FACEBOOK AND THE Canadian Press today announced the eight young journalists hired as part of the previously announced Facebook-Canadian Press News Fellowship, a one-year, $1-million program established to cover pressing issues in local communities across Canada.
The eight fellows (two men and six women) will join Canadian Press’ bureaus in Montreal, Halifax, Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Iqaluit. According to the Facebook blog post announcing the selected journalists, this is CP’s first full-time correspondent in the North in 35 years.
“The Canadian Press is pleased to be part of a program that gives opportunities to young Canadians to create journalism and gain valuable experience while respecting CP’s journalistic independence. Our partnership with the Facebook Journalism Project underscores the value of cultivating collaborative solutions that support the country’s news ecosystem,” said Malcolm Kirk, president of the Canadian Press, in the blog post.
Focusing on bringing more news coverage to Canada’s regions, the eight reporters will cover local issues including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the fight against racial injustice. Facebook is also organizing digital skills training sessions to help guide adaptations of the journalists’ work for new social platforms and audiences, says the release.
“Facebook recognizes the need for a healthy news industry and we are committed to supporting this through investments in products, programs and partnerships,” added Kevin Chan, head of public policy at Facebook Canada, in an email statement. “The eight journalists selected for the Facebook-Canadian Press News Fellowship will focus on bringing more coverage to regions across Canada and we look forward to seeing their stories shared on a national scale.”
The eight fellows selected are:
- Emma Tranter — Iqaluit
- Danielle Edwards — Halifax
- Jacob Serebrin — Montreal
- Jessica Beauplat — Montreal
- Maan Alhmidi — Ottawa
- Denise Paglinawan — Toronto
- Fakiha Baig — Edmonton
- Brenna Owen — Vancouver
Over the past three years, Facebook has invested almost $9 million in Canadian journalism and news innovation through grants and creative partnerships as part of its commitment to the Canadian news industry, says the blog post.
For more information about the eight journalists selected for the Facebook-Canadian Press News Fellowship, please click here.
