News Media Canada Responds to Heritage Canada’s Stance on Collective Negotiation

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--News Media Canada, representing hundreds of print and digital titles and employing 3000 journalists in every province and territory, issued a statement today about the Government of Canada’s release of its “What We Heard” Report on the consultations for new legislation on Digital Platforms.

“The Government recognizes the need for revenue sharing, understands that there is a negotiating imbalance between digital platforms and news outlets, and acknowledges the need for tools that allow press publishers to negotiate commercial deals on a level playing field,” said Paul Deegan, President and CEO of News Media Canada. “This approach has worked in a similar country to Canada—Australia—and it can work here, too.”

Deegan stressed, “We will be inviting qualified Canadian journalism organizations—of all sizes—to join us in collective negotiation. Together, we are stronger.”

“A commercially viable and fiercely independent news media publishing sector is vital to our democracy. All political parties should support collective negotiation, backed up with the teeth of baseball-style binding arbitration, and pass legislation this fall,” said Jamie Irving, Chair of News Media Canada. “Urgent action is needed now.”

About News Media Canada

News Media Canada is the voice of the print and digital news media industry in Canada and represents hundreds of trusted titles in every province and territory. News Media Canada is an advocate in public policy for daily and community media outlets and contributes to the ongoing evolution of the news media industry by raising awareness and promoting the benefits of news media across all platforms. For more information, visit our website at www.newsmediacanada.ca or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.