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.
September 12, 2024 (Issue 12)
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
In ‘Under the White Gaze,’ a stirring call for change
In Under the White Gaze: Solving the Problem of Race and Representation in Canadian Journalism, Christopher Cheung explores how Canadian journalism often fails to adequately represent its ethnic diversity, focusing on the dominant “white gaze” that shapes media narratives. Cheung uses both scholarly research and personal experiences to examine how media coverage tends to "other" racialized communities, either exoticizing or marginalizing their stories. Through examples of biased reporting on immigrant cities and racialized communities, he reveals how mainstream news reinforces stereotypes and omits key voices. Cheung also discusses how journalists of colour struggle within predominantly white newsrooms, often pressured to conform to the dominant narrative. Ultimately, his book serves as a call for more inclusive and accurate media representation, urging journalists and editors to self-reflect and embrace intersectional approaches in their coverage.
The government is taking a puzzling approach to newspaper subscriptions: Peter Menzies in the Globe and Mail
If the Canadian government is serious about fostering a sustainable news industry, it should start by fully supporting the integrity of news subscriptions, including revisiting current tax policies and legal stances. The current 15% tax deduction on news subscriptions is insufficient, and raising it to 100% or at least 70%, as recommended by various experts, would better support journalism as a public good. Moreover, the government’s legal position in the Blacklock’s Reporter case—allowing subscription sharing under the fair dealing exception—undermines the financial viability of news organizations, despite its stated goal of supporting independent journalism. Critics argue that the government should reconsider its approach, as continued legal victories may harm the industry it claims to support.
Contend and Postmedia Studios announce strategic new partnership
Contend and Postmedia Network Inc. have announced a strategic partnership to launch Postmedia Studios, aiming to transform the Canadian media landscape through the creation and distribution of Canadian content. Leveraging the opportunities provided by Bill C-11, the initiative will focus on amplifying Canadian stories, with all intellectual property being produced and owned by Canadians. The collaboration includes a diverse slate of original programming across film, television, and short-form formats, highlighting Canada's history, true crime, sports heritage, and more. Additionally, the partnership will foster innovation in digital content production, create new advertising opportunities, and support a sustainable ecosystem for Canadian media growth.
Robert Barron column: 'Telegram' downsizing thought-provoking
The downsizing of The Telegram in St. John’s, Newfoundland, after 145 years of operation, has left its hometown and province without a daily newspaper for the first time in almost a century and a half. Recently acquired by Postmedia, the paper's newsroom staff has been cut by 30%, and its long-standing printing plant has been shut down, with printing now outsourced outside the province. This personal reflection highlights the writer's deep connection to The Telegram, having been inspired to pursue journalism after a childhood visit to its newsroom. Despite efforts to land a job there, the scarcity of positions led them to move west, where they eventually built a career in journalism, while lamenting the continued decline of the newspaper industry amid the rise of online news sources.
Unifor Submission on the Independent Local News Fund (ILNF)
Unifor, Canada's largest private sector union with over 320,000 members, including 10,000 in the media sector, supports revising the Independent Local News Fund (ILNF) to stabilize local news. Unifor's submission highlights the importance of funding local news to maintain Canadian democracy, and recommends expanding ILNF eligibility to a broader range of news providers meeting specific journalistic and community-based criteria. The union emphasizes the need for a platform-agnostic approach to funding and suggests prioritizing rural, remote, and underserved areas. It also stresses transparency, accountability, and fairness in fund allocation and compliance with journalistic codes.
The radio guest who wasn’t supposed to be there
This anecdote highlights the unpredictable nature of live journalism and the challenges faced by both hosts and guests. In a historic Toronto radio station, a host mistakenly pulls a man from the audience, assuming he is a scheduled guest. The man, who was actually there to get change for a parking meter, nervously participates in an interview, providing vague and irrelevant answers to the host’s questions. Only after the segment does the host realize the mistake, leading to a humorous yet cautionary tale about the responsibilities of both journalists and their guests in ensuring the accuracy and relevance of information shared with the audience.
How Meta’s news ban reshaped Canadian media
The Meta news ban, enacted in response to Canada's Online News Act, has significantly impacted Canadian news publishers and broadcasters. Since the ban, online traffic and engagement have dropped sharply, with news outlets losing 85% of their engagement on Facebook and Instagram, and a 43% overall decline in engagement. This has led to decreased revenue and viewership, particularly for smaller and independent outlets. Meta's decision to block news content, rather than pay for it, mirrors similar actions in Australia. The situation underscores the vulnerability of media reliant on social platforms and the need for alternative business models to support journalism. Despite some creative workarounds, such as sharing news through videos or direct links on other platforms, the ban has harmed audience reach and engagement, especially in rural areas, highlighting the challenges media face under big tech's influence.
Assistant Editor - Science Writer/Journalist, LabX Media Group
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Associate Editor, Kenilworth Media Inc.
News Reporter, St. Albert Gazette
Jennifer Henderson, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.jeffgaulin.com/jobs/JobDetails.asp?id=33607
Reporter, Clarks Crossing Gazette
Doug Rowe, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.jeffgaulin.com/jobs/JobDetails.asp?id=33608
Reporter, Pique Newsmagazine
Braden Dupuis, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.jeffgaulin.com/jobs/JobDetails.asp?id=33609
Community Journalist - Secwepemcúl’ecw, Discourse Community Publishing
Brandi Schier, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.jeffgaulin.com/jobs/JobDetails.asp?id=33606
News Article Writer, DualShockers
Reporter, Ottawa Bureau, The Logic
Attended University of the Punjab
1 个月Interested
#Freelancer Journalist #HumanRightsActivist #Researcher #Terrorism #Extremism #Militancy #Minoritie
1 个月I'm interested
Toronto Bureau Chief, Bloomberg News
2 个月You're doing the industry a fantastic service, John! Lots of great roles (including my current one with Advisor.ca and Investment Executive) have been posted in these editions.