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.
July 18, 2024 (Issue 4)
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
2024 applications open: CBC Indigenous Pathways to Journalism program
Applications for CBC's Indigenous Pathways to Journalism program are open for 2024-25. This paid, full-time, 9-month learning and development opportunity supports First Nations, Inuit or Métis candidates to hone their skills as storytellers at CBC, the national public broadcaster. Now in its third year, Indigenous Pathways provides journalism training, career development support, and work experience. Applicants do not require journalism education or experience to apply.
Journalists launch independent newspaper in Haida Gwaii
Since June 6, co-founders Stacey Brzostowski and Andrew Hudson have been publishing and distributing the Haida Gwaii News to the islands, located about 750 kilometers northwest of Vancouver. Brzostowski serves as the publisher and president of the parent company, Gumboot Press, while Hudson is the editor. The bi-weekly paper, which has a circulation of about 1,500, includes news articles, cartoons, and photographs from local contributors and plans to add an opinion page. The Haida Gwaii News fills a void left by the Haida Gwaii Observer, which stopped printing in 2020, and aims to keep the community informed and connected. Funded by ad revenue and donations, the paper is currently free but may introduce charges in the future. The initiative has been well-received, with strong community engagement and support, reflecting the vital role of local journalism in fostering community ties and accountability.
Corus Entertainment 'aggressively' cutting costs, laying off more employees as revenue slumps
Facing a "challenging advertising environment," Corus Entertainment, a Canadian media company, is aggressively cutting costs, continuing layoffs, and shutting down parts of its business. By the end of August, Corus plans to reduce its full-time workforce by 25%, cutting nearly 800 jobs since September 2022. This includes shutting down two AM radio stations in Vancouver and Edmonton. In its third-quarter earnings call, Corus reported a revenue drop to $331.8 million, down over $65 million from the previous year, driven by a 17% decline in television revenue and a 10% decrease in radio revenue. The company’s financial challenges reflect broader industry trends, with other media companies like Bell Media and Nordstar also announcing significant layoffs and restructuring. Corus executives highlighted that local news, especially in small markets, is struggling, while national news and digital operations remain growth drivers. The advertising slump has been attributed to factors like the lingering effects of the 2023 Hollywood strikes, inflation, and increased competition.
Canada runs on subsidies. Why shouldn’t news media get them?
The Ottawa Declaration on Canadian Journalism, signed by right-wing think tanks, publications, and journalists, critiques the current subsidy system for news media in Canada, arguing that it has decimated public trust and disproportionately favored large, legacy media corporations over independent outlets. The five-year, $595 million bailout initiated in 2019, now extended until 2029, has led many Canadians to believe that the press is compromised by government influence. Despite historical precedents of media subsidies in Canada, critics argue that there are better ways to support journalism that ensure independence and fairness. Other countries, including several U.S. states, have developed subsidy models that maintain media autonomy. The declaration suggests that if Canada continues to subsidize its news media, it should do so more equitably and transparently, avoiding favoritism towards established corporate entities.
Notes from a Jewish opinion editor of a university newspaper
As the new opinion editor for the Ubyssey, the University of British Columbia’s campus newspaper, I encountered early challenges tied to my Jewish identity, which made me more empathetic towards my contributors. I aim to platform diverse perspectives, balancing my own views with my responsibility to promote free expression. Over the past year, I've learned that conversation can bridge divides, press freedom and transparency are vital, the work is often uncomfortable, and censorship opposes social justice. Despite receiving criticism from all sides, I remain committed to fostering open dialogue and protecting contributors' rights to express their views, believing that engagement with differing ideas strengthens understanding and societal progress.
Can government funding dig media out of its trust deficit? Or is it only making matters worse?
Tom Korski, managing editor of Blacklock’s Reporter, advocates for the demise of Canadian news publications reliant on government subsidies, arguing they compromise journalistic independence. He is among 16 signatories of the Ottawa Declaration on Canadian Journalism, which calls for private news outlets to reject government funding. Studies reveal declining trust in media, with only 39% of Canadians trusting the news overall. Public opinion largely opposes subsidies, fearing they undermine objective reporting. Despite various federal subsidies totaling around $200 million annually, skepticism persists regarding the independence of government-funded journalism. The debate continues over whether such funding is necessary for the survival of news organizations in a challenging economic landscape, or if it inherently compromises their integrity.
领英推荐
Reporter, Canadian Affairs News Inc.
Lauren Heuser, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.canadianaffairs.news/
Reporter, Castanet Media
Colin Dacre, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.castanet.net/
Reporter, The Low Down to Hull and Back News
Trevor Greenway, e-mail: [email protected] / https://lowdownonline.com/
City Hall Reporter, Great West Media
Tim Shoults, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.stalbertgazette.com/
Journalist, The Mountaineer Publishing Company Limit
Glen Mazza, e-mail: [email protected] / https://mountaineer.bz/
Reporter, Town & Country This Week
Tim Shoults, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.townandcountrytoday.com/
Digital General Assignment Reporter, StratfordToday
Digital Editor (part-time), The Canadian Press
News Writer (and other editorial roles), Pocket-lint
General Reporter, Pattison Media Ltd
Corey Fischer, e-mail: [email protected] / https://broadcastdialogue.com/job/pattison-media-ltd-okanagan-full-time-part-time-general-reporter/