Tony Burman, former CBC editor-in-chief and current managing editor of Al-Jazeera English, spoke at the faculty of information and media studies annual Clissold Lecture on Monday.

Burman captured the attention of about 500 listeners at Western, noting the importance of international news in a time where local coverage is taking precedence.

He mentioned citizens simply do not have the background to understand international news. Studies indicate people want more international news, but made local.

“Global is becoming the new local,” Burman said, adding later the arrival of 24-hour news network comes at a time where networks are unable to support foreign bureaus, leading to citizens learning less about the world.

Burman anticipated Al-Jazeera English to be available in the homes of Canadians as soon as this January. He noted their goal is ultimately to have a global perspective and to cover as many stories in as many angles as possible.

He concluded Canadians need to be exposed to more diversity, more views, and more choice.

—Meagan Kashty