Vancouver-born crooner and noted hockey fan Michael Bublé has struck a sour note with his recent criticism of the local sports media. In a television appearance, the singer and part-owner of the Vancouver Giants suggested that many in the Vancouver media are actively rooting for the Canucks to lose, a claim that has been firmly rebutted by industry insiders who say success, not failure, fuels their business.
The Bublé Broadside
Bublé made his comments during an interview on CHEK TV's "Donnie and Dhali: The Team" last week. He expressed the familiar frustration of long-suffering Canucks fans, but then directed his ire towards the press box.
"We’ve been beaten and so we just keep waiting for the next bad thing," Bublé said. "And there’s a lot of guys... in the media that know that and they prey upon it and they love it. They want us to lose. It’s better for them. They don’t even know what they’re talking about and they just sell the garbage to us."
The singer argued that a cynical media cycle feeds on fan disappointment, selling negativity to an audience conditioned by years of playoff disappointments since the team's 2011 Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Why the Business of News Thrives on Wins
Veteran sports journalist Steve Ewen, in a column published December 1, 2025, offered a direct counterpoint to Bublé's thesis. The core argument is simple: winning is better for business.
Canucks coverage is a primary driver of readership, viewership, and listenership for Vancouver media outlets. When the team is performing well and making a deep playoff run, public interest surges. This increased engagement leads to more robust coverage, including the likelihood of more reporters traveling to away games—a practice that was scaled back during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been slow to return fully.
"A deep Canuck playoff run is going to further increase interest and is bound to lead to more reporters following along to whatever opposing city they are playing in," Ewen noted. "And that will be better for fans, too."
While acknowledging that some commentators can be hyper-critical or cranky, Ewen emphasizes that reporting on the team's struggles—like its position near the bottom of the NHL standings this season—is a journalist's duty, not a celebration of failure.
Local Ties and a Shared Dream
Contrary to the image of detached critics, Ewen points out that most Vancouver sports media members have deep roots in British Columbia. They understand the cultural significance of a Stanley Cup victory for the city and province, and many share that lifelong fan dream.
He highlighted comments from iconic broadcaster Don Taylor, a Burnaby native inducted into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. Taylor spoke emotionally about his desire to see a Canucks championship.
"I want to see a Canucks Stanley Cup win before it’s over for me," Taylor said. "I honestly think I would cry so much that day that I wouldn’t be able to talk to anybody." Ewen asserts that this sentiment is widely shared among local journalists.
A Player's Perspective on Market Differences
The article also sought insight from former Canucks forward Jannik Hansen, who now works as an analyst for Sportsnet 650. Hansen confirmed that Canadian markets, especially Vancouver, are tougher and more critical than American ones.
He recalled that even during the highly successful 2011 era, Vancouver media would focus on minor negatives. He contrasted this with his time in San Jose, where the approach was "the complete opposite."
"The biggest thing (in the U.S.) is when you leave the rink, nobody knows you, so when things don’t go well you can leave it at the rink," Hansen explained. "In Canada, it follows you everywhere." This intensity, however, stems from passion, not a desire for the team to fail.
Media Spotlight: Three Local Highlights
Ewen's column concluded with his "Media Three Stars" for the week, highlighting the vibrant local sports coverage scene:
- Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast speculated about potential Canucks trade partners, mentioning the Philadelphia Flyers due to coach Rick Tocchet's connections.
- Dan Riccio, formerly of Sportsnet 650, discussed his move to Toronto for a new show, reflecting on his eight years in the Vancouver market.
- Donnie and Dhali: The Team earned praise for a segment on Vancouver Whitecaps history, where Taylor championed the legacy of the Vancouver 86ers for keeping professional soccer alive in the region.
Ultimately, the response to Bublé's rant paints a picture of a media ecosystem that is deeply invested in the team's fortunes. The business logic and personal connections of those covering the Canucks suggest they are far more likely to be crying tears of joy with Don Taylor if a Cup ever arrives than laughing at the team's demise.
