2017 Portenier Human Rights Bursary competition open for applications

May 18, 2017 Editor News bursarycanadian journalism forum on violence and traumaconflict zone reportingforum freelance fundportenier human rights bursary

Applications opened this week for the 2017 Portenier Human Rights Bursary competition. The winner of the bursary receives $3000 to attend hostile environment training offered by approved course providers.

The competition is open to freelance journalists and independent documentary filmmakers whose work focuses on human rights abuses. The bursary is offered by the Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma, which also offers a number of training bursaries each year through the Forum Freelance Fund.

The application deadline is June 15th. Winners will be notified by July 31st. For more information on how to apply, see the Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma website.

Freelance Isn’t Free Act becomes law in New York City

May 16, 2017 Editor News freelance isn't freefreelancers unionsuccess stories

Yesterday was a historic day for freelancers. The Freelance Isn't Free Act, which was spearheaded by the Freelancers Union during a year-long campaign last year, became law in New York City.https://twitter.com/Sara_Horowitz/status/864130390562406400The law requires anyone hiring a freelancer for work worth $800 or more to use a written contract.…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer May 9-15

May 15, 2017 Editor News newsoff the wire

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: Jonathan Kay has resigned as EIC of The Walrus [Canadian Magazines] Canada's National Newspaper Awards have a diversity problem [J-Source]…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer May 2-8

May 08, 2017 Editor News newsoff the wire

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 impact will proposal to eliminate unpaid internships in federal industries have on media workers? [J-Source] Canada receives failing grades for…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer April 25-May 1

May 01, 2017 Editor News newsoff the wire

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: Magazine Grands Prix winners announced [Canadian Magazines] Canada Council pushes back opening of online application portal to June 5 [Canadian…

Ticket giveaway for National Magazine Awards gala May 26 in Toronto

April 26, 2017 Editor News eventnational magazine awards

The 2017 National Magazine Awards nominations were announced last week and, as always, freelancers figure prominently among the nominees. And two of them are members of CMG Freelance. Congratulations to Alison Motluk, whose piece "A Journey to the Medical Netherworld" is nominated in the Personal Journalism category. And congratulations to…

CMG Freelance compiling a freelance contract tips sheet

April 25, 2017 Editor News cmg freelancefreelance contracts

When it comes to contracts, if you’re not sure what they mean, ask for help. Ask your colleagues. Ask the CMG. Use the ‘Lancer email list or the Story Board Facebook group to ask around for someone who has signed (or read but not signed) a contract for the place you’re hoping to work for.Let’s work together to find out where the good, bad,…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer April 19-24

April 24, 2017 Editor News newsoff the wire

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: Union, Postmedia, strike deal to mitigate job losses at Vancouver Sun and Province [J-Source] Postmedia, union reach deal saving 21 out of 54 jobs…

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

April 18, 2017 Editor News newsoff the wire

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…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer April 4-10

April 10, 2017 Editor News newsoff the wire

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: Toronto's "gig economy" fueled by young workers starved for choice [Toronto Star] IAF calls on Canada to protect its cultural workers by repairing…