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 24, 2024 (Issue 18)
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
Postmedia’s cuts to newspapers in Atlantic Canada begin to hurt
Postmedia’s takeover of the SaltWire Network in Atlantic Canada this summer led to significant cutbacks, including layoffs and reduced local content, with The St. John’s Telegram now publishing just once a week and Halifax’s Chronicle Herald featuring Alberta oil ads on its front page. Award-winning cartoonist Michael de Adder was let go, marking the first time since WWII that the Chronicle Herald lacks editorial cartoons. The move reflects Postmedia’s trend of replacing local content with ads and opinion pieces.
New journalism fellowship invests in local journalism and encourages small newsrooms to think big
In response to the decline of over 500 local newsrooms across Canada in the last 15 years, the Michener Award and Rideau Hall Foundations (MAF and RHF) have launched the Norman Webster Fellowship to support small Canadian newsrooms. The fellowship, valued at up to $125,000, aims to help these newsrooms produce impactful stories while fostering early-career journalists. It honours Norman Webster, a celebrated Canadian journalist, and encourages local journalism's role in connecting communities, promoting diverse voices, and maintaining journalistic independence. The announcement came at a conference discussing the future sustainability of local news in Canada.
Empowering new voices in the digital age of journalism
The Journalism & Creative Writing (JCW) program, a four-year degree/diploma offered jointly by Trent University Durham GTA and Durham College, equips students with the skills needed for today’s evolving media landscape. Combining writing proficiency, practical training, and critical media analysis, the program prepares graduates to navigate platforms like social media, podcasts, and newsletters, alongside traditional journalism. With hands-on experience at The Chronicle, students develop versatile skills in digital publishing, broadcasting, and videography. As journalism faces the challenges of disinformation and trust erosion, JCW fosters ethical, impactful storytelling, empowering graduates to shape public discourse in diverse media roles.
Transparency and trust: How news consumers in Canada want AI to be used in journalism
Canadian news consumers are concerned about the use of AI in journalism, emphasizing the need for transparency around when, how, and why AI is utilized. A survey of over 1,000 Canadians revealed that nearly 60% would lose trust in a news organization if AI-generated stories weren't clearly identified, and more than 70% favored government regulation of AI in journalism. Respondents also expressed concerns about AI's potential impact on accuracy, job loss, and misinformation, while overwhelmingly preferring humans for editorial tasks like determining newsworthiness. While AI holds promise for improving journalism, the research highlights the importance of clear standards to prevent eroding trust.
How do I land a job in The Globe and Mail’s newsroom?
As Head of Newsroom Development at The Globe, a key aspect of the role is hiring for editorial positions. The top skills sought in candidates are curiosity, critical thinking, and clear, engaging writing. While technical skills like coding or podcasting can be useful for specific jobs, they are not required across the board. A journalism degree is not necessary, but 3-5 years of experience is typically expected, except for entry-level roles like the summer jobs program and photo apprenticeships. To stand out, candidates should write concise cover letters that showcase their storytelling abilities. The newsroom fosters innovation, collaboration, diversity, and inclusion, with mentorship opportunities and a welcoming, high-achieving work environment. Remote work is possible for some roles, and freelance opportunities are available in select sections.
Another side of literary giant Mavis Gallant: the Montreal journalist
In 1950, 28-year-old Mavis Gallant left her newspaper job in Montreal and moved to Paris with $500, intent on becoming a full-time author. Over the next 50 years, Gallant became known for her expertly crafted short stories, many published in The New Yorker. Her work explored themes of displacement and transience, often set in post-WWII Europe. Gallant received numerous accolades, including the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Order of Canada. A recent collection of her early journalism from the Montreal Standard sheds light on her formative years as a journalist, exploring societal themes like female deviance and multicultural life in Montreal.
EDITORIAL: Choose your news sources wisely
The question, "Why haven’t you filed that story yet?" is commonly asked by editors as the pressure to break news quickly intensifies. However, journalists often delay filing a story to verify details and gather balanced perspectives, ensuring the accuracy of their reporting. In an era of nonstop news and rising misinformation, this critical step builds reader trust. Media Literacy Week, observed from Oct. 21-25, highlights the importance of relying on credible sources. The Canadian Journalism Foundation’s "Trust Wisely" campaign encourages Canadians to critically evaluate information sources, especially as misinformation becomes harder to distinguish online.
COLUMN: Navigating news in the age of misinformation
In an age where AI generates fake videos and social media accelerates the spread of falsehoods, distinguishing truth from fiction is more critical than ever. On World News Day, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa emphasized that "lies spread faster than facts," and without facts, democracy is at risk. With nearly half of Canadians struggling to differentiate between true and false information, the Canadian Journalism Foundation's "Trust Wisely" campaign urges Canadians to develop news literacy. Simple practices, like choosing credible sources and checking for bias, can help consumers navigate misinformation, ensuring informed decision-making and supporting democracy.
Caveat lector: the need for media literacy
The phrase caveat lector—"let the reader beware"—is essential in today's digital age, where misinformation is easily spread through social media. Unlike the past, when mass communication required significant investment and objectivity to reach wide audiences, anyone with a smartphone can now publish content globally with little accountability. As a result, readers must be cautious and critical of what they encounter online. Resources like SPOTfakenews.ca help navigate this landscape by encouraging readers to evaluate the credibility, bias, and timeliness of information. Though verifying sources may feel burdensome, the consequences of misinformation are severe, impacting everything from public health to political outcomes.
领英推荐
Veteran Quebec TV exec Marie-Philippe Bouchard named new CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada
Marie-Philippe Bouchard, a seasoned Quebec television executive, has been appointed as the next president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, starting her five-year term on January 3, 2025. She has been the president and CEO of TV5 Quebec Canada since 2016 and previously held management roles at CBC. Bouchard was also part of a committee considering the future of the broadcaster, set up by Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge. Her appointment follows a transparent selection process and she will replace Catherine Tait, who has faced criticism from members of the parliamentary heritage committee over executive bonuses amid a budget shortfall.
Apply to share in compensation pursuant to the Online News Act
News businesses seeking compensation from Google under the Online News Act for news production in 2023 must apply using a designated form. Only one application is required per business, regardless of the number of outlets operated. Previous participants in Google's open call must reapply via this form to be eligible. Applicants are encouraged to review the FAQ and relevant legislation before submitting. The deadline for submitting the application is November 1, 2024, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
New research project on Black community coverage supported by Carleton University’s Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre for Journalism and Belonging
A new research project, led by Carleton University professor Nana aba Duncan and Toronto Metropolitan University professor Eternity Martis, aims to reshape how Canadian media covers Black communities. Supported by Carleton's Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre for Journalism and Belonging, the project, “Reporting in Black Communities,” will produce Canada’s first guidebook blending insights from Black news consumers, journalists, and media leaders. The goal is to promote accurate, dignified, and equitable media representation. The project, inspired by Martis’ course on reporting race, seeks to address the negative impacts of current coverage and influence better practices. Focus groups in four cities will help develop the bilingual guidebook, available in both English and French.
COMMENTARY: Local newspapers strengthen democracy
Local newspapers are disappearing rapidly, with significant closures in both the U.S. and Canada due to declining subscriptions and advertising revenue shifting to digital platforms. Despite these challenges, local newspapers remain vital to community life, especially in smaller towns. They are the most trusted news source and play a key role in promoting civic engagement, fostering community connection, and holding local institutions accountable. Local journalism is essential for democracy, stimulating open dialogue, reducing polarization, and supporting local economies. To sustain local newspapers, governments, citizens, and the private sector must provide financial support, explore non-profit and cooperative models, and ensure ethical, unbiased reporting.
Digital Broadcast Journalist, Global Halifax
Reporter - Digital Content Centre, Metroland
Deputy National Editor (Editorial), The Globe and Mail
R. James Travers Foreign Corresponding Fellowship
Business Editor, Americas, Spot Enterprise, Reuters
Reporter, Edmonton AM, CBC/Radio-Canada
Audience Growth Manager, Investigative Journalism Foundation
News Editor, Strategy Magazine
Jennifer Horn, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.jeffgaulin.com/jobs/JobDetails.asp?id=33629
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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