Reporters Left Out of Canadian PM Photo Op, Told Phones Aren’t Cameras

stephennophones

Should smartphone cameras be considered “real cameras” when used by journalists? It appears Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s staff members don’t think so. Despite having press credentials, a handful of reporters were denied entry to a photo op between Harper and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley yesterday because they only had smartphones and not non-phone cameras.

Reporter Justin Giovannetti of the Globe and Mail was one:

660News journalist Kaitlin Lee was another:

Lauren Krugel of the The Canadian Press was a third:

Certain venues or events sometimes prohibit “professional” cameras and telephoto lenses while allowing people to use smartphone cameras, so it’s interesting to see a ban going in the opposite direction.


Image credits: Header illustration based on photo by Heather

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