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Journalism “bailout” good for everyone

On Nov. 21, federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced $595 million in tax incentives for Canadian journalism, to be implemented over the next five years.

On Nov. 21, federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced $595 million in tax incentives for Canadian journalism, to be implemented over the next five years. The announcement has raised the ire of federal conservatives, who immediately began trying to convince Canadians the sky was falling. Michelle Rempel, MP for Calgary-Nose Hill, said in a Facebook post “free speech in Canada died” as a result of the cash injection. Comments under her post included phrases like, “we’re a communist state,” and “journalists are being bought.” Similarly, I’ve seen memes on social media from right-wing conservative sites such as the United Conservative Movement of Canada (UCMC) calling the move “communist.” This site also posts anti-LGBTQ+  and anti-refugee content – if that’s the kind of “fact” you agree with, you and I have absolutely nothing to talk about. So, what is the truth? As part of the initiative, eligible independent news outlets will be able to apply for non-profit and charitable status. Subscribers to digital news media will receive a temporary, non-refundable tax credit of 15 per cent, intended to bolster the existing digital component of journalism and encourage traditional media to get into the online game. Both non- and for-profit outlets can receive a tax credit to support the labour costs associated with the creation of original news content. Morneau was not specific about the details — an independent panel from the "journalism community” will determine which companies can receive this benefit. I hate when partisan politics raise their ugly head and deflect from an understanding of the issue. Rempel is using click-bait to rile up her followers, who, no doubt, didn’t bother to go check as to the veracity of her statement.   I completely understand funding for healthcare, seniors and veterans is greatly needed. There isn’t enough money to go around, and I’m glad I don’t have to make the decisions about who gets what. But before you leap on the alt-right bandwagon, educate yourself. Recently, I had an argument with someone who fervently believes journalists only cover stories that will help pay their bills. To be clear, our sales department never dictates what stories we write, unless that story is purchased as an advertorial — and these are clearly notated as such in the paper. I asked this person if he had ever worked in a newsroom — the answer was “no,” but he went on to call me “naive” about how the news business works. This is the kind of hyperbole people like Rempel and sites like UCMC make possible; people who have no idea how an industry works think they know better than those in the business. Will this injection of cash help my industry? I haven’t decided yet. I need more information — and I’m counting on media to provide me with those details. Remember, you wouldn’t know anything about this recent announcement if it weren’t for the media. So, if the choice is between helping out an industry facing challenges or not having a news industry at all, which would you choose?

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