Rob Ford video

One of the biggest stories the Star has published was about a video of then-mayor Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine. Kevin Donovan was the lead reporter on the scoop, one that earned praise but also vicious attacks from some of Ford’s supporters. Donovan says Honderich’s backing of reporters during that time was pivotal. “When we were investigating the late mayor Rob Ford, John, as chair of Torstar, was very much in our corner. What I recall most about John’s involvement was how he stood up for us publicly when we were taking flak — lots of it — from some readers, Ford Nation and other media.”