

Are Canadian news media subsidies actually worth it?
Jul 2, 2025
Canadians' news consumption habits reveal shifting preferences, with implications for trust in traditional outlets like CBC. Public funding is scrutinized as it may foster bias perceptions and impact private broadcasters. The rising distrust in legacy media raises questions about the sustainability of subsidies. As digital platforms dominate, innovative funding approaches for local journalism become essential to bridge the gap between old and new media models. This discussion delves into the evolving dynamics of Canadian news and audience expectations.
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Legacy Media's Analog Model
- Legacy media with large public subsidies remain stuck in an analog model despite digital transformation.
- This stagnation contributes to fragility and declining public trust in these institutions.
CBC Not Dominant News Source
- CBC is not the dominant news source despite billion-dollar subsidies.
- Several other broadcasters, including American ones, equally serve Canadians' news needs.
Public Chooses Legacy News Less
- Revealed preferences show people consume less of subsidized legacy news outlets.
- This suggests policymakers should question claims that legacy outlets are essential.