Media needs change, not funds

Re Federal budget fails to provide real help to Canadian media, industry officials warn, Feb. 27 As a young journalist, I’m dismayed by the reaction of big media following the government’s plans to pump $50 million into local journalism. Industry advocates, such as News Media Canada, have expressed their disappointment that the funding won’t prevent more newspaper closures.

But they are off the mark; it is the Canadian big media that has failed to adapt to a changing industry, making government funding necessary for its survival.

For too long, newspapers relied on advertising to pay the bills. With the rise of the internet and social media, papers began to cut corners to save, although their formula remained the same.

I’m still learning about my craft but I know this: Good, proactive journalism will prevail. By providing local stories, communities will pay for access to news that directly informs or affects them. Sadly, with companies hesitant to change, many good reporters have lost their jobs as profit margins shrink.

The way forward is uncertain and, if they haven’t already, newspapers need to begin to change with earnest. Papers cannot continue to wait for government money and operate as they have.

If big media cannot change, so be it; let the market forces run their course. Josh Healey, Dieppe, N.B.