videos were a smart idea.
Krizanc was the first in the riding to receive an official Jim Wilson sign at the launch of Wilson’s reelection campaign.
“It’s an added way to get to more people,” he said. “You have to use everything available to you. There’s nothing to stop the media from covering an event [where Doug Ford is campaigning].”
He also noted it’s been done before, by Ben Chin for the Liberal party.
Chin worked for the Dalton McGuinty campaign in 2007 and appeared in videos sitting at a desk like a news anchor using phrases such as Liberal News and Liberal TV.
