The robots are coming
As the technology of robo-journalism improves, news organizations need to move ahead with caution
We live in an era of self-driving cars and light-up hoverboards. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that robots are starting to replace professions that were once viewed as invaluable—financial advisers, surgeons and reporters all have automated equivalents. This doesn’t mean that all journalists are going to be replaced by typing WALL-E replicas, but it […]
Subsidize or die?
Journalists on social media are crying to the government to save their profession—is this the only solution?
“Should the government get involved?” It’s a question that’s been floating around ever since Canadian journalism decided to spiral down into a black hole of unemployment and goodbye columns. The argument: the loss of print media will create a void where important stories will go, along with the very basis of democracy—accessible information and accountability. […]
Objectively insufficient
A Ryerson School of Journalism debate on objectivity misses the mark
Three established figures in Canadian journalism debated the role of objectivity for over an hour at Ryerson University on Monday, and they managed to completely avoid the most important points. The panel, moderated by distinguished Ryerson professor Bernie Lucht, featured Jim Turk, a distinguished Ryerson professor, Ivor Shapiro, chair of Ryerson’s school of journalism and […]
Ashes to ashes
As industry pressures threaten to crush it, we reflect on Postmedia’s short life of dwindling funds
In 2008, Canwest Global Communications CEO Leonard Asper was perplexed. His business—once Canada’s leading media company—was failing, and he didn’t know why. Canwest stocks, once trading at $20 a share, were down to 60 cents. The purchase of Alliance Atlantis’s broadcast division, widely regarded as a savvy business move, hadn’t brought Canwest the boost he […]
Remember the women, forget Ghomeshi
Before the public knew Jian Ghomeshi the alleged sex offender, they knew Jian Ghomeshi the radio personality. As the first week of Ghomeshi’s sexual assault trial wraps up, endless reporting and thousands of tweets have documented the case, closely following every statement made and each piece of evidence brought forward. The cutthroat cross-examination of defence lawyer […]
RRJ will now capitalize “Black” and “Indigenous”
The RRJ is pleased to announce we will now capitalize “Black” and “Indigenous” in all of our stories, online and in print. More details about how and why we made this choice will be featured in our upcoming print issue, which will be out in March 2016.
“The greatest act of journalism ever”
Marie Wilson, of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, says journalism is an integral part of indigenous culture and history
If there’s one thing Marie Wilson wants us to remember, it’s that journalists are above all teachers, and accomplished teachers must first be educated. The process is simple: learn, then impart your knowledge in whatever medium you choose — whether it be broadcast, print, radio, social media or blog. On Monday, Wilson, one of three […]
Ghomeshi trial day one verdict: Victim blaming
A woman stood before court on Monday to give testimony regarding the alleged sexual assault she survived 13 years ago. She faced an infamous lawyer ready to tear her words apart; unprecedented amounts of media attention, both in and out of the courtroom; and Jian Ghomeshi, the man she accused of punching her in the […]
What’s the news worth?
Stock prices are dropping and so is revenue. Here’s a look at some numbers that will help you make sense of it all
In his book Mass Disruption, John Stackhouse writes extensively about the effect of the digital revolution that’s been raging for the past decade. “If newspapers [are] to survive… old school [needs] to meet new school in a hurry.” Unfortunately, the industry doesn’t seem to be doing so well, what with La Presse and Nanaimo Daily News ceasing print earlier […]
Mental health first aid kit (for journalists)
#BellLetsTalk about journalists' mental health
#BellLetsTalk is an annual event intended to combat stigma surrounding mental illness. Today, social media will be flooded with the hashtag, and Bell will donate 5 cents to initiatives supporting mental health for every tweet, Facebook share, text and call made. You will also undoubtedly see news articles discussing the event and the challenges facing […]
