You don't have to be on the show to get your message across

I'm noticing a trend I don't like on CBC Radio's The Current. The show contacts a government agency or manufacturer to talk about a controversial subject. They refuse, but send a prepared statement, and host Anna Maria Tremonti (or whoever is sitting in for her) reads it, without comment.

Why?

If you want to talk to a company about why there is lead in their lipstick, they should come on and face the questions. If they don't want to do that, they shouldn't get to present their unedited point of view. Otherwise, journalism is simply delivering spin.

I know, that's what journalism does a lot of the time -- but The Current is a pretty serious show (unless you get Hana Gartner talking about poo). And they should be telling their potential interview subjects that the only way to get their message across to listeners is to come on the show.