All media work has value: Notes from the Media Workers Forum

by Lisa Ferguson

 

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A panel discussion with CWA Canada President Martin O’Hanlon at the Media Workers Forum on November 14. Photo by Aloke Anand

At a time when unpaid internships prevail and precarious employment seems the norm, how should institutions better protect interns, and what can we media workers do to protect ourselves? These questions were the focus of the Media Workers Forum, an event for CWA Canada Associate members — student, aspiring and precarious (intern, temporary, part-time) media workers — in Toronto on November 14.

The consensus was that despite having different goals, unions, journalism schools, and employers should all work to create quality internships in the media.

If unpaid internships unfairly benefit the privileged, and media organizations use unpaid interns (not to mention user-generated content) to “squeeze every penny out,” how can we ensure that media includes the diverse voices and quality, accurate information that are critical to democratic society?
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Posted on November 20, 2015 at 9:00 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , ,

The Born Freelancer on the Merits of Routine

This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments.

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I’ve been told so many times that I must have such great self-discipline (as a freelancer) that I’m beginning to believe it myself.

And I guess, to some degree, it’s true.

But honestly, that self-discipline ebbs and flows with my energies and emotional well-being.

So, not being able to rely on it 24/7, I find myself relying much more on a concept that seems contrary to the very essence of freelancing.

I refer to “routine”.

Opposites attract?

Freelancing seems to be, in many ways, the exact antithesis of “routine”.

It is never dull, rarely exactly the same twice and often involves unexpected twists and turns.

The word “routine,” on the other hand, seems to belie all of that. Routine sounds so… routine. So banal. 

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Posted on November 18, 2015 at 9:00 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , , ,

Freelancer meet-up in Victoria Tuesday Nov. 24

If you’re a freelancer in the Victoria, BC area, you’re invited to come out to Moxie’s (1010 Yates St.) next Tuesday, November 24th at 7:30 p.m. for a casual freelance get-together.

Come out for a drink and some appetizers (courtesy of the Canadian Media Guild Freelance Branch) and meet others who are working freelance in the Victoria area. There’s a private room booked on the second floor for the event.

Freelancing can be isolating… Don’t miss this opportunity for some freelance conversation and camaraderie. Hope you can make it!

 

Posted on November 17, 2015 at 9:00 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: ,

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Nov 10-16

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?

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From Canada:

From The U.S. and beyond:

Last week on Story Board:

 

Spot a story you think we should include in next week’s Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.      

Posted on November 16, 2015 at 9:00 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: ,

Livecast panel on internships tomorrow

CWA Canada is planning to livestream a panel discussion on internships that’s happening tomorrow as part of their Media Workers Forum for students, volunteers and precarious media workers. If you’d like to watch that discussion, you can tune in right here starting tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. EST.

And if you’re in Toronto, there’s still time to register to attend this day-long training and networking forum.

The event starts at 11 a.m. in the Sears Atrium, George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre (245 Church St.) and also includes a mentorship workshop and a session on building a sustainable career in media.

If you’re interested in attending, register today on this Eventbrite page. Food and drinks will be provided for all participants throughout the day.

 

Posted on November 13, 2015 at 9:00 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: ,

Visual Journalism Master Class with John Lehmann Nov. 21 in Vancouver

Vancouver-area freelancers, if you’re looking to improve your photography skills check out The Tyee’s upcoming Master Class with Globe and Mail staff photographer John Lehmann. Lehmann is one of Canada’s top photojournalists — he was named Canadian photojournalist of the year in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Lehmann’s Master Class is intended for people who already understand the fundamentals of photography and are interested in expanding their creative skills and developing their own style.

The course is scheduled for Saturday, November 21st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch, coffee and post-class beer are included in the $200 registration fee. CMG Freelance is sponsoring this course, so the registration fee also includes a year-long membership in the CMG Freelance Branch (which has a value of $150).

If you’re already a member of CMG Freelance, you qualify for a $50 discount on the course. If you are a member and you’re interested in signing up for this course, please email freelance@cmg.ca for a discount code before you register.

You can find out more details and register for this class on The Tyee’s website.

Posted on November 10, 2015 at 9:56 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , , ,

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Nov 3-9

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?

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From Canada:

From The U.S. and beyond:

Last week on Story Board:

 

Spot a story you think we should include in next week’s Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.      

Posted on November 9, 2015 at 9:00 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: ,

Freelancing 101 webinar for members

KelliIf you’re just starting out as a freelancer, you’ll want to sign up for Freelancing 101, a webinar for CMG Freelance and CWA Associate Members with Toronto editor and writer Kelli Korducki.

The webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18th from 4:30 to 5:30 EST and will cover the ins and outs of building a career as a media freelancer. Topics will include social media, making contacts in the industry, getting paid on time and negotiating contracts.

This webinar is free for both CWA Associate Members and members of CMG Freelance. If you’re already a member, you can register for the event on this Eventbrite page.

If you’re interested in the webinar but can’t participate live, be sure to register anyway — the webinar will be recorded and made available for playback for members. 

CWA Associate Membership is free for students, volunteers and emerging media workers. You can sign up for membership right here.

For information about the price and benefits of CMG Freelance membership check out the CMG Freelance website.

 

Posted on November 6, 2015 at 9:00 am by editor · 2 Comments · Tagged with: , , , ,

Media Worker Forum in Toronto on November 14

CWA Canada is holding a free day of training and networking for students, volunteers and precarious media workers on Saturday, November 14th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Sears Atrium, George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre (245 Church St.) in Toronto.

The day’s schedule includes mentorship sessions, a panel discussion on internships, and workshops on building a career in media.

The event is free to attend and food and drink will be provided throughout the day.

For the full schedule and to register, check out the Media Worker Forum Eventbrite page.

Posted on November 5, 2015 at 6:00 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , , ,

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Oct 27-Nov 2

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?

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From Canada:

From The U.S. and beyond:

Last week on Story Board:

Spot a story you think we should include in next week’s Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.      

Posted on November 2, 2015 at 9:00 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: ,