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.
August 22, 2024 (Issue 9)
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
Lessons from Canada: California Journalism Preservation Act will help save local news | Opinion
The decline of local news in the U.S. and Canada, exacerbated by dominant tech companies like Google and Meta, has fueled the spread of misinformation and the growth of news deserts. California is considering the California Journalism Preservation Act, which would require these tech giants to compensate digital journalism providers for their content, following Canada's example with the Online News Act. This Canadian law has provided crucial financial support to local news organizations, helping them rebuild and maintain quality journalism. The California legislation aims to achieve similar outcomes, ensuring the sustainability of independent journalism in the face of growing misinformation.
Hamilton's 900 CHML radio station, one of Canada's oldest, closes
The closure of Hamilton's 900 CHML radio station marks a significant loss for the community, ending nearly a century of local broadcasting. The decision by parent company Corus Entertainment reflects broader industry challenges, including a shift in advertising revenue towards digital platforms. The station's closure has drawn widespread reaction, with local figures and former staff expressing their sadness and concern about the impact on community engagement and accountability. This closure is part of a larger trend of local news stations shutting down across Canada, exacerbating the decline of local journalism and its vital role in keeping communities informed.
Métis podcaster giving a voice to underrepresented communities
Métis journalist Matthew Harrison is amplifying underrepresented voices through his podcast From the Heart of Canada, produced by Winnipeg-based U Multicultural, a non-profit media platform dedicated to showcasing Canada’s diverse heritage. Harrison’s podcast explores topics related to Indigenous issues, history, and Canadian society, drawing from his academic studies and personal curiosity. His work aims to break down complex social and civic issues, making them accessible and relatable to a broad audience. Through his podcasting and writing, Harrison is not only sharing stories but also learning about his own culture and identity, while contributing to a more inclusive media landscape in Canada.
Nicholas Keung and how immigration stories shape the Canadian newcomer experience
The journalist, originally from Hong Kong, began his career in Canada during a challenging economic period, working in a food court before finding an opportunity as a bilingual reporter for a Chinese newspaper. This experience led to connections with mainstream media, eventually securing a role at the Toronto Star, where he spent six years on general assignments before covering immigration for 21 years. Over time, the media landscape shifted from a top-down, policy-driven approach to one that increasingly amplifies the voices and lived experiences of immigrants. The journalist measures success by the impact his stories have, whether by fostering understanding among readers or directly influencing policies and outcomes. He views journalism as a tool for nation-building, connecting diverse communities and promoting empathy.
Majority of Canadians agree media’s reliance on gov funding impedes impartial reporting
A True North-commissioned poll by One Persuasion reveals that 55% of Canadians believe government subsidies prevent news media from reporting impartially, with distrust particularly high among younger Canadians and Conservative or People's Party of Canada voters. In contrast, Liberal and NDP voters are evenly split on the issue, while significant portions of Bloc Québécois and Green Party supporters also express concerns about media neutrality. The poll, conducted online with 1,005 respondents, highlights widespread skepticism about the Trudeau government's $595 million subsidy program and the 2023 Online News Act, which requires digital platforms to pay for news links. Independent journalists have voiced their opposition to these subsidies through the Ottawa Declaration on Canadian Journalism.
Dean Ridings: The price we pay for 'Googling it'
Local newspapers were once the primary source for finding information about businesses and community events, but today, most people turn to Google. However, a recent U.S. federal court ruling has revealed that Google has maintained an illegal monopoly in the search engine market, using tactics that stifle competition and harm local journalism. As businesses shifted their advertising dollars from newspapers to Google, local papers lost critical revenue, leading to fewer reporters and diminished coverage of community issues. This decline in local journalism has serious consequences, including reduced voter turnout and unchecked corruption. To address this, legislation like the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act and the Community News and Small Business Support Act is being proposed in the U.S. to ensure newspapers can compete fairly in the digital age. The article emphasizes the need to support local journalism, as it plays a vital role in keeping communities informed and democracy strong.
TAIT: Reflecting on 45 years in journalism
The author reflects on a significant career milestone, feeling both nostalgic and contemplative about the future. They recount their journey from a young, aspiring writer discouraged by a college professor to a successful journalist who defied expectations, thanks to a lifeline offered by The Edmonton Journal. Key moments, such as their first byline, meeting influential figures, and covering major events like Rick Hansen's tour, shaped their career. Now, as they approach 50 years in journalism, they plan to dedicate their future work to helping those in need, inspired by a story they covered about a terminally ill girl who dreamt of being a ballerina.
Local news works: Testing the effectiveness of local news placements
A recent 3-month test in partnership with The Trade Desk demonstrated the effectiveness of local news placements. The test showed that local news inventory significantly boosted ad recall by 50%, achieved 15% higher TVQI (a measure of impression quality), and delivered over 50% higher unique reach compared to non-local news campaigns. Despite similar CPCV between the two, local news campaigns outperformed benchmarks in completion rates and viewability. These findings emphasize the importance of investing in local news, which not only supports a vital part of the media ecosystem but also offers advertisers high-quality, trusted environments that effectively engage audiences.
In hard times for media companies, these people are working to bolster Indigenous news coverage in Sask.
At the First Nations University of Canada (FNUC), students in the Indigenous Communication Arts (INCA) program are learning journalism and broadcasting, preparing to cover a powwow. Alumni like Jaida Beaudin-Herney, who is Cree and Mi'kmaw, help guide students, emphasizing the need for Indigenous representation in media. The number of Indigenous journalists has fluctuated in recent years, and leadership roles have declined. Despite challenges like Meta’s news block and funding issues, publications like Eagle Feather News continue to serve Indigenous communities. Programs like INCA and a new four-year Indigenous journalism degree offer hope for future Indigenous storytellers.
Journalists for Human Rights appoints Executive Director Rachel Pulfer as the organization's first-ever President
Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) has announced a leadership update with Rachel Pulfer transitioning from Executive Director to the organization's first President as of August 6, 2024, following her fellowship at Harvard. Bill Killorn, who served as Interim Executive Director during her absence, is now the permanent Executive Director. JHR, Canada’s leading media development organization, has trained over 21,000 journalists globally, operating in more than 16 countries. Pulfer will focus on JHR's growth, while Killorn will oversee day-to-day operations. The new structure aims to enhance JHR's impact on promoting press freedom and human rights.
APF Canada announces launch of 2024-25 Media Fellowship Program
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) has launched its 2024-25 Media Fellowship Program, offering two Canadian journalists up to C$10,000 each to spend time in Asia researching stories for Canadian audiences. Established in 1986, the fellowship aims to enhance Canadian journalists' understanding of Asia and Canada-Asia relations. Since its inception, the program has supported 98 journalists, including notable figures like Carol Off and Chantal Hébert. APF Canada's President, Jeff Nankivell, emphasized the program's importance in promoting informed journalism amid increasing misinformation and fostering ties between Canada and Asia.
Q&A with journalism chair, Ravindra Mohabeer
The Canadian media landscape has faced significant changes over the past three years, with newsroom cuts becoming more common, as noted by The Canadian Journalism Foundation. The enactment of Bill C-18 in 2023, requiring tech companies to pay media organizations for hosting Canadian news, led to Meta blocking all Canadian news on its platforms. This has raised concerns, especially as a 2019 report from the Reuters Institute found that younger audiences predominantly rely on social media for news. Amid these shifts, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) media students are grappling with uncertainties about their future in the industry, while the School of Journalism, under Ravindra Mohabeer, works to support them and adapt to the evolving media environment.
Dark days for newspapers in Atlantic Canada
A century ago, the Evening Telegram in St. John’s was a lively 45-year-old newspaper, publishing cheeky editorials like one from August 21, 1924, which suggested that visiting Navy ships blast rocks from the St. John’s Narrows to improve the harbour. The paper reflected community concerns and called for local progress, particularly in shipping. Today, however, the Telegram’s future is uncertain, with its sale to Postmedia Network looming amid fears of layoffs and closures. The paper, like other Atlantic Canadian publications, has seen its workforce greatly reduced, and its potential disappearance would mark a significant cultural loss for the region. Pam Frampton, a long-time journalist at the Telegram, reflects on the newspaper’s rich history and the profound sadness of its precarious future.
OPINION: Just not true
The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) is a national program funded by the federal government to support journalism in areas with a shortage of investigative reporters. It helps news outlets, like The Chatham Voice, hire journalists to uncover local issues, with no obligation to promote the federal government. Despite claims, particularly by figures like Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, that LJI-funded outlets are controlled by Prime Minister Trudeau, the initiative simply supports investigative journalism without bias. The Chatham Voice emphasizes that LJI funding helped them remain operational during the pandemic and continue reporting on critical local issues like municipal spending, health care, and homelessness.
St. John's Telegram cutting its print run to once a week
The Telegram, the largest daily newspaper in St. John’s, announced it will reduce its print edition from daily to weekly, with the first weekly issue set for August 30. Although the print and digital editions will no longer be distributed daily, the newspaper will continue to publish news on its website. This change follows the recent sale of its parent company, SaltWire Network, to Postmedia for $1 million. With Postmedia not purchasing the printing press, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of the Telegram’s staff, especially its printing employees.
National Travel Editor, Postmedia
Assistant Editor, The Scientist (LabX Media Group)
Regional Ontario Online Journalist, Global News
Journalist, Met Radio
Reporter - Digital Content Centre, Metroland
Editor - Canada, RSM
Editor/Paginator (part time), The Canadian Press
Content Editor, Audience Growth, The Globe and Mail
Digital Reporter, SooToday
Reporter, insideottawavalley.com
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