OTTAWA — To help Canadians find and support trusted local media serving their communities, CBC/Radio-Canada has launched Local News Matters, a nationwide directory which links to more than 1,000 media outlets across the country.
The first of its kind in Canada, the directory is available on the public broadcaster’s website here. This CBC initiative to support local journalism in Canada coincides with National Newspaper Week (October 4 to 10), whose theme this year is “Canada’s News Media. Champion the Truth”.
The unprecedented challenges currently facing Canadian news organizations have been compounded this year by Covid-19, says the CBC press release announcing the launch of the Local News Matters directory.
“As misinformation about Covid-19 spreads like wildfire, especially on social media, we are seeing the vital role that trusted local journalism plays across the country. Support for local news organizations has never been more important,” said Michael Goldbloom, chair of CBC/Radio-Canada, in the release.
“Now more than ever, Canadians need access to a variety of credible news sources. Having a strong media ecosystem with a diversity of voices is essential to the health of our democracy. I encourage Canadians to support local media in their community,” added Catherine Tait, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada.
The Local News Matters directory has been developed in collaboration with national media association News Media Canada. CBC/Radio-Canada says it will work with other media associations to expand the directory. Local news organizations who are not listed in the directory are invited to contact their local news media association or News Media Canada.
