Time to send a message that newspapers truly do matter
It is common these days to find news outlets that run features under headlines like: “A look at what didn’t happen this week.”
Journalism never used to worry about what didn’t happen. Airplanes that landed safely — and didn’t crash — never made the news.
But we live in the age of Fake News, with the reality that false information spreads quickly around the world, causing damage that ranges from disrupting democratic elections to tarnishing the reputations of countless innocent individuals. It has reminded us that in-depth, credible, independent reporting done by trusted news sources is more important than ever.
We have a job to do. A small part of that job is fighting Fake News by revealing the truth. No, Justin Timberlake did not say pedophiles control the music industry and no, Canada does not impose a 35 per cent tariff on vacuum cleaners from the United States, as some supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump have claimed.
The biggest part of the daily newspaper’s job is to be your trusted source, to work every day to bring you real news, which is as vital to democracy as clean air, safe streets, good schools and public health.
It isn’t getting any easier. To misquote Mark Twain, reports of the death of newspapers are greatly exaggerated. But the business of bringing you the news — in print, on your phone, your tablet or your desktop computer — is challenged as it has never been before.
In the digital age, our audiences are larger than ever. There is a steady desire for news and information. But paying for it — maintaining the strong newsrooms that tell the stories of our communities — is harder and harder.
Advertisers have shifted much of their money to global giants that don’t spend money on reporting, whether it’s what happens on Parliament Hill or at City Hall.
Canadian newspapers are seeking new business models that can continue to do the hard work of independent journalism across Canada — and asking for your help to secure a future in which real news remains strong.
During the National Newspaper Week 2018 — Oct. 1-7 — we’re asking you to show your support for the Canadian news media industry.
Let’s send a message — to businesses, to government, to journalists across Canada — that newspapers matter. Now more than ever. Pledge your support at www.newspapersmatter.ca.
(Bob Cox is publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press and chair of the board of News Media Canada)
Ticked Off
It took a pet tragedy riding loose in a vehicle for owners to see what happens. Crate them up while travelling.
Tickled Pink
That we are all Canadians. A CFL team does not define us as a country. However hockey does, and more importantly NHL. So glad we have two teams in our province.
Tickled Pink
President Trump is doing so great that all the celebrities who said they would move to Canada have decided to stay in the U.S.
Ticked Off
That the city isn’t more diligent on removing advertising signs that people hang up on street signs; it was against the law last time I checked.
Ticked Off
Columnist Peter Mueller thinks things are great right now with no pipelines being built and Quebec receiving huge equalization payments as it has been for years. He’s brainwashed to think our provincial and federal governments should stay the same and just keep building deficits for our children and grandchildren to pay for.
Ticked Off
How loud is Glen Motz hollering on behalf of 70 per cent of working Canadians without a pension plan like he and the public sector have and which is funded in large part by the taxpayers?
Tickled Pink
If city was more transparent. To be just informed last week of the electrical generator that went out last summer is unacceptable.
Ticked Off
That the left-wing guest columnist has stooped to potty talk that even most children are above using.
Ticked Off
My race car is so expensive to keep running, I can’t buy drugs like my ex does with the child support payments I send her.
Ticked Off
How about people stay home when sick instead of going to the mall where they spread their germs without giving a crap about others!
Ticked Off
If you see someone talking on a phone do yourself a favour and don’t interrupt them; that’s rude.
Tickled Pink
With the many wonderful teacher aides in our school systems. They make a huge difference for many students who require extra help. Unfortunately their wages do not match the value of their services.
Tickled Pink
Our city has so many great facilities and programs for people to participate in. You don’t need money to be active as our trail systems and numerous parks offer a great place to go for a run or walk.
Ticked Off
Enough apologizing about what has happened in the past! History can’t be changed. Instead of focusing on past mistakes, let’s learn from them and concentrate on working together to make the future better.
Ticked Off
With the lack of signage to tell visitors where they can plug in their electric vehicles while shopping or visiting in Medicine Hat
Ticked Off
Inadequate teachers are overpaid but great teachers are priceless. Caring teachers devote numerous hours outside of the classroom to plan, mark, research, and prepare interesting and innovative lessons for their students. Teachers are paid for 10 months of the year, and their wage is divided over the 12 months of the year.
Ticked Off
That some of our MLAs and MPs think we’re too ignorant to know what’s going on. Most of us hold down jobs because we wanted to assist people, not because we worried about winning a competition and keeping our cushy jobs in the next election.
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People who are sick or have sick children should show some consideration for others and stay home until they are well.
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Gun legislation will never control activity of criminals. Drugs and theft are the root of most of the problems in many communities. Legalized marijuana will be creating many more problems for society in general.
Ticked Off
Looks like the PM forgot about his commitment to reverse the Canada Post superboxes and election reform and I’m sure many other promises he made last election but he sure didn’t forget about legalizing marijuana. Shows where his priorities are.
Ticked Off
To go along with the rainbow crosswalk maybe the College should also get a snowflake flag to represent the folks in charge over there.
Tickled Pink
That people in Medicine Hat still know and use the term “white elephant.”
Ticked Off
Banning marijuana use in all outdoor spaces is ridiculous. Just another thing that doesn’t get enforced. Designate an area where it can be used.