Journalism News and Jobs: Canada
John Carson
A seasoned professional in journalism, communications, editorial, digital content and social media strategy. Currently specializing in legal content, news, editorial, copywriting and project management.
October 17, 2024 (Issue 17)
Welcome to Journalism News and Jobs: Canada.
Every Thursday I'll curate interesting news items about Canadian journalism with a quick summary and link to read the full story.
I'll also add some hand-picked Canadian journalism jobs with links to the media outlet or organization and (where possible) a contact name and/or e-mail, so you can apply to a real person.
Feedback and news/jobs tips welcome!
John Carson / johncarson AT gmail DOT COM
CHODAN: Canadian newspapers continue to cover stories that matter
Over the past year, Canadian newspapers have uncovered vital stories, including foreign election interference, a rigged procurement system, and the roots of the housing crisis. While major publications led many of these investigations, smaller outlets like The Eastern Door, The Brockville Recorder and Times, and The London Free Press also revealed important local stories, from sexual abuse by priests to police misconduct and tragic hate crimes. These newspapers provide essential, researched, and verified information that keeps democracy healthy, especially in a world filled with misinformation. This vital role of newspapers is highlighted during National Newspaper Week.
Youth Reporter Competition launches during National Newspaper Week
National Newspaper Week, celebrated from October 6th to 12th, highlights the important role newspapers play in delivering trusted news. The Canadian Forces Newspapers Youth Reporter Competition returns, inviting teens from military families to share their experiences. This year’s focus includes the employment challenges of non-military parents, encouraging teens to explore the career struggles and successes of their non-military parent. Another category, Narrative Journeys, invites teens to unleash their creativity through fiction, inspired by Fay Maddison’s Natasha’s Wood. The competition offers four categories, each with a $1,000 scholarship, and submissions are due by November 17, 2024.
Former Clearwater Times editor praises community news longevity
Supporting local newspapers can help prevent higher taxes, as research shows that towns without them often see tax increases. Local papers, like the Clearwater Times, have long played a key role in keeping local government accountable by attending council meetings and scrutinizing spending decisions. However, small-town papers are shrinking or closing due to declining ad revenue and unfair competition from social media, which thrives on controversial content without the same libel accountability as traditional media. To protect democracy and local journalism, Canada’s Parliament should ensure social media companies follow Canadian libel laws, helping level the playing field and preserving local news coverage.
I'm Adrian Ma, journalist. So is he. When we met, I learned we have even more in common
The author reflects on the experience of discovering another journalist with the same name, Adrian Ma, who works for NPR. This unexpected encounter sparks curiosity and a sense of competition, particularly since the other Adrian seems more successful, hosting a popular podcast. Despite some initial unease, the two Adrians connect, discovering shared backgrounds and career paths—both are children of Chinese immigrants who turned down law careers to pursue journalism. The meeting offers a mix of light-hearted banter and deep reflection on identity, self-comparison, and the journey through life and career. Ultimately, the author feels grateful for this connection, realizing that both Adrians had been inspired by each other from afar.
With months left in her tenure, CBC/Radio-Canada CEO says losing the broadcaster would be 'tragic'
Outgoing CBC/Radio-Canada CEO Catherine Tait warned that dismantling the nearly 90-year-old public broadcaster, as proposed by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, would be "tragic" for Canada's cultural fabric. Tait acknowledged CBC's need to rebuild trust, especially with some Canadians skeptical of its programming. Polls show Conservative voters are divided, with many favoring defunding the CBC. While Tait regrets not addressing trust issues earlier, she emphasized the importance of public broadcasting and its role in telling Canada's stories. As she prepares to step down, Tait highlighted the need for sustainable funding to adapt to a changing media landscape and engage younger audiences through new digital platforms.
Opinion: The true value of local journalism is all around you
During National Newspaper Week in Canada, the author highlights the crucial role of journalism in supporting democracy and community engagement, especially in local news. Despite the decline in print revenue and the closure of over 500 newspapers since 2008, the importance of local journalism remains evident in covering everything from politics to community events. Though challenges persist, there is hope through growing philanthropic support, which has already fueled impactful reporting, such as The Narwhal's Michener Award-winning work. The author urges readers to support local news, emphasizing its value in representing and preserving their community.
These two local newspapers shunned the Internet and focused entirely on print. Here's why
Print media, once a dominant force, is now struggling with dwindling circulation and advertising revenues, as many publications shift to digital formats. However, niche publications like Canada's West End Phoenix and the U.S.'s TriCity News have resisted this trend, maintaining a loyal print readership by offering unique, community-focused journalism. Both founders, Dave Bidini and Dan Jacobson, emphasize print’s tangible presence, with Bidini noting the lingering impact of a physical newspaper in readers’ homes. Their success stems from providing content unavailable elsewhere and fostering close ties with their communities, which larger, digital-first outlets often lack.
Transparency and trust: How news consumers in Canada want AI to be used in journalism
Canadian news consumers want transparency regarding how AI is used in journalism, with concerns about AI’s impact on accuracy and misinformation driving a majority to support government regulation. A survey of 1,042 Canadians revealed that over 85% want newsrooms to disclose AI involvement, and nearly 60% would lose trust in news organizations if unaware that AI generated content. Trust in news declines as AI involvement increases, with most respondents preferring humans to make journalistic decisions. Concerns include reduced content variety, job losses, and the spread of disinformation, emphasizing the need for clear policies around AI use in journalism.
National Newspaper Week and the absolute state of print media
The user reflects on reading the October 11, 2024, edition of the Calgary Sun after years away from newspapers. The main headline about the Green Line LRT project echoed a UCP narrative the user had critiqued in their blog. The Sun's content highlighted the decline of newspapers, which now survive on federal subsidies and questionable ads.
Distinguished Canadian journalist Robert Fulford dead at 92
Robert Fulford, a towering figure in Canadian journalism, passed away at 92, leaving behind a legacy that spanned seven decades. Known for his critical integrity, Fulford was closely associated with Saturday Night magazine, where he served as editor for two decades, solidifying its role in shaping Canadian opinion. His illustrious career included contributions to major outlets like Maclean's, the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, and the National Post. Fulford’s insightful writing explored topics ranging from Canada’s national identity to culture and the arts. His books, including The Triumph of Narrative, examined the enduring power of storytelling. He was revered by peers for his sharp, direct style, and even in criticism, left a lasting impression. Fulford is survived by his second wife, Geraldine Sherman, and their family.
Marc Edge: How the government got involved and the bottom fell out of Canada’s news media
Canada's news media faced a severe collapse starting in 2023, worsened by federal mismanagement. The Online News Act, meant to protect media, failed when Meta refused to comply, exacerbating the crisis. Decades of unchecked media consolidation and lenient government policies had allowed private equity and hedge funds to strip newspapers of resources, leading to a near-monopoly between Postmedia and Torstar. Simultaneously, Bell and Rogers, while highly profitable, cut jobs and reduced news obligations, further undermining the industry. While some outlets like The Globe and Mail thrived, many believed Ottawa's misguided attempts to regulate media hastened its downfall, deepening the industry's financial and structural instability.
领英推荐
University of Regina celebrates revamped journalism, communications program
The University of Regina has relaunched its journalism program after a year-long pause, attracting 34 students to its revamped bachelor’s degree, which now integrates journalism, news media, and communications. The updated curriculum aims to prepare "career-ready" journalists and communication professionals for the rapidly evolving media landscape. At the program's celebration, Dean Shannon Dea emphasized the importance of trained journalists in combating misinformation and disinformation, particularly in an era of rising citizen journalism. Established in 1980, the "J School" had been suspended in 2022 due to instructor shortages and low enrollment.
Innovation Reporter (Editorial), The Globe and Mail
Supervising Producer, Video, The Canadian Press
Managing Editor, Inuit Art Foundation
Managing Editor, CBC News Network (English Services), CBC/Radio-Canada
Weekend News Manager, Corus
News Article Writer, DualShockers
Program Director, Global Investigative Journalism Network
The CIBC Digital Fellowship for Emerging Black Journalists, The Walrus
Team Editor - Breaking News, Toronto Star
Reporter - Niagara This Week (5-month contract)
Reporter, OMNI News Punjabi
News Director, Supervisor, CFTK-TV, Bell Media
Video Journalist, CityNews Calgary
Video Journalist, CityNews Edmonton
Producer/Reporter/Anchor, YourTV, Cogeco
Testimonials
"John’s newsletter has quickly become a must-read over the past few months, even if you’re not looking for a job. Each edition includes both carefully curated industry analyses and roles you might not find via traditional job boards. Browsing the newsletter gives you a weekly overview of the fourth estate and even provides hope (yes, outlets are still hiring!). I saw my dream job in this newsletter – and got it."
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