Journalism is more important than ever.
Growing up, I was constantly told by my parents and other family members that journalism, as the world knew it, was dying. As sad as it is, they weren’t wrong.
The landscape of journalism has undergone significant transformation over the last decade, with traditional print media facing unprecedented challenges to its viability. The rise of social media platforms and online news aggregators has disrupted traditional revenue models, leading to layoffs, budget cuts, and the closure of many newsrooms.
Just last year in 2023, 36 local news outlets in Canada closed their doors, leaving communities across the country without vital sources of information and accountability. These 36 local news outlets join the not-so-exclusive club consisting of 516 local radio, TV, print, and online news operations extinct in 345 communities across Canada since 2008.
In December, CBC/Radio Canada announced they’d be cutting 800 jobs across the country—roughly 10 per cent of their workforce —to make up for their $125 million projected deficit. Three months earlier, Metroland Media Group—a company owned by the Torstar Corporation—cut 605 jobs and turned 71 weekly newspapers into online-only publications.
The closure of these local news outlets represents more than just a loss of jobs or revenue—it signifies a profound erosion of the democratic infrastructure that underpins our society.
Local journalism is the lifeblood of communities. It provides essential coverage of local government, schools, business, and events. Without it, communities are left without a voice, vulnerable to misinformation and lacking the means to advocate for their own interests.
Growing up 45 minutes outside of Toronto, I witnessed firsthand the impact of dwindling local journalism. My local newspaper, The Liberal, has been publishing online only since at least 2017, but it’s clear its resources were dwindling long before. Stories were becoming less frequent, investigative reporting was scarce, and coverage of important community events was minimal.
Front page stories were soon replaced with grocery store flyers and advertisements.
The loss of public information has profound implications for healthy democracy and discourse. With misinformation running rampant on social media and political polarization at an all-time high, the need for reliable, trustworthy journalism has never been greater.
Journalists serve as bearers of truth, working tirelessly to separate fact from fiction and hold the powerful to account. They’re on the front lines, investigating corruption, exposing injustices, and amplifying voices that would otherwise go unheard.
Journalists can enact and create change in ways few others can. In 2022, a joint investigative report published by The Narwhal and Toronto Star exposed Doug Ford’s plans to cut into Ontario’s Greenbelt. The investigation prompted enormous public outcry, and the Ford government ultimately backtracked on the plans.
This reporting also inspired the RCMP to launch an investigation into the Greenbelt land swap—an investigation that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for journalists.
Though journalism’s challenges are daunting, they aren’t insurmountable. To preserve the industry, we must collectively commit to supporting and strengthening the institutions that uphold the values of truth, transparency, and freedom of expression.
This begins with recognizing the importance of investing in journalism as a public good. By providing financial support to news organizations—both at the local and national levels—we can better ensure they have the resources needed to fulfill their vital role in society.
We also shouldn’t be pushing young people away from pursuing careers in the field. Those who choose to pursue a career in journalism should be celebrated the same way we celebrate those who choose careers in medicine, law, education, or public service.
The concentration of media ownership and the erosion of advertising revenue is another systemic issue that must be addressed. Policies should be implemented to promote media diversity and ensure a wide range of voices are represented in public discourse.
At the same time, we must empower citizens to be critical consumers of news and information. Media literacy education should be integrated into school curriculums, teaching students how to critically evaluate sources and discern fact from fiction.
We also need to recognize the importance of supporting independent, trustworthy news sources. This means subscribing to newspapers, donating to non-profit news organizations, and advocating for policies promoting media diversity and transparency.
Finally, we must hold those in power accountable for their actions and ensure journalists are free to do their work without fear of reprisal or censorship. Access to accurate, fair, and trustworthy information is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and we must defend it at all costs.
Journalism isn’t just a profession, but a public service, and a vital component of a healthy democracy. We must rally behind journalism and support the journalists who dedicate their lives to uncovering the truth, because once it’s too late, there’s no going back.
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