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:

• Alberta Magazines: How to Pitch & Pitchfest [AMPA]
• 6 reporters spied on by Quebec provincial police [J-Source]
• La Presse says Montreal police tracked journalist's iPhone for months [J-Source]
• National Magazine Awards Special Event: Winners’ Circle [Magazine Awards]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• Freelancers don't get paid sick days – but it doesn't have to be that way [Freelancers Union]
• What does the great newspaper squeeze of 2016 mean for investigative journalism? [Poynter]
• Advice from 10 news organisations to help you tailor your story pitches [Journalism.co.uk]
• NYC-based Freelancers Union scores major legislative victory [Associations Now]
• 6 signs you should really turn down that freelance assignment [Mediabistro]
• Unpaid internships could be banned [BBC]

Recently on Story Board:

• Breaking bad freelance habits: Bad habits. That’s what’s holding you back. If you could just develop better habits, you’d finally be creating the career you want as a freelancer. You have the key to changing your bad habit for the habit you know you want...

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.