Canada's news outlets are struggling. Should Ottawa save them?
Aug 13, 2024
28:50
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In this engaging discussion, journalists Justin Ling, a contributing columnist for the Toronto Star, and Paul Wells, a seasoned writer with a long history in Canadian publications, dive into the struggles of Canadian news outlets. They dissect the impact of Meta's news ban, leading to layoffs and news deserts. The duo also critiques government efforts, including the controversial Google-Canada news deal, questioning whether financial support is a boon or a curse for public trust in journalism. The future of reporting in the digital age hangs in the balance.
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Quick takeaways
The ban on Canadian news content by META has drastically reduced social media engagement with local news, exacerbating existing challenges for the industry.
Debates continue over the necessity of government intervention to support journalism, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and public trust erosion.
Deep dives
Bernie Getz and the Complexities of Vigilante Justice
In 1984, Bernie Getz garnered significant public support after shooting four teenagers on the New York subway, with many viewing him as a hero for taking the law into his own hands. The case spotlighted the community's growing frustrations with police protection and the perception of crime in urban environments. The legal proceedings emphasized the subjective nature of self-defense laws at the time, focusing on Getz's beliefs rather than the teenagers' actual intentions. This incident sparked conversations about vigilantism, crime, and public safety, reshaping societal attitudes toward self-defense and justice.
The Impact of META's News Ban on Canadian Journalism
The ban on news content by META, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has caused a crisis in the Canadian journalism landscape, resulting in a significant drop in engagement with local news outlets. A report revealed that Canadian social media engagement with news sources has plummeted over 40%, leading to fewer readers and increased news deserts. Journalists discussed how the ban, intended to force META into negotiations with news organizations, has instead exacerbated existing challenges in a struggling industry already suffering from mass layoffs and declining trust. Reflecting on the current media ecosystem, there are calls for stronger government intervention to stabilize the industry, amid concerns that regulations may further entrench the dominance of tech giants.
Navigating the Future of Journalism in a Digital Age
The ongoing challenges for journalism are linked to the monopolistic control exerted by tech companies like Google and Facebook, which have disrupted traditional advertising revenue models. Discussions highlighted a dual approach for restoring balance in media: stringent antitrust regulations against these companies and possibly increased government subsidies for journalism. However, concerns remain about the implications of government funding, as it could lead to perceived conflicts of interest and further erode public trust in the media. The conversation concluded with a recognition that innovative journalistic practices could emerge amidst these challenges, though the path ahead appears fraught with obstacles for maintaining a robust, independent media landscape.
It’s been a year since Meta banned Canadian news on platforms including Facebook and Instagram, punching a significant hole in how audiences engage with outlets online.
At the same time, the continued descent of the outlets’ revenues has meant mass layoffs and closures, and the rise of news deserts around the country.
Today, two journalists weigh in on whether Ottawa should further intervene and increase its financial support of news media, or whether it should heed worries about conflicts of interest and let hemorrhaging outlets fail.
Justin Ling is a contributing columnist for the Toronto Star and the author of Bug-eyed and Shameless on Substack. Paul Wells is also on Substack, and spent decades writing for publications including Macleans and the National Post.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
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