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, and ugly contracts are. The Canadian Media Guild is embarking on a new mission to do just this.

So, bring us your contracts! Send them to CMG Freelance branch president Don Genova at freelance@cmg.ca. Your name and identifying details will be redacted, and your contributions will help the CMG develop a tip sheet for members so that we’re all better informed about indemnity clauses and contract literacy. Watch this space for more details.

Events for freelancers in Halifax May 3

April 25, 2017 Editor Event cmg freelancecwa associate memberseventmedia mixer

Halifax freelancers, students and media workers, mark your calendars for a couple of great networking and professional development events planned for Wednesday, May 3.First of all, you're invited to a free information session and lunch from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Dalhousie University Club Great Hall (1 Alumni Crescent). Speakers at the event…

Urban Worker Skillshare April 29 in Toronto

April 21, 2017 Editor Event cmg freelanceeventskillshareurban worker projectworkshop

If you're in the Toronto area, come and join CMG Freelance and the Urban Worker Project for a day-long workshop and after party for freelance and contract workers.It's happening on Saturday, April 29th from 9:30 to 6 p.m. at Story Arts Centre, Centennial College (951 Carlaw Avenue). It's an opportunity for freelancers to get together, network…

Media Mixer in Toronto April 25th

April 19, 2017 Editor Event cmg freelancecwa associate memberseventmedia mixer

Toronto freelancers, students and media workers, come out for an evening of networking and information on April 25th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Watson’s (388 Richmond St W). This is a free event hosted by CMG Freelance, CWA Canada Associate Members and the Fairness in Factual TV campaign to explore the subject “Freelancer or Employee? Myths,…

Freelance Skillshare and Community Building Opportunities

April 13, 2017 Editor Advice advicecmg freelanceeventsfreelance financesfreelance lifeskillshareurban worker project

by Amanda Maxwell[caption id="attachment_13322" align="alignright" width="292"] Urban Worker Project co-founder Andrew Cash speaks at the Vancouver Skillshare event. Photo by Don Genova[/caption]Considering the freelance route, jumping from the nine-to-five into the freedom of midnight keyboard sessions in your PJs? Terrified but excited, and not…

Access Copyright Payback claim period open until May 31

April 12, 2017 Editor Compensation access copyrightfreelance compensation

The 2017 Access Copyright Payback claim period is open from April 1st to May 31. If you're a writer or visual artist who was affiliated with Access Copyright as of December 31, 2016, now is the time to submit a claim for this year's payment.The eligible publication years for the 2017 Payback claim are 1996 to 2015. Written and visual…

Media mixer in Ottawa on April 20

April 11, 2017 Editor Event cmg freelancecwa associate membersfreelance meet-upmedia mixer

Ottawa media workers, students and freelancers: mark your calendars for an exciting evening of mentorship and networking. You're invited to a media mixer on April 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Clocktower Brew Pub (200 Elgin Street). CWA Canada associate members is hosting this event to give media workers a chance to make connections with…

Webinar: Cyber Security for Journalists

April 07, 2017 Editor Event cmg freelancecyber securitywebinar

[caption id="attachment_13301" align="alignright" width="281"] Buzzfeed reporter Jane Lytvynenko[/caption]CMG Freelance is hosting a webinar called Cyber Security for Journalists on Tuesday, April 11 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.The webinar will focus on tangible and easy steps reporters can take to secure their everyday activities online and off.…

Hey, CBC Freelancers, You’re Getting A Raise!

April 06, 2017 Editor News cbccbc freelancerscmgcmg freelancefreelance compensationfreelance contracts

By Don Genova, CMG Freelance Branch President Journalists who contribute to the CBC on a freelance basis are now subject to new minimum rates as of April 1, 2017. The Canadian Media Guild and CBC have agreed to a 1.5% across-the-board increase in rates contained in the collective agreement.This means the rates have risen by a total of 4.5% since…

Indemnity clauses – the rickety bridges of freelancing

April 05, 2017 Editor Journalism freelance contractsindemnity clausesthe walrustrouble spots

by Lesley Evans OgdenImagine you want to climb up a mountain to a beautiful viewpoint. You've done some research, figured out how to get to the trailhead, packed your backpack, and climbed most of the way up the mountain.But on the final ascent you arrive at a deep chasm. The only way across is a rickety bridge. The viewpoint is otherwise…