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 26, 2024 (Issue 14)
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
CBC News and Radio-Canada Info recertified by Reporters Without Borders' Journalism Trust Initiative
CBC/Radio-Canada has announced that its news services have been recertified by the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), following external audits by the Alliance for Audited Media. The JTI, launched by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in 2018, evaluates a news organization's transparency and editorial practices to combat disinformation and promote trust. CBC News and Radio-Canada Info were the first Canadian broadcasters to receive JTI certification. For recertification, they assessed their journalistic practices, published Transparency Reports, and underwent independent audits, which reviewed key areas such as accuracy, accountability, and responsibility for sources. Other media certified by JTI include France Télévisions and the Winnipeg Free Press.
Rebel News not eligible for journalism tax credits, Federal Court rules
A Federal Court judge has upheld the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) decision to deny Rebel News journalism tax credits, ruling that the outlet does not produce enough original news content. Rebel News had applied for designation as a "qualified Canadian journalism organization," which would allow it to claim tax credits on newsroom salaries. However, the CRA found that less than 1% of Rebel News' content was original, noting that most of its material promoted a single perspective. After a failed reconsideration request, Rebel News sought a judicial review, but Justice Ann Marie McDonald found the CRA's decision justified, citing that out of 423 reports submitted for review, only 10 were original. Rebel News argued the ruling infringed on press freedom, but the court rejected this claim. Rebel News founder Ezra Levant called the case crucial for the future of independent journalism in Canada.
Seed grants to support climate and environmental journalism by immigrant, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)-Serving newsrooms in the United States and Canada
A 2023 study by Northwestern University revealed that over 200 U.S. counties are classified as “news deserts”—areas with little to no local news coverage—while 228 more are at risk within the next five years. This disproportionately affects communities of color and immigrant groups, who are often underrepresented or misrepresented in traditional media. To address this, the Earth Journalism Network (EJN), supported by the Wikimedia Foundation, is offering $8,000 seed grants to three BIPOC and immigrant-serving newsrooms in the U.S. and Canada. These grants will fund journalistic projects, such as investigative series or new tools for reporting, that enhance equitable media coverage on climate and environmental issues. Grantees will receive mentorship and assistance with media sustainability, and selected projects are expected to be completed by August 2025.
CERC Migration Journalism Fellowship program
CERC Migration has introduced a journalism fellowship at Toronto Metropolitan University, offering journalists the chance to enhance their knowledge of immigration and migrant integration research through a one-month residency. The program fosters collaboration between researchers and Canadian or international journalists, promoting evidence-based reporting on migration issues. Fellows will conduct their own field research, interact with experts, and explore how journalism intersects with academic research. Open to journalists with at least five years of experience in covering complex, international issues, the fellowship offers a $4,000 CAD stipend, academic support, office space, and professional development opportunities between March and November 2025.
Canadian journalism is dying, and philanthropy won’t save it
The future of Canadian media is precarious, with small- and medium-sized digital outlets struggling to survive amid dwindling funding and revenue. As philanthropic organizations shift away from supporting journalism, non-profit outlets like Ricochet Media face an unsustainable funding model, even as the government encourages them to attain charitable status. The recent closure of New Canadian Media, which aimed to address diversity in journalism, highlights the dire situation. With over 500 local outlets shuttered in 15 years and even major national outlets scaling back investigative journalism, the industry is shrinking, leading to fewer journalists covering crucial issues and a growing disconnection between Canadians and their communities. The rise of misinformation, a weakening democracy, and declining public interest in news underscore the need to treat journalism as a public service essential for democracy.
Fredericton's Grid City Magazine folds, but creator is hopeful about future of local arts scene
After a decade of highlighting Fredericton’s arts scene, Matt Carter has decided to end Grid City Magazine, an online platform he launched in 2014 to showcase local arts events. Carter, who initially created the publication to counter the misconception that "nothing ever happens" in the city, expressed difficulty in writing his final farewell, titled "Thank you and good night." Over the years, his personal life changed significantly, including getting married and becoming a father at 45, which shifted his priorities. While he once found joy in Grid City, he now enjoys spending time with his son. Carter believes that, with more people sharing arts content online, the local arts community is thriving, making it the right time for him to step away.
Writing Great Canadian Business Journalism 101
The author, a seasoned business journalist, highlights the growing demand for business journalism but notes a lack of training opportunities for emerging reporters to build their portfolios. To address this, they are teaching a class called "Writing Great Canadian Business Journalism 101" through Great Canadian Longform. The three-hour online session, scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, aims to demystify business reporting, introduce six key sources for story data and inspiration, and help attendees produce insightful business stories. At $40 per student, the class offers valuable expertise at an affordable price.
Global news industry launches "Choose Truth" campaign ahead of World News Day
The global "Choose Truth" campaign, launched as part of the lead-up to World News Day on September 28, involves news organizations, media associations, and individuals from over 100 countries, aiming to promote fact-based journalism. Co-organized by WAN-IFRA's World Editors Forum and the Canadian Journalism Foundation, the campaign highlights the importance of supporting trustworthy news outlets in a landscape rife with misinformation. The theme, developed by Project Kontinuum, reinforces the role of journalists in defending truth. Leaders like David Walmsley, Branko Brkic, Maria Ressa, and Ladina Heimgartner emphasize the essential duty of journalists to uphold accurate, independent reporting as a cornerstone of democratic society.
Case Study: Canada’s Online News Act hurt journalism, competition, and the Internet
Many countries are considering laws, like "link tax" schemes, to help the struggling news industry by requiring large digital platforms to compensate media outlets for using their content. However, Canada's 2023 Online News Act demonstrates that such laws can backfire. Instead of supporting journalism, they disrupt access to information, hurt small media outlets, and reinforce the dominance of large platforms. When Meta blocked news links in response to the law, smaller news organizations lost significant traffic. Additionally, these regulations pose risks to online security and innovation, potentially fragmenting the Internet and stifling the digital economy.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Safety and security for media
Journalist safety and press freedom are deteriorating globally, with the United States falling to 55th place in the press freedom index due to rising distrust, disinformation, and violence against journalists, particularly women and minorities. In 2023, one journalist was killed, and governments are often complicit in the decline of press freedom. Canada, ranked 14th, fares better but faces growing threats, including journalist arrests during protests and media consolidation, with 80% owned by five corporations. Scandinavian countries lead in press freedom, while Mexico remains one of the deadliest countries for journalists. To preserve democracy, there must be sustainable solutions for both national and local journalism platforms.
Facts & Frictions
"Facts & Frictions seeks scholarly articles, works of journalism, research notes, commentaries and reviews for upcoming issues. Our mission is to promote diversity of discourse on emerging issues and controversies in journalism and journalism education."
The bill on Canada’s digital policy comes due: Blocked news links, cancelled sponsorship, legal challenges, and digital ad surcharges
Canada's recent digital policy, including Bills C-11 (Internet streaming), C-18 (online news), and a new digital services tax (DST), has resulted in unintended negative consequences. Despite warnings that tech companies would adjust their budgets or pass costs to consumers, the government pushed forward, expecting tech companies to pay billions in mandated payments. As a result, there are now legal challenges, news link blocks on Meta platforms, reduced media trust, cancelled sponsorship deals worth millions, and a Google ad surcharge to cover the DST. The policies have hurt Canadian creators and businesses, while higher consumer costs and retaliatory trade measures loom. Critics argue these outcomes were predictable but ignored by policymakers.
领英推荐
The revival of Laurentian's Francophone student newspaper: A new era under Katherine Lehoux
Katherine Lehoux, a second-year Business Administration student at Laurentian University, has taken on the role of reviving the Francophone student newspaper, l'Orignal Décha?né, which had been inactive for two years. With a background in journalism from high school and a deep passion for her Franco-Ontarian community, Katherine seized the opportunity to become the editor, blending her entrepreneurial skills and enthusiasm. She aims to not only restore the paper's print edition, but also expand its online presence to engage more students. Her vision for the paper is to foster unity among Francophone, bilingual, and French-curious students, promoting both language and community-building at Laurentian. Already receiving positive feedback, Katherine is excited to lead this new chapter of l'Orignal Décha?né, embodying both tradition and modern innovation.
Newsroom cut by half as Kamloops' Radio NL transitions to music
Radio NL, a long-standing radio station in Kamloops, B.C., is transitioning from a talk radio format to a mix of music, news, sports, and community information, resulting in the layoff of more than half of its newsroom staff. Four of the station's seven journalists have been let go, although the station will maintain a smaller newsroom. The format change is part of broader challenges facing AM radio stations in Canada, with Radio NL's news director, Paul James, acknowledging the financial difficulties of sustaining news-talk operations in smaller communities. The shift follows the recent closure of the city's last print newspaper, Kamloops This Week, raising concerns about the future of local journalism. Despite the layoffs, Stingray Radio, which owns CHNL, remains committed to its role in the Kamloops community.
Independent Advisory Board on Eligibility for Journalism Tax Measures - Annual Report 2023-2024
Independent journalism is vital to Canadian democracy by ensuring transparency, accountability, and an informed public, offering accurate information and diverse perspectives. The rise of digital media and artificial intelligence has created challenges for print journalism, pushing the industry to innovate and adapt. The Government of Canada supports the press through tax measures, with the Independent Advisory Board on Eligibility for Journalism Tax Measures recommending which organizations qualify for these benefits. The Board plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the industry, safeguarding access to reliable news, and fostering trust in journalism, as highlighted in its annual report.
Bad Press XVI
Bad Press is a journalism meetup in the GTA happening on Wednesday, Oct. 9, starting at 7 p.m. at the Monarch Tavern (12 Clinton St., Little Italy). Attendees will have exclusive access to the first floor, with easy access to the second floor as well. It's a free event, aimed at fostering networking among journalists, with a special emphasis on students and young journalists. Registration is free and helps estimate attendance, but attendees are asked to refund their tickets if they can't make it. Unifor is sponsoring food for the night.
Editor, Key Media
Deputy Foreign Editor (Editorial), The Globe and Mail
Labour Reporter, The Tyee
Assistant Managing Editor, English Service, The Canadian Press
Reporter-Editor - Broadcast/Newscaster, The Canadian Press
Reporter, Globe Advisor, The Globe and Mail
Digital Editor, Public Policy Forum
Journaliste Télévision, RNC Media
Mining Editor, Kitco Media
The Martin Wise Goodman Canadian Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University
Digital Reporter, TVO
Deputy Weekend and Planning Editor, Online, Reuters
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."