Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer April 11-18

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?

From Canada:

• What the sale of 27 newspapers to the Chronicle Herald will mean for Atlantic Canada [J-Source]
• It's past time to protect the 'precariat' [Toronto Star]
• Newspaper jobs to be saved through deal with Postmedia, union says [CTV]
• Transcontinental sells 27 newspapers in Atlantic Canada to Halifax Herald [Montreal Gazette]
• Chronicle Herald purchase proof that financial strain claim was a 'fabrication': Union [Vancouver Metro]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• Great local reporting stands between you and wrongdoing. And it needs saving. [Washington Post]
• Snapshots of 4 journalism co-operatives from around the world [Journalism.co.uk]
• Do Writers Have 'Moral Rights'? [National Writers Union]
• 'Freelance Isn't Free' Act becomes law in New York City on May 15 [Freelancers Union]
• 10 Mistakes That Will Kill Your Writing Career [Mediabistro]

Recently on Story Board:

• Freelance Skillshare and community building opportunities: Considering the freelance route, jumping from the nine-to-five into the freedom of midnight keyboard sessions in your PJs? Terrified but excited, and not sure where to go for information? While there are a lot of resources out there, they’re mostly online with very little of the personal touch...
• Access Copyright Payback claim period open until May 31: The 2017 Access Copyright Payback claim period is open from April 1st to May 31. If you’re a writer or visual artist who was affiliated with Access Copyright as of December 31, 2016, now is the time to submit a claim for this year’s payment...
• Media Mixer in Ottawa April 20: Ottawa media workers, students and freelancers: mark your calendars for an exciting evening of mentorship and networking. You’re invited to a media mixer on April 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Clocktower Brew Pub...

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.