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 19, 2024 (Issue 13)
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
Guess who's reading old school newspapers? College editors say their stacks always dwindle
Amid declining physical newspaper circulation across Canada, the Interrobang, Fanshawe College’s campus newspaper, has seen a 30% rise in print readership over the past four years, with 2,000 copies being read biweekly. Students like Nathan McIlwain and Ashley Partington cite the tactile experience and engaging cover art as key draws to the print edition, which has seen its pickup rate increase from 57% to 87% since the pandemic. Despite a shift towards digital during COVID-19, Editor Hannah Theodore emphasizes the excitement surrounding the physical newspaper, reflecting the creative spirit of Fanshawe's programs. While some students, like Adriana Morales, question the relevance and environmental impact of print, Interrobang continues to prioritize both print and digital formats, with discussions of increasing print runs as demand grows.
Writing your own ‘Journalism Manifesto’ can be a powerful way to ground your practice on solid foundations
In my third-year "Journalism and Belonging" course at Carleton University, I guide students in understanding the importance of diversity, inclusion, and self-reflection in journalism. A key activity I developed is the "Journalism Manifesto," which encourages students to ground themselves in their values, consider their social identities, and reflect on how they want to conduct themselves as journalists. This introspective exercise invites students to explore their perspective, tone, and attitude in relation to their work and the people they interact with. The manifesto serves as a personal compass for navigating challenges in their careers, helping them stay true to their goals and purpose. This activity has resonated with both students and professional journalists, offering a rare opportunity for reflection amidst the fast-paced demands of the industry.
How newsrooms should be thinking about AI
As AI becomes more integrated into newsrooms, researchers emphasize the importance of AI literacy and experimentation while upholding journalistic ethics. Although AI can enhance efficiency by automating repetitive tasks like creating charts or generating real estate articles, concerns about bias, transparency, and accuracy remain. AI tools, like large language models, must be used as aids in journalism, not replacements for human oversight. Ethical discussions around AI usage, transparency, and its impact on journalistic roles are crucial, as are guidelines and training to ensure responsible use. Ultimately, while AI's role is expanding, human editorial judgment and ethical considerations must remain central.
Journalists shouldn’t have to pledge allegiance to the government or the monarchy to do their jobs
The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) urges Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Education Minister Jill Dunlop to exempt journalists at TVO and TFO from signing mandatory oaths of allegiance to the provincial government and the monarchy. Brent Jolly, CAJ president, argues that such pledges compromise journalistic independence by aligning journalists with the state, which contradicts their role of holding governments accountable. Ontario regulations currently require public sector employees to sign two oaths, but exemptions exist for those with dual citizenship or conflicting views on the Crown-Indigenous relationship. The CAJ asserts that journalism should remain independent, serving only the public’s right to know.
Kirk LaPointe: Mr. Poilievre, the CBC must be fixed not nixed
The phrase "Defund The CBC" has become a politically charged slogan, open to interpretation and used effectively by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to rally support. However, despite its popularity, the specifics of what "defunding" would entail remain vague, creating uncertainty. Poilievre’s call for defunding raises various possibilities, from cutting all public funding to targeting specific services like English-language news or Canadian entertainment. While some argue for a complete overhaul or privatization, critics believe the CBC plays a vital role in Canadian journalism and culture. The debate reflects deeper concerns about the future of public broadcasting in a changing media landscape, with calls for reform instead of outright elimination.
Stephen Lewis Climate Journalism Fellowship
The Energy Mix is launching the Stephen Lewis Climate Journalism Fellowship in October 2024, aimed at Canadian students or recent graduates in journalism or climate-related programs. Named after Stephen Lewis, a renowned Canadian diplomat and philanthropist, the fellowship is designed for skilled newswriters passionate about climate change. It offers a remote, part-time position for 12-15 weeks, paying $22.50 per hour, with duties evolving from desk rewrites to original reporting. Candidates should have expertise in climate change or related topics, strong English writing skills, and a solid understanding of news practices and ethics.
Former Chief Justice shares her first job: ‘I covered the Salad Queen contest, which was a big deal in those days’
At 19, after growing up on a ranch and working at home, the speaker's first real job was as a "junior reporter" at the Edmonton Journal for $325 a month. Despite aspiring to report on significant events, she was assigned to the "women’s section," which focused on topics like recipes and church groups. Initially disappointed, she resolved to make the best of it and learned her first lesson: take any opportunity, even if it's not the ideal job. A notable experience was writing a front-page story about a tassel dancer, which upset the editor-in-chief as it deviated from the usual content. Although the summer job made her realize journalism wasn’t her path, it wasn’t wasted. She gained valuable skills in writing, organization, and working under deadlines, which later benefited her in law.
Western Wheel named Best All-Round Newspaper in Canada
The Western Wheel, an Okotoks-based community newspaper, has continued its tradition of excellence by winning four awards at the 2024 Canadian Community Newspaper Awards, including Best All-Round Newspaper in its circulation class. Other accolades include Best Front Page, third place for Best Editorial Page, and third place for Best News Feature Photo, awarded for a piece by reporter/photographer Robert Korotyszyn. Publisher Shaun Jessome praised the editorial staff for their commitment to accurate reporting, especially in today's climate. The newspaper has consistently been recognized, having been runner-up for Best All-Round Newspaper in 2023 and a winner the year before.
Behold! The Tyee’s 2023 Impact Report
The Tyee, a non-profit newsroom, publishes an annual report detailing its operations, funding, and accomplishments, supported by contributions from readers. In 2023, the publication celebrated its 20th anniversary with a sold-out party, a bestselling anthology, and record fundraising to bolster its election coverage. The report highlights the publication’s steady growth in a challenging media landscape, with a commitment to independent, high-quality journalism. It also includes the names of over 9,000 supporters who contributed that year, and reflections on lessons learned from two decades of impactful reporting.
领英推荐
From the editor: The Runner at risk, your student newspaper under threat
Last month, Polytechnic Ink Publishing Society (PIPS) received a petition signed by 150 Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) students calling for its dissolution, which would also dissolve student publications The Runner and pulp MAG. The petition also sought the removal of Bylaw 11, which ensures PIPS’s independence, and demanded the destruction of all PIPS articles related to the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA). However, PIPS found that many signatures were invalid, and some students said they were misled into signing the petition, believing it was about unrelated matters. The potential dissolution of these student-run publications is concerning as they serve as platforms for free speech, community engagement, and professional development for students.
https://runnermag.ca/2024/09/from-the-editor-the-runner-at-risk-your-student-newspaper-under-threat/
Ontario Bureau Chief, The Canadian Press
Operations Manager and Audience Specialist, IndigiNews
Eden Fineday, e-mail: [email protected] with the subject line Operations Manager and Audience Specialist for more info. This is not a reporter position. / https://docs.google.com/document/d/13IG5ChuOrVEQfgt7FYBZXawjTpxG8Vn29plIrWAgb2w/edit?pli=1
Managing Editor/News Director, SecondaryLink
Breaking News Correspondent, Thomson Reuters
Desk Editor, Reuters
Reporters (x2), The Prince George Citizen
Kennedy Gordon, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.jeffgaulin.com/jobs/JobDetails.asp?id=33610
Copy Editor, Digital News (English Services), CBC/Radio-Canada
Reporter/Editor - Thompson (English Services), CBC/Radio-Canada
Night Editor, The Brandon Sun
Matt Goerzen, e-mail: [email protected] / https://www.jeffgaulin.com/jobs/JobDetails.asp?id=33611
Reporter (x2), Financial Post (reposted by employer)
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