Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer July 18-24

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: 

• Global News braces for possible strikes at five stations [iPolitics]
• Lay offs at Vice include cuts at Vice Canada [J-Source]
• CMG to ensure members’ rights respected in VICE layoffs [CMG]
• A guide to writing prizes for Canadians [CBC Books]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• Vice Media laying off 2% of staff amid international, video expansion [Variety]
• This tool will help your long-distance interviews feel more face-to-face [Poynter]
• Run your business like a pro! Here are some freelance task management tips [Freelancers Union]
• The Key to Taking on New Clients While Servicing Loyal Ones Is Time Management [Freelance Writing Jobs]
• 7 steps to planning a vacation as a freelancer [Freelancers Union]
• Mobile journalism helps reporters get closer to the story, new Reuters Institute research finds [Journalism.co.uk]
• Errol Morris on catching the interview bug [CJR]
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Freelance Writer Website [The Write Life]

Recently on Story Board:

• Turning your holiday into a travel writing opportunity: As a freelancer, days not worked are days not paid. But that doesn’t you mean don’t get to take holidays, whether in your own backyard or to somewhere more exotic. It just might mean you get creative about how to turn your holiday into future writing opportunities...
• Freelancer Katie Jensen talks about the importance of income transparency in Canadian media: On July 5, freelance podcast producer Katie Jensen publicly shared her 2016 net income as part of a Twitter  thread she hashtagged #incometransparency...
• Free spaces in Toronto podcasting program available to CMG Freelance members: CMG Freelance is pleased to offer four free spaces in an upcoming Camp Tech Intro to Podcasting Program in Toronto. On Saturday, August 12th, professional podcast producer JP Davidson will lead you through this 6-hour workshop...

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.