As a journalist, I have worked with newsrooms across Canada large and small. Having collaborated with some of the country’s main networks, I know that change is constant in media.
The future is uncertain. A Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) commissioned study published in August 2020 forecasted significant chances for Canada’s local news industry. In ‘The Crisis in Canadian Media and the Future of Local Broadcasting’, it is expected that through the end of 2022, an estimated shortfall of revenue in the ballpark of $1.06 billion will result in newsroom closures and “widespread job cuts” across television and radio operations.
These are effects driven by the headwinds from digital competitors and declining advertising. At the highest risk of closure are small-market, private TV, and radio stations.
I’m obsessed with media – the ins, outs, and behind the scenes of everything. Now there’s also a lot of uncertainty about where local media is going. One thing I know for certain though is that local media is more important than ever before with all of the changes we’re seeing with streaming – leaving a big question mark on legacy newsrooms that serve places like TV and radio.
What happens to them? How do they sustain growth?
I’m really passionate about this issue and that is why I spent the last year researching and producing this podcast – Staying Alive. This project was done as part of the completion of my Master of Arts in Media Production at Ryerson University in Toronto.
This audio series will discuss exactly that, I speak with experts on how we keep local newsrooms alive and vibrant, supporting the diverse fabric of Canada. We also touch on strategies that journalists, producers, and public policymakers can grow the business using emerging platforms, diversify voices, and most importantly, do so in a way that’s true to why journalism remains to be critical to democracy today.
