The CRTC is proposing Cost Recovery Regulations that would apply to the largest online platforms that distribute news content as it continues to set up a framework around implementation of the Online News Act. With the vast majority of the commission’s operations funded by fees charged to companies it regulates, it’s now proposing additional cost recovery rules in light of work required under the new Act. In a call for comments on the suggested measure, the CRTC proposes charging the largest digital operators to fund that new work, stipulating it will not collect from news businesses. The deadline for comments is June 25. Read more here.
“This Show is Made with Zero Support from the Government” is a new campaign launched by independent ethnic community television producers, who say third-language programming is in jeopardy without more funding. A number of shows broadcast on Rogers Sports & Media multicultural broadcaster OMNI TV have begun airing the public service announcements, which warn viewers that without support, multicultural voices could start disappearing from the airwaves, urging audiences to contact their local Member of Parliament. The group says despite the Online Streaming Act calling for diverse and third-language content to be bolstered, in fiscal 2023-24, less than 0.0128% ($4.3M) of the Canada Media Fund’s $336 million in support for Canada’s television and digital media industry went to diverse language programs. Read more here.
CBC Saskatchewan employee Richard Agecoutay has been granted a human rights hearing over claims of discrimination. Agecoutay, 61, has worked at the public broadcaster since 2001. The Indigenous videographer for CBC Regina alleges he’s been denied work due to his race, pointing specifically to an incident in 2012 when he says a less-experienced white employee was hired over him for a position at Hockey Night in Canada. His claim alleges the broadcaster offered him a settlement, in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement.
Trauma Aware Journalism (TAJ): A News Industry Toolkit is a series of free “micro-learning” videos, online resources and study guides on how journalists can best cover people and communities that are suffering, as well as how to protect the mental health of news professionals. Available at TraumaAwareJournalism.org, the toolkit was produced by the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, CBC/Radio-Canada, and the Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma. The TAJ videos showcase experts and leading journalists sharing tips on everything from interviewing techniques, to ethics and taking care of yourself.
Inspirit Foundation, the Local News Research Project and the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) have released Funding Journalism: A Guide to Philanthropic Support for Canadian Media, which aims to provide journalists and media organizations with guidance and best practices on how news organizations can explore philanthropic funding as a means of supporting quality public service journalism. The guide blends anecdotes from individuals working at the evolving intersection of journalism and philanthropy and reviews recent tax and regulatory changes that have made philanthropic support for journalism more viable in Canada.
