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:

• Ryan McMahon has big plans for his Indigenous media platform [J-Source]
• It’s time to start The Conversation in Canada [J-Source]
• The Toronto Star, “surprised by low numbers,” is shutting down Star Touch, its expensive tablet app [Nieman Lab]
• Community media only needs a little to do a lot — but even limited funding is disappearing, experts say [J-Source]
• New tools to help precarious workers figure out everything from taxes to pension [Metro Toronto]
• Banff Centre to offer inaugural investigative journalism course this fall [J-Source]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• 4 smart tips to help you take your freelance writing career full time [The Write Life]
• How to become a digital nomad without slowing down your career [Freelancers Union]
• Why You Can’t Get a Job Without Solid Writing Skills [Mediabistro]
• Can Journalists Live Without Twitter? [Poynter]
• Is a science blog still a viable path to science journalism? [The Open Notebook]
• 82 rules for all freelancers to live by [Freelancers Union]

Recently on Story Board:

• Toronto media mixer on July 10: Digital security for journalists and filmmakers -- In an era of mass surveillance and targeted intrusions, our privacy as media workers – and the security of our sources – is constantly threatened. How do we manage the risks while still reporting the stories that need to be told...

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.