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 29, 2024 (Issue 10)
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
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncarson/
Letter: Government shouldn’t subsidize media
The letter criticizes The Lake Report's editorial for its stance on Pierre Poilievre and the Online News Act, arguing that liberals position themselves as the ultimate arbiters of truth while ignoring the negative impact of government intervention on media. The author defends Meta for resisting what they perceive as government coercion and claims that the act effectively leads to censorship by restricting access to Canadian media. They also challenge the need for government subsidies in journalism, suggesting it distorts incentives and leads to unintended consequences. Finally, the letter points out that while Poilievre may pander, liberal media does the same while falsely claiming moral superiority.
Are you the next Jack Layton Journalism for Change fellow?
The 2024/25 Jack Layton Journalism for Change Fellowship is now accepting applications from early-career journalists passionate about social justice reporting. Established in 2017 by rabble.ca and the Institute for Change Leaders, the four-month fellowship supports emerging journalists in developing their voices in social change reporting. Fellows work alongside rabble’s editor, receive story assignments, and have the opportunity to pursue a long-form feature or series. The fellowship provides a $5,000 stipend, paid monthly. The 2023/24 fellow, Madison Edward-Wright, focused on issues related to under-funding and under-supporting university staff and student workers in Canada.
https://rabble.ca/general/journalism-for-change-2024-25/
Journalists and social media users are key drivers behind product recall decisions
In 2023, Canada experienced a record 2,330 product recalls, prompting research into what drives manufacturers' recall decisions. The study highlights the influence of journalists and social media users on disclosure, revealing that positive news coverage encourages transparency about product defects, while negative coverage discourages it. Conversely, social media criticism increases recall transparency, while praise has little effect. These media influences are particularly significant when safety defects are severe. Regulatory limitations and financial motivations often delay recalls, leaving consumers at risk. Ultimately, journalists and social media users play crucial roles in holding manufacturers accountable and promoting product safety.
Telegram losing 30% of staff, including all photojournalists, says president of union local
The St. John's Telegram is reducing its print schedule from daily to weekly and cutting 30% of its staff, including all photojournalist positions. Keith Gosse, a photojournalist and president of Unifor Local 441, expressed dismay at the changes, noting the emotional toll on staff. Postmedia, which recently acquired the Telegram's parent company, SaltWire Network, is behind the cuts. Four out of 13 newsroom employees will lose their jobs. Despite the move to an online news model, media expert Erin Steuter warns that Newfoundland's aging population may struggle with the digital transition, emphasizing the importance of local, accurate journalism.
As Newfoundlanders say goodbye to a daily print paper, some worry culture will suffer
The Telegram published its final daily print edition in St. John's, Newfoundland, marking the end of a 145-year tradition as it shifts to a weekly print format with daily online news. The change follows Postmedia's $1-million purchase of the paper's parent company, SaltWire Network, but excluded the Telegram's printing press, leaving other local papers like The Shoreline scrambling to find new printing options. The press, now up for sale, holds cultural significance, with Memorial University’s archive noting its role in preserving local history. Despite the shift, concerns remain about the future of print media in Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly regarding its cultural impact and accessibility.
Conservatives find that proposing media reform is a dangerous minefield
Federal Conservatives in Canada are aggressively campaigning well ahead of the next election, despite it being over a year away. However, their strategy risks backfiring, with public missteps like labeling a modest Sudbury hotel as "lavish" drawing ridicule. The Conservatives are focusing on media reform, criticizing the Trudeau government’s media bailout and the controversial Online News Act, which caused Meta to drop Canadian news from its platforms. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has faced criticism for misleading statements, including claims about media censorship. Both major parties face challenges as media reform becomes a key election issue.
Why local news in Canada matters — and what some people are doing to try to save it
Over the past two decades, many local news outlets in Canada have shut down, but some initiatives are offering hope for the future. In the latest CBC Trust Talks series, Piya Chattopadhyay discusses the importance of local news, its challenges, and emerging strategies with various journalists. The panel includes April Lindgren, a journalism professor and researcher; Mohsin Abbas, publisher of Diversity Reporter Media Inc.; CBC's Juanita Taylor, who reports on Canada's North; and Nicholas Hune-Brown, executive editor of The Local. Their conversation took place at the Canadian Association of Journalists' national conference in June.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/audio/9.6490296
Postmedia completes $1-million purchase of Atlantic Canada’s largest newspaper chain
Postmedia Network Inc. has officially acquired Atlantic Canada’s largest newspaper chain, SaltWire Network Inc., and the Halifax Herald Ltd., for $1 million. The sale, approved by a Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge, includes notable publications like the Halifax Chronicle Herald and several others across the region. Postmedia's CEO Andrew MacLeod expressed commitment to maintaining the newspapers' community roles and quality journalism. While the acquisition is viewed positively for local news continuity, concerns remain about job security in circulation, advertising, and other departments, with some layoffs already confirmed at The Telegram in Newfoundland.
Young people turn to TikTok for news. What do they get?
TikTok, initially known for its dance videos, has evolved into a major platform for news consumption, particularly among younger audiences. With traditional platforms like Facebook and X seeing declines in news engagement, TikTok's user-driven video content has surged, especially after Meta blocked news in Canada. While TikTok's algorithms and moderation efforts aim to promote safety and fact-checking, experts like Melody Devries express concerns about the spread of misinformation, the challenges of breaking filter bubbles, and the potential harm of algorithm-driven content curation. Despite these challenges, Devries sees TikTok’s unique blend of entertainment and information as a powerful tool for both journalism and social engagement, though not without limitations.
https://thetyee.ca/News/2024/08/27/Young-People-Turn-TikTok-News/
Hub Exclusive: U.S. Ambassador says Canadians are consuming an ‘unhealthy’ amount of American news
U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen expressed concern that Canadians are consuming too much American news, particularly from partisan outlets like CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. He believes this focus on American politics is unhealthy and comes at the expense of Canadian political coverage. Cohen finds it odd, noting that Americans pay little attention to Canadian politics. He highlights that many Canadians rely heavily on American news sources, with outlets like The New York Times having a large Canadian audience. Cohen argues that this one-sided consumption can skew perspectives, as American news is often polarized and lacks the diversity of opinions needed for balanced political understanding.
How this 'early warrior' of climate change reporting helped change the media landscape
Peter Dykstra, a pioneering environmental journalist and former CNN executive producer, passed away at 67 due to complications from pneumonia. Known for his early and passionate coverage of climate change, Dykstra's career spanned decades, advocating for climate stories even when they were unpopular. Friends and colleagues, like Miles O'Brien, remember him for his encyclopedic knowledge, sharp wit, and dedication to environmental awareness. He worked at CNN for 17 years, winning multiple journalism awards, before leading Environmental Health News and The Daily Climate. Despite health setbacks, including paralysis, Dykstra continued contributing to climate journalism, leaving a lasting legacy.
Yukon Star closes after 4 months due to lack of capital
After just four months in business, the Yukon Star, a locally-owned news outlet, is closing down due to a lack of operating capital. Despite an enthusiastic start with successful crowdfunding and local investors, the outlet, founded to carry on the legacy of the closed Whitehorse Star, struggled financially. Publisher Max Fraser admitted that insufficient working capital was a critical oversight, as donations dwindled over the summer. Although the Yukon Star hired former Whitehorse Star journalists and aimed to offer local, diverse content, financial challenges ultimately led to its closure, raising concerns about the future of journalism in Whitehorse.
Newspaper errors baffle and infuriate
For journalists, making mistakes like misspelled names, incorrect math, or wrong attributions can be deeply troubling. Errors can arise from misunderstandings, unclear writing, or overzealous editing, and editors are not exempt from making these errors. A personal example includes mistakenly writing "Vanscoy, Alta." instead of "Vanscoy, Sask." in a photo caption. When mistakes happen, quick corrections follow, though determining what qualifies as an error can sometimes be debated. For instance, a reader pointed out that a story about Colin Thatcher incorrectly stated he had served his sentence, overlooking that he was still on parole, and another corrected the spelling of Kyiv from "Kiev."
Local journalism in Atlantic Canada in trouble as company known to 'slash and burn' buys dozens of newspapers
Postmedia’s acquisition of SaltWire Network, the largest newspaper publisher in Atlantic Canada, highlights the struggles of local journalism in the region. The $1-million deal saves SaltWire’s newsrooms but leads to layoffs, reduced print editions, and the closure of offices. Postmedia, known for cost-cutting rather than investing in local journalism, is criticized for undermining local coverage. Newsrooms like St. John's Telegram face drastic cuts, with fewer reporters and a shift to a weekly print edition. Amid shrinking newsrooms and regional layoffs by major broadcasters, independent outlets like The Fredericton Independent are emerging to fill the local news gap, though financial sustainability remains a challenge.
LETTER: Local journalism is essential for a healthy community and democracy
The Sarnia Journal is praised as a beacon of quality local journalism, playing an essential role in fostering a healthy community and democracy. It excels in balancing local challenges with celebrating the achievements of citizens, organizations, and businesses, helping the community feel connected and proud of Sarnia-Lambton. By highlighting local stories, the paper makes residents feel valued and informed, contrasting the often distant and impersonal nature of national news. The Sarnia Journal’s commitment to building a sense of identity and civic pride is recognized as vital to the strength of both the local community and Canadian society.
Editorial Director, Investment Executive and Advisor.ca
John G. Smith, e-mail: johng@newcom.ca / https://ca.indeed.com/job/editorial-director-investment-executive-and-advisorca-038c6733e09d4a81
Desk Editor, Reuters
Breaking News Correspondent (x2), Reuters
Digital News Producer, Reuters
Article Writer & Editor, Qanario (posted two days ago, may still be accepting applications)
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4011427199/
Senior Producer, Assignment (English Services), CBC/Radio-Canada
Magazine Editor, Darpan Publication Ltd.
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/jobsearch/jobposting/41772487
Content Editor (Editorial), The Globe and Mail
Weekend Content Editor (Editorial), The Globe and Mail
The Walrus Editorial Fellowship (x2), The Walrus
https://thewalrus.ca/about/careers/
Personal Finance Video Producer, TD MoneyTalk, TD Bank
Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation and Kananaskis Country
https://www.rmoutlook.com/classifieds/careers/careers/1891816 / https://www.jeffgaulin.com/jobs/JobDetails.asp?id=33605
News Editor, Playback
Send resume, cover letter and writing samples to Kelly Townsend, e-mail: ktownsend@brunico.com
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