Saint John Seven end strike, MBS Radio begins lock-out
The seven unionized workers at MBS Radio in Saint John, New Brunswick called an end to their 686-day strike last week. Their employer responded with a lock-out notice, saying they will not be allowed to return to work without a collective agreement. The Saint John Seven joined the Canadian Media Guild in 2011 and spent almost a […]
This ain’t your parents’ advertorial
By Karen Wirsig So Global TV is now airing “news” reports sponsored by advertisers. The piece about what a pain it is to do your taxes might be brought to you by Q&Z Tax services. The one about all the crime in the east end could be courtesy of the local police association. Advertisers are […]
Striking workers on the air with Radio Free Saint John
After nearly a month on the picket line, the seven striking employees of MBS Radio have been back on the air for the past few days. The striking members of the Canadian Media Guild are broadcasting from a web-based station called Radio Free Saint John, playing music as well as using the internet airwaves to […]
Fighting private radio’s “culture of fear”
The employees of MBS Radio in Saint John just want a contract. Watch the video, read about the Canadian Media Guild’s negotiations with Maritime Broadcasting System on behalf of its employees, follow the campaign on Facebook and if you’re inclined to lend your support, send a message to MBS Radio owner Robert Pace. Via CMG.ca.
Seeking part-time editor for Story Board
The Canadian Media Guild is seeking a part-time editor for Story Board, a blog that creates an online space for media freelancers in Canada. The editor will be engaged to work an average of about 10 hours per week developing original copy for blog entries, covering industry news and events, seeking and editing submissions from […]
Signer beware: Libel clauses in some freelance contracts leave writers holding the bag
Clauses that make writers wholly responsible for defamatory language in magazine articles have been popping up in freelance contracts for a while now. Last fall, we mentioned that The Grid, owned by Torstar Corp., was distributing new freelance agreements with clauses that could leave writers exposed to counter-suits in the event a libel suit was […]
The Born Freelancer says goodbye to CBC Radio drama
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. When this year is reviewed many significant deaths will be noted. None feel more deserving of attention today than the announced termination of […]
How will the CBC cuts affect you?
The news that the CBC would lose 10 per cent of its budget — $115 million over three years — was worrying to both CBC employees and the millions of Canadians who watch, listen and read what it produces. But now we know who will feel those cuts most acutely. The details of the CBC […]
Tune in: Radio freelancing tips from the Born Freelancer
This column 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. Today’s working freelancers need to have as many skill sets as they can comfortably manage in order to pursue their storytelling on as many platforms […]
Settlement reached between writer Patricia Pearson and Rogers Publishing
When freelancer Patricia Pearson wrote an article called “It’s Just Nuts” for Chatelaine in 2009, she probably didn’t think a dispute that followed from that piece would end more than two year later. But late last year Pearson — with the help of legal representation from the Canadian Media Guild and support from the Canadian […]
