• Scholars, journalists and educators from around the world will gather in Toronto this spring to discuss the state of local journalism.

    Toronto conference will explore local news woes and solutions

    By Jasmine Bala for the Ryerson Journalism Research Centre Scholars, journalists and educators from around the world will gather in Toronto this spring to discuss the state of local journalism, develop new research initiatives and explore solutions for communities that are underserved in terms of access to local news. “Is no local news bad news?…
  • Despite newsroom layoffs, great photojournalism can still be seen. Here’s why. Photo courtesy of Patrick Fulgencio.

    Down, but not out of the picture

    By Patrick Fulgencio for The Signal When Canon Inc. announced one of its higher-end cameras in 2013, the advertising campaign sought to catch the attention of amateur photographers. Nearly every advertisement and product description had two recurring elements. The first was crisp images of the camera. The second was a slogan that read: “Revoke your…
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    The last days of the Guelph Mercury

    By H.G. Watson, Associate Editor Over its 149-year history, the Guelph Mercury was an acclaimed local newspaper. The careers of many journalists who went on to do bigger things were fostered there; the staff won a National Newspaper Award in 2010; and they consistently dug deep into local stories. Phil Andrews was the managing editor at the…
  • Journalists struggle to get Canada’s prison agencies talking. Photo courtesy of Julianne Steeves.

    The right to remain silent?

    By Julianne Steeves for The Signal Early to rise, hard labour and frequent beatings – that was an inmate’s life at the Kingston Penitentiary during the 1840s. Prisoners – men, women and children – were silent 24 hours a day. Breaking the silence could lead to a beating. Food was scarce, partly because the kitchen…
  • The last edition of the Lindsay Post. Screenshot courtesy of Policy Options.

    After the local newspaper closes shop

    By Nancy Payne for Policy Options Wally Nugent and Brenda Stonehouse were reviewing the ad they planned to run in the Lindsay Post for Canada Day. They were key organizers of the community’s Canada Day festivities, and the paper was where people looked to find out about local events. But then their phones started pinging…
  • Mark Latham has pioneered a voter-funded media project at UBC since 2007. Screenshot by J-Source.

    Why one economist believes letting people vote to fund media could save it

    By Mitchell Thompson Mark Latham says the cure for local media’s ills is voter-funded media—where voters decide which media outlets receive grants. The economist and Votermedia.org founder says the University of British Columbia has been providing grants to media outlets covering the school’s student union and its elections since 2007. It allows voters to rank…
  • The 13 per cent of adults who don’t follow news at all are almost four million people. By Francesca Handy.

    The worrisome 13 per cent

    By Francesca Handy for The Signal Midafternoon on a Tuesday, the food court in Scotia Square shopping centre in Halifax is full of people sitting alone. Professionals working in the area are on their lunch breaks. If they aren’t only focused on their food, they’re holding a newspaper or cellphone. Some are looking at news apps or online…

  • On Feb. 25, protests organized by a coalition of journalism and free speech groups will take place across Canada. Screenshot by J-Source.

    Upcoming Day of Action calls for protections for journalists

    By Grant Buckler A Day of Action set for February 25 will call for an end to mass surveillance, repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Act and new legislation to protect activists, whistleblowers and journalists. The Day of Action was originally to have taken place February 4, but was delayed to avoid conflicts with mass demonstrations against…