What is YouTube 'Slopaganda'? And why is it pushing Alberta separation?

About this episode

The episode explores the phenomenon of YouTube videos promoting Alberta separation and the motivations behind them.

In recent weeks, dozens of videos pushing Alberta separation (and frequently US annexation) have driven tens of millions of views on YouTube. But there's a problem. All these videos and accounts are remarkably similar, and to someone who actually knows the province, there are signs the people making them ... do not. Who's behind these videos and what's their goal? To truly drive an independent Alberta, or to sow division during a tumultuous political time for Canada? How do they manage to pump out so many, and why do they drive so much engagement? And most importantly, what do Canadians need to know about who's messing with our political discussions? We invited Alex Boyd, a Calgary-based reporter on the Toronto Star's investigations team, to join us to take the temperature on the Alberta separatist movement, break down a study of these videos and explain what and who might be behind them.

People in this episode

Hosts: Jordan Heath-Rawlings, Laura Palmer, Mat Keselman

Guest: Alex Boyd

Topics covered

• YouTube
• Alberta separation
• political discourse
• media influence
• Canadian politics

Keywords

• YouTube
• Alberta separation
• political videos
• media manipulation
• Alex Boyd

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Toronto Star

Places: Alberta, Canada

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