RightsCon Toronto 2018

Journalism in Canada and around the world is in crisis. It exists in an increasingly contested and chaotic environment, buffeted by political, technological and financial forces. Factors outside journalism’s direct control, such as social media giants cannibalizing media advertising revenue and U.S. hedge fund owners more concerned with profits than the public interest, are all exerting considerable influence. As a consequence, as news organizations cut back, or shut down altogether, not only are we losing journalism jobs and sources of
credible news, we are losing a source of community.

When communities lose news coverage, their members are less likely to volunteer, less likely to vote and less trusting of their neighbours. Add to this, a lack of accountability: who is providing a watchful eye over politicians when coverage evaporates? No one.

Who will step into this vacuum? The current deficit of reporting will be filled one way or another. In the US in particular we have witnessed the rise and extreme politicization of “fake news”. Could it take hold to the same extent in Canada? Alternatively, in this moment
we now have a significant opportunity to develop a media industry in Canada to better serve communities and be more representative of their interests.