Newspaper Industry

Posted on 2017-01-02 in Newspaper Industry, Special Sections // 0 Comments

Canadian newspapers might be in decline, but they are still the largest source of journalism in this country.

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Celebrating 15 Years of The Story Board, Canada’s Longest-Running Blog for Freelancers - The Canadian Freelance Guild (CFG), the country’s largest organization representing media freelancers, and a CWA Canada affiliate, is marking a major milestone: the 15th anniversary of The Story Board, its in-house blog. First published on Nov. 22, 2010, The Story Board has become one of Canada’s longest-running — and likely the oldest continuously published — blogs created exclusively for freelance media workers. Over the past 15 years, The Story Board has built a reputation for its frank, practical coverage of freelancing in Canada, including contract negotiation, client management, rate transparency, and work-life balance. Its longevity is especially notable in an era when many blogs fade quickly. “The Story Board stands apart because it’s built entirely by freelancers, for freelancers,” Editor Robin Roste said. “It’s one of the few places in Canadian media where independent workers can speak honestly, share hard-won lessons, and know they’re not alone.” Its earliest advice remains strikingly relevant: “The very first Story Board article on Nov. 22, 2010, titled ‘Tips for negotiating a contract with an engager,’ correlates perfectly to our current environment in four short points: Get it in writing, demand equitable rates, you own the work until you agree to relinquish copyright, and selling the fruits of your labour constitutes a business,” CFG [...]

Open Letter on Postmedia’s Abuse of Canadian Taxpayers’ Money - Postmedia Network Inc. [“PNI”] is Canada’s largest newspaper chain. The company receives millions of dollars in government funding through the Canada Periodical Fund, the Canadian Journalism Labour Tax Credit, and the Local Journalism Initiative – plus millions more from the Google media fund. Sixty-three per cent of Postmedia is owned by Chatham Asset Management, an American hedge fund with ties to the MAGA Republican Party. Another fourteen per cent is owned by another American billionaire hedge fund investor. Last spring, Postmedia reported debt of $364 million, most of that in high-interest bonds held by Chatham, which can sell off those bonds as securities. The most shocking part of this corporate set up is that it allows Postmedia to send tens of millions of dollars to its American masters every year, while at the same time crying poor and in need of money from the Canadian government. What does Canada get out of this? A marked decline in quality journalism and local news coverage. Fewer jobs in newsrooms, sales, and production across the country. Punishing working conditions and overworked employees. Low salaries that make it difficult to hire and keep staff. Paltry wage increases below inflation, which leave workers worse off every year. What [...]

Postmedia announces Saltwire layoffs; union will enforce seniority and severance obligations - Postmedia has wasted no time in cutting jobs as it takes control of Saltwire Network Inc., continuing it’s long sorry tradition of slashing local media. The company announced layoffs yesterday and today, including at least three editors and one reporter at the already-decimated Halifax Chronicle Herald. CWA Canada and our Nova Scotia Locals (Halifax Typographical Union and Sydney Typographical Union) cannot stop layoffs, which are at the sole discretion of the employer. But we will ensure that our collective agreements are respected, including seniority and severance provisions. “I’d like to share our sympathy for colleagues who have received layoff notices,” CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth said in a note to members. “We know losing a job can be one of the most stressful and demoralizing life events.” “Our lawyers and union staff continue to make protecting our members a priority every day.” The union has impressed upon the company the importance of respecting the experience, judgment and ability that comes with years of service. Postmedia has agreed to follow this principle of seniority as outlined in our collective agreements. Over 60 staff have lost their jobs so far, while nearly 300 remain employed by Saltwire until it’s decided if they [...]

Postmedia-Saltwire deal: Media Union CWA Canada will protect members and local journalism - CWA Canada and the Halifax Typographical Union (CWA Canada Local 30130) are working to protect our members and local journalism as Postmedia moves to buy Saltwire’s newspapers. CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth spoke with Postmedia CEO Andrew MacLeod yesterday and expressed her concerns. “Postmedia has a track record of cutting newsrooms to the bone and jeopardizing local news coverage with short-sighted decisions,” Smyth said. “Our job will be to hold the company to account for its commitment to investing in local news and jobs.” MacLeod said the purchase of Saltwire, which is under creditor protection, “is subject to various conditions, including satisfactory outcomes with unions and other stakeholders …” It’s unclear what “outcomes” MacLeod is referring to, but outstanding pension debts by Saltwire is one issue. Smyth said the union will work with Postmedia on the remaining issues related to the purchase, but it’s important to note that there are legally binding collective agreements in place which will be protected. HTU President Willy Palov said he’s pleased a buyer has stepped forward: “The news is still fresh, and we don’t have all the details yet, so the members and I will have to review the proposed terms before we can say a whole lot more.” Concentration of ownership is also a major consideration given that [...]

CWA Canada will fight for members at Saltwire - CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth says the union will be monitoring the situation closely after Saltwire Network Inc. announced today that it is seeking creditor protection. “Our members and retirees can rest assured that we will do everything possible to protect their jobs, wages, and pensions,” she said. The media union represents staff at Saltwire publications the Halifax Herald and Cape Breton Post, through the Halifax Typographical Union (CWA Canada Local 30130) and the Sydney Typographical Union (CWA Canada Local 30460). The union is also awaiting certification to represent staff at the Charlottetown Guardian and the Summerside Journal Pioneer. It’s unclear what exactly will happen but it’s important to know the facts. Saltwire has not filed for bankruptcy. It is not in trusteeship. It has applied for protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA), which means a monitor will be appointed. It continues to operate and run its own affairs with some “protections” from its creditors. The company is still bound by its collective agreements except to the extent it has asked for relief or variance from a contractual obligation. In the normal course, future obligations, including wages and pension contributions, will be paid in full. In regard to [...]