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 1, 2024 (Issue 6)
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
Canadians are using Facebook less as a source of news
The latest Canadian edition of the Digital News Report highlights a continuing decline in engagement with news on Facebook, a trend that predates Meta's recent blocking of journalistic content and is observed internationally. Despite Meta’s actions, 73% of Canadians still check the news daily, but Facebook use for news dropped from 29% in 2023 to 25% in 2024, with YouTube now surpassing Facebook for news consumption. Since 2016, the use of Facebook for news has decreased by 21 percentage points in Canada and 16 percentage points internationally. Younger adults are leaving Facebook, with only 46% of those aged 18-34 using it recently. The report also found that Canadians are cautious about AI-generated news, particularly for political topics, and despite a brief decline, the number of Canadians paying for online news has returned to 2022 levels.
Journalists are becoming cogs in the outrage machine
On July 14, hours after an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the X account Libs of TikTok, run by Chaya Raichik, targeted UBC professor Karen Pinder for her controversial posts about the incident. Raichik, known for provoking right-wing outrage, had previously incited violence through her posts. Pinder's posts were widely condemned and led to UBC investigating her, though the news spread rapidly before the university could respond. The Canadian Press and other media outlets reported on the incident without noting its origins from Libs of TikTok. This case highlights the challenges faced by the media industry, including declining trust and job cuts, and the growing reliance on social media for news, despite its flaws and potential to amplify harassment and misinformation.
How to safeguard the CBC/Radio-Canada
An advisory panel has been appointed to help modernize CBC/Radio-Canada amidst uncertainty following decades of funding cuts and defunding threats from Conservatives. Ensuring the CBC's future and the broader broadcasting landscape requires providing the corporation with sufficient funding and less government control. Despite recent legislative measures to protect the industry, economic challenges persist, favoring international over uniquely Canadian content. The CBC uniquely produces culturally reflective programs like "Little Mosque on the Prairie" and "Schitt's Creek," unlike private broadcasters that favor American content. To maintain its mandate and independence, the CBC must be legislatively assured financial security and freedom from political influence before the next federal election.
The secret life of newspaper headlines
Newspaper headlines are typically concise, designed to draw readers into the article. However, some headlines, like "Poilievre unrecognizable to 34% in poll" from the Toronto Star, can prompt humorous skepticism. Others, like Welland Tribune's "Ford remains behind plan to sell cocktails at corner stores," reflect political maneuvers. Headlines can also capture significant events succinctly, such as historical moments like "Nixon Resigns" or "Beatle John Lennon Slain." Some headlines are so impactful they inspire songs, like Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young's "Four Dead in Ohio." In Canada, humorous and animal-related headlines, such as “Goat arrested for walking into Saskatchewan Tim Hortons,” are particularly popular, showcasing a lighthearted take on news. These headlines highlight cultural differences and the unique character of Canadian news reporting.
Postmedia enters agreement to buy SaltWire chain of newspapers
Postmedia has agreed to purchase SaltWire, Atlantic Canada's largest newspaper chain, which has been under creditor protection since March. SaltWire publishes over 20 newspapers in the region, including The Chronicle Herald, The Guardian, and The Telegram. Postmedia's acquisition aims to support local journalism and provide necessary operational resources. However, the sustainability of SaltWire's current operations is in question, and cooperation from the company's workforce and unions will be crucial. While some view the acquisition positively for preserving journalism jobs, others express concerns about losing local news sources. The deal is expected to close by late August, pending final details and approvals.
领英推荐
Alfred Hermida pioneered digital media so we can learn how to do journalism without it
Alfred Hermida, a journalism professor and former director of the School of Journalism, Writing, and Media (JWAM), takes pride in fostering a community at JWAM. His passion for journalism and academia drives his ambition to transform reporting to better serve underserved communities. Hermida's career highlights include pioneering the BBC's digital news platform during the 1996 UK elections. He emphasizes the evolving nature of journalism, advocating for innovative forms that address community issues. Hermida's teaching philosophy focuses on critical self-questioning and serving the community. He co-founded The Conversation Canada to bring expert-based news analysis to Canadian media, promoting trust and engagement in journalism.
Sale of Atlantic Canada’s biggest newspaper chain could reduce local content: expert
Postmedia's proposed acquisition of Atlantic Canada’s largest newspaper chain is expected to lead to job cuts and a decline in local content, according to journalism expert April Lindgren. Postmedia has a history of closing unprofitable publications, having shut down 57 news outlets since 2008. The company announced its plans to buy assets from SaltWire Network Inc. and The Halifax Herald Ltd., both in creditor protection, with the deal pending court approval and union negotiations. Concerns about the reduction in local news have been raised by Magda Konieczna, who emphasized the need for greater investment in local journalism. Federal programs have provided some support, but more is needed as advertising revenue struggles to recover post-pandemic. Lindgren noted that while a Postmedia takeover may prevent bankruptcy, it is indicative of a broader trend of cost-cutting in the media industry, with many companies closing numerous outlets in recent years.
Reporter/Editor (English Services), CBC/Radio-Canada
Associate Editor, CAA Magazine
https://www.dhirubhai.net/jobs/view/3579553999/ / https://finallycontent.com/index.php/portfolio-item/caa-magazine/
Civic News Reporter, Claresholm Local Press
Amanda Zimmer, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.claresholmlocalpress.ca / https://www.jeffgaulin.com/jobs/JobDetails.asp?id=33597
Reporter, Green Street News
Video Journalist, CTV Atlantic, Halifax
Environmental Markets Correspondent, Carbon Pulse
Senior Reporter, The Fifth Estate (English Services), CBC/Radio-Canada
Analysis Editor at The Lawyer's Daily
7 个月This is a terrific resource John! Congratulations.