Reuters to use “stringers” for new US wire service

December 14, 2010 Editor News digitalthomson reuters

Thomson Reuters is launching what it is calling a "domestic news service" in the US to rival the Associated Press and CNN Wire. The service, dubbed Reuters America, will provide text, photos and video to newspaper, TV and online pubilshing clients. The first client is the Tribune Co, which owns the Chicago Tribune and the LA Times as well as some local TV stations and is in bankruptcy protection.

Reuters America will supply new clients with pieces from its own journalists and stringers (a.k.a. freelancers), and is also partnering with the Wrap, SportsDirect Inc, the Sports Xchange, US Presswire, SB Nation and Examiner.com to provide sports and entertainment news.

Thanks to Media Bistro for the tip.

Best. Assignment. Ever.

December 08, 2010 Editor Bit of fun

Raise your hand if you've recently had an experience like this with an editor.(Really, what woman hasn't wanted to trade her children for a handbag?)

Freelancers meet at Toronto’s historic Gladstone

December 08, 2010 Editor News andrew cashcanadian media guildcanadian writers groupeventperiodical writers association of canada

The Gladstone Hotel's Art Room turned out to be an apt spot to launch the new alliance between Canada's only agency for freelance writers and a major media union. A historic hotel -- and an age-old problem. The problem is figuring out how to give collective voice and leverage to people who are, by law and trade, independent. The solution,…

Required reading for Canadian freelancers

December 06, 2010 Editor News digitalfreelance contracts

The Canadian Magazines blog offers a succinct review of a new book it says "should be read by every freelancer, agency, editor and publisher" in Canada. Copyright, Contracts, Creators: New Media, New Rules is written by Osgoode Hall law school professor Giuseppina D’Agostino. The description of the book includes this gem: "The Internet-fueled…

Finkle going to bat for independent writers

December 03, 2010 Editor News canadian media guildcanadian writers groupfreelancer ratesrobertson caserogers publishingtoronto life

Toronto writer Derek Finkle’s first feature assignment netted him a cover story in Toronto Life. It all started in 1993 when he became the magazine’s first intern. The story was about a sting operation on a paid hit and it introduced Finkle to key police sources that would prove helpful to his later work. But it was a formative experience in…

A new benefits program for writers

December 02, 2010 Editor News actra fraternalbenefitscanadian writers group

A new benefits program is available to writers who are members of a dozen organizations, including the Canadian Writers Group. The program is administered by ACTRA Fraternal.[caption id="attachment_183" align="alignright" width="75" caption="Susan Swan"][/caption]The great thing about this program is that premium rates don’t go up the more you…

Unlocking the mysteries of the Robertson settlement payouts

December 02, 2010 Editor News magazinesrobertson casethe globe and mail

A number of magazine veterans have been scratching their heads about the reports circulating that former Globe and Mail freelancers are receiving the maximum allowable payout – $55,000 – from the Heather Robertson settlement with Thomson Reuters Canada, CTVglobemedia, and the Gale Group. The veterans are wondering how their many…

Toronto launch party for freelance alliance

December 01, 2010 Editor Event canadian media guildcanadian writers groupevent

The launch of the alliance between the Canadian Media Guild and the Canadian Writers Group will be celebrated on Tuesday December 7 at Toronto's Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. West, near Dufferin). The event starts at 6 pm. There will be a brief presentation and a chance to ask questions at 6:30 pm. Snacks and drinks will be served.Please RSVP…

Signs of optimism as 2010 winds down

December 01, 2010 Editor News digitalmagazines

Magazine and newspaper publishers have some news to smile about south of the border. The first comes from Jim Romenesko at Poynter: newspapers can look forward to an increase in digital ad revenue next year, according to industry consultant Kubas. You can see the Kubas forecast here.What's more, there's a signal that the death of print is…

New alliance to fight for rights for freelancers

December 01, 2010 Editor News canadian media guildcanadian writers groupfreelance contractsnegotiationssuccess stories

The alliance between the Canadian Media Guild and the Canadian Writers Group was officially launched today. It's a first-ever alliance between an agency that represents independent journalists and a union and will advocate for freelancers on issues such as rates, copyright and digital and re-use rights."I'm proud to be a partner in this alliance,"…