TORONTO, ONTARIO, November 5, 2019 — News Media Canada is inviting media organizations to submit applications for the Local Journalism Initiative, which aims to provide funding to Canadian media organizations to hire reporters to cover civic institutions and issues in underserved communities across Canada.
Created by the Government of Canada, the Local Journalism Initiative is a five-year program that supports the creation of original civic journalism relevant to the diverse needs of people living in news deserts and areas of news poverty across Canada.
Existing Canadian-owned English, French, and Indigenous print and digital news media organizations are eligible to apply for the Local Journalism Initiative at News Media Canada.
“There are real gaps in civic coverage in Canada today, with many communities underserved by local newspapers, community radio, television or other news media. The Government of Canada has recognized this and is providing support to news organizations to remedy this. We would encourage those organizations who are experiencing challenges covering their communities or who see communities who lack adequate coverage of civic institutions and organizations to apply to the program,” said John Hinds, President and CEO of News Media Canada.
In 2019, News Media Canada intends to provide funding for a minimum of 93 LJI reporters on contracts with terms of up to 15 months. Of these, 84 reporters will be allocated on a regional model based on population, and 9 reporters to Indigenous media.
LJI reporters will cover civic institutions such as courthouses, city halls, band councils, school boards, Parliament or provincial legislatures. Their stories will help citizens know what is going on where they live and will be shared with accredited media organizations across the country.
Applications will be accepted until November 15, 2019, via courier or email. For more information on eligibility and to download the application form, visit the Local Journalism Initiative website at www.localjournalisminitiative.ca.
About News Media Canada
News Media Canada is the voice of the print and digital news media industry in Canada and represents hundreds of trusted titles in every province and territory. News Media Canada is an advocate in public policy for daily and community media outlets and contributes to the ongoing evolution of the news media industry by raising awareness and promoting the benefits of news media across all platforms. For more information, visit our website at www.newsmediacanada.ca or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
For more information, please contact: Tina Ongkeko, Program Director News Media Canada lji@newsmediacanada.ca
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