Commentary
The big debate about the future of Canada’s mainstream media these days won’t be about whether or not its newsrooms will be made dependent on the good graces of Justin Trudeau’s government. That’s over.
Now, we’re just arguing about the price.
That became abundantly clear on Oct. 21 when Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage. And while he tried hard to assure committee members that his Online News Act wouldn’t allow politicians to choose which media would qualify for its benefits, it’s becoming very clear his legislation will designate winners and losers. And not only will the biggest winners be those whose survival is least at risk, Rodriguez appears determined to make as many media as are willing permanently dependent upon the continued existence of a Liberal government….