John Doyle (Critic)

John Doyle (born 1957) is a prominent Canadian writer and television critic, best known for his work with The Globe and Mail, a major Canadian newspaper. Doyle's career as a television critic began in 2000 and spanned over two decades until his retirement in 2022.

Early Life and Education

John Doyle was born in Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland, and immigrated to Canada in 1980. His experience growing up in deeply conservative rural Ireland during the television age profoundly influenced his perspectives, which he later encapsulated in his first book.

Career at The Globe and Mail

Doyle initially joined The Globe and Mail as a columnist for Broadcast Week, the newspaper's weekly television listings section. In 2000, he was appointed as the daily television critic. During his tenure, Doyle quickly became known for his incisive commentary and occasionally controversial critiques of television programming.

One of Doyle's notable critiques in 2010 argued that prestigious Canadian awards such as the Giller Prize and Gemini Awards were elitist, sparking discussions on inclusivity within the Canadian arts community. His critique often extended beyond television into broader cultural phenomena.

Publications

Doyle is an accomplished author, having published several books. His memoir, A Great Feast of Light: Growing Up Irish in the Television Age, reflects on his early life in Ireland and the influence of television. His other significant work, The World is a Ball: The Joy, Madness, and Meaning of Soccer, showcases his passion for soccer and covers events such as the FIFA World Cup, Euro tournaments, and the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Controversies

In 2017, Doyle became part of a controversy regarding his review of The Great Canadian Baking Show. His description of Dan Levy as "fey" was criticized as homophobic by Levy and a CBC critic. This incident highlighted the sensitive nature of language in media critique.

Legacy