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 3, 2024 (Issue 15)
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
Kwantlen University student newspaper threatened with shutdown
A student petition at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is calling for the dissolution of the campus newspaper, The Runner, and the removal of all mentions of the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA) from its archives, but progress on the petition has stalled. The petition, which gained enough signatures to trigger a special general meeting for the newspaper's publisher, Polytechnic Ink Publishing Society (PIPS), also demands changes to bylaws preventing KSA executives from joining PIPS' board. While tensions between The Runner and the KSA are evident, with the KSA criticizing the paper's coverage as misleading and defamatory, there is no clear evidence linking the KSA to the petition. The situation is further complicated by university concerns over safety and proposed constitutional changes from the KSA, including restricting media access to meetings and doubling the terms of student executives. Both the KSA and PIPS are non-profit, student-funded entities, operating independently of university administration.
Journalism requires investment, engagement, and the odd order of souvlaki with thick-cut fries
In the late 1980s, as an editor for The Plant, Dawson College's student newspaper in Montreal, the author recalls the passion and dedication of student journalists producing the paper using paste-up methods with Exacto knives. Covering student elections, policies, and activism, the experience fostered a deep understanding of independent journalism's role in engaging citizens. This ethos, which prioritizes connecting with readers, continues to guide the author's work at The Walrus, a publication that has thrived amid the challenges faced by media outlets. Despite significant National Magazine Awards success, The Walrus remains vigilant, particularly as generative AI and rising production costs threaten its survival. Support from readers is essential to sustaining its commitment to public interest journalism.
Journalism is society’s safety net
World News Day 2024 sees a record number of newsrooms participating, celebrating the vital role of independent journalism in providing truth and accountability to communities and nations. It highlights the courage of journalists who often work in dangerous conditions, challenging misinformation and political agendas. As public discourse becomes increasingly coarse, the day serves as a reminder of the value of responsible journalism, which remains a bridge between people and the truth, despite threats and attacks. World News Day also emphasizes the personal cost borne by journalists and the importance of their audience’s support in maintaining editorial independence and exposing corruption. Ultimately, it reaffirms the power of journalism to sustain hope and serve as a cornerstone of democratic societies.
EDITORIAL: The truth is out there, but it's hidden
World News Day on September 28, 2024, highlighted the theme of truth, especially significant for Canadians who have faced restricted access to news since social media platforms, like META-owned Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, blocked Canadian news outlets following the passage of Bill C-18. This Online News Act was intended to help media companies negotiate with tech giants for compensation but led to news blockages instead. As a result, Canadians increasingly rely on blogs and individual journalists for news, while META has also reduced "political content" through AI and user surveys, limiting coverage of significant issues like Palestine. Coinciding with World News Day, Right to Know Week emphasized the public's right to information, underscoring the importance of journalism and access to information in fostering democracy, equality, and development.
CTV says staffers who altered Poilievre clip 'no longer' work for its news team
CTV has removed two news team members following an internal investigation into the airing of an altered clip of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, which created a misleading impression in a national news report. The investigation found that the video was manipulated to suggest Poilievre was introducing a non-confidence motion aimed at the Liberal government’s dental care program. In reality, Poilievre had referred to a "carbon tax election." Poilievre criticized the report as "dishonest" and "fraudulent" and accused CTV's parent company, Bell, of targeting him due to his stance against corporate elites. CTV apologized for the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to accurate and independent journalism.
195 years: Broadview’s legacy as a progressive Christian voice
The publication in question, founded nearly 200 years ago as The Christian Guardian, has persisted against the odds, shaping both church and nation while courting controversy. Launched by Methodist ministers in 1829 to unite and educate Upper Canadian Methodists, it began with a used printing press and a modest budget. Over its long history, it has been a progressive voice, addressing ethical issues and sparking debates, often challenging conservative views. Though it has undergone numerous transformations, it remains Canada’s oldest continuously published periodical, serving as a moral compass and reflecting the evolving values of the nation.
Castanet launches new edition in Nelson, B.C.
Castanet Media, B.C. Interior's leading news platform, has expanded into the West Kootenays by acquiring The Nelson Daily on September 1, 2024. The move includes plans to establish a physical newsroom in downtown Nelson, enhancing local journalism while preserving the community's unique voice. Led by veteran journalist Tim Schafer, who co-founded The Nelson Daily, the team will also feature GeoLyn Mantei as general sales manager. Schafer and Mantei aim to strengthen local storytelling and business support. Castanet’s Nelson newsroom marks its seventh location, with further expansions planned in Trail and Castlegar.
This Day in History: The People's Paper debuts with a giant Vancouver real estate story
John McLagan founded The Vancouver World 136 years ago, offering a liberal, populist alternative to the more conservative local newspapers. Launched on September 29, 1888, the paper gained attention for its detailed real estate reports, documenting the city’s growth, and providing invaluable insights for future researchers. Notable early developments included the Hotel Vancouver and a building by Canadian Pacific Railway co-founder Donald A. Smith, designed by famed architect Bruce Price. The World’s real estate listings captured the expansion of neighborhoods and the construction of key buildings, some of which remain today. Many early structures, however, were replaced in the city’s rapid development during the 1910s and 1920s.
Canadian media should refocus on storytelling, not gov handouts: broadcasting CEO
Canadian broadcasters like CBC Gem are struggling with low viewership, with only a fraction of audiences watching on local platforms, while international streaming giants dominate the Canadian market. Industry leaders, such as Blink49 Studios CEO John Morayniss, argue that the reliance on government funds and financial incentives stifles innovation and original storytelling in Canada. Morayniss emphasizes that Canadian content needs to focus on culture and creativity rather than viewing tax credits and production infrastructure as commodities. CBC’s executive VP Barbara Williams acknowledges the overwhelming presence of foreign streaming services, but believes CBC still produces high-quality content that is struggling to get noticed. Industry executives are calling for more investment in research and development to foster fresh voices and take creative risks, warning that without changes, Canadian talent will continue to leave for better opportunities abroad.
Allison Hanes: The Gazette's print edition comes home to Hudson on Saturdays
Hudson Hardware, a family-run store west of Montreal, has seen a surge in Saturday morning customers since it began selling printed copies of The Gazette in August. With home delivery ending off-island nearly two years ago, many Hudsonites missed their weekend ritual of reading the newspaper in print. Store owner Ken Crombie recognized the demand and took on the logistics of transporting the papers to his store, turning it into the largest single retailer of The Gazette in the Montreal area. The initiative has revitalized a community tradition, with customers gathering early to pick up their papers, chat with staff, and buy household supplies. Locals, like Bill Bredt and Jen Goldfinch, appreciate having the paper close to home again, with many expressing their enduring love for print media and its role in local journalism.
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 214: Erin Millar on trust in media and the implementation of the Online News Act
Trust in the media has become a significant issue in Canada, with increasing doubts arising from media errors and questionable content, leading to concerns about government regulation and media funding. The Online News Act (Bill C-18) is at a crucial stage, with attention on the $100 million agreement Google made to avoid arbitration. This amount will be distributed by the Canadian Journalism Collective, led by Erin Millar, CEO of Indiegraf. In a recent podcast, Millar discussed potential solutions to rebuild trust in Canadian media, acknowledging the challenges posed by the ongoing "trust deficit."
Sweeping changes to news industry reflected in TRU's journalism school
Despite significant cuts in B.C.'s news industry, including at Radio NL and other major outlets, recent journalism graduates remain committed to their careers. Nicole Perry, a recent graduate and sole reporter for Sun Peaks Independent News, initially had concerns about job prospects but found optimism in the field. Thompson Rivers University's journalism program has adapted to the evolving media landscape, rebranding as a broader communication degree to better prepare students. While experts like Marc Edge point to declining advertising revenue and corporate ownership as threats to traditional media, others, like retired professor Maxine Ruvinsky, believe there will always be a place for truth-seeking journalists, even as media models shift.
领英推荐
Skift partners with Intrepid Travel on a Climate Hub for solutions-based journalism
Skift and Intrepid Travel have partnered to launch the Climate Hub, a solutions-based journalism initiative aimed at addressing the travel industry's climate challenges and promoting sustainable practices. Announced at the Skift Global Forum in September, the initiative will feature coverage from a newly hired climate reporter, focusing on sustainability across various travel sectors, including aviation and hospitality. Skift will maintain editorial independence, ensuring critical and impartial journalism. Intrepid, known for its responsible travel leadership, aligns with Skift's mission to highlight climate innovations shaping the future of travel. The hub's content will be featured in Skift's newsletters and events.
Village Media expands Queen’s Park bureau, establishes presence on Parliament Hill
Village Media has acquired Queen’s Park Today and Parliament Today, two political newsletters founded by journalist Allison Smith, expanding its coverage of Ontario provincial and federal politics. The deal, finalized on October 1, establishes Village Media's first bureau on Parliament Hill and integrates both newsletters into The Trillium, its legislative bureau at Queen’s Park. Katherine Declerq will continue editing Queen’s Park Today while taking on editorial duties at Parliament Today. The newsletters will maintain their teams, with reporters Alan S. Hale and Palak Mangat covering Ontario and federal politics, respectively. Smith will also be founding editor of the soon-to-launch TorontoToday, a local news outlet focusing on Toronto's community.
Now open: The Canadian Journalism Collective's application process to share in compensation from the Online News Act
The application process to share in compensation from the Online News Act and the process to become a member of CJC-CCJ are now open to all news businesses. News businesses who applied during Google's Open Call process must reapply using the form available at www.cjc-ccj.ca to be eligible. News businesses that missed the previous open call can now apply, but their eligibility to receive funds will be subject to the terms of the CRTC's exemption order.
Hugh Stephens: The integrity of journalism paywalls is under threat. The Government of Canada should settle the Blacklock’s case
Blacklock’s Reporter, a small independent news outlet, is appealing a Federal Court decision in Blacklock’s Reporter v Canada (Attorney General), which allowed widespread sharing of its paywall-protected content by government employees under the guise of "fair dealing." The case raises critical issues for independent journalism in Canada, particularly about the integrity of paywalls and password protection for proprietary content. While the government has heavily subsidized the media sector, this case highlights its reluctance to pay for content from small, non-subsidized outlets. The article argues that the government should settle the case, compensate Blacklock’s, and protect the paywall model essential to media survival in the digital age.
Editor, The Logic
Assistant Editor, The Logic
Video Journalist (STTRC) (x2) (English Services), CBC/Radio-Canada
Managing Editor, Room
Rivernotes Blog Editor, Atlantic Salmon Federation
Tom Cheney, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.jeffgaulin.com/jobs/JobDetails.asp?id=33615
Lead Assigning Editor, Multimedia, NerdWallet
Data Journalist, Haymarket Media
Reporter - insideottawavalley.com, Metroland
Reporter - Burlington Post, Metroland
The Globe and Mail’s 2025 Summer Jobs Program
Multimedia Journalist, Postmedia
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."
"I recently came across your newsletter, Journalism News and Jobs: Canada, and I think it is an incredible initiative. As a writer currently seeking my next role and exploring freelance opportunities, I've subscribed to several newsletters. However, yours stands out as particularly relevant, and I wanted to express my gratitude for that."
Digital Resilience Architect | Enterprise Transformation & Risk Strategist | Change Leadership
5 个月https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/laura-d-744206295_its-even-harder-for-young-people-to-find-activity-7248789269585002496-d6PY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
A seasoned professional in journalism, communications, editorial, digital content and social media strategy. Currently specializing in legal content, news, editorial, copywriting and project management.
5 个月And someone just submitted a job for next week's issue so keep 'em coming.
Freelance Video Editor 3 years of experince
5 个月Hi [John Carson], I'm a freelance video editor with 3+ years of experience, specializing in motion graphics and gaming video editing. I’d love to connect and learn more about this opportunity! Here’s my portfolio for reference: https://dipakaj4.my.canva.site/new. You can reach me via WhatsApp at +91 9818800374. Best, Deepak