International Association Of Independent Journalists Inc.

[IAIJ]

Citizen Journalism in Canada


By Rick Miller, IAIJ Journalist


Canadian journalism is at a crossroads. While technology has progressed to the point where it is possible for the citizen journalist to inexpensively broadcast globally in an instant, there are still many barriers that inhibit the free flow of information that are simply unacceptable in a modern democracy.

As an independent journalist covering the student protests in Quebec, some of the largest popular demonstrations in Canadian history, I experienced some of the abuses suffered by traditional and independent journalists alike.

Working journalists, obviously identifiable with credentials visible and carrying broadcast equipment were beaten, hit with batons, pepper sprayed and unlawfully detained. News crews were directly targeted by police forces. I was personally taken into custody while in transit, transported to a police station and was physically forced into painful stress positions, being forced face down to the ground and having my arms extended backwards to unnatural degrees. Police confiscated my press pass and notebooks, and harassed and intimidated my contacts.

While researching other stories of importance regarding public health and safety issues such as environmental health and climate change, booking interviews with the relevant public official of Government of Canada officials or scientists was extremely difficult at best. In one instance taking over three months to get an interview with Health Canada, well after the incident had occurred. Eric Pellerin, chief of Health Canada's radiation surveillance division himself later remarked: "The communication aspect could be improved."

Regardless, media relations teams require a list of all questions in advance, effectively turning interviews into verbal press releases that strictly adhere to a script; giving an impression of information and perception control rather than transparent accountability from public institutions.

Another challenge is the funding model. Absent a larger umbrella organization to assist with sponsorship and reluctance for advertisers to fully leverage new media, many citizen journalists are forced to rely on donations or "out of pocket" payment of expenses, dramatically decreasing their potential to properly research and present a story.

It is my hope that we can overcome these challenges and successfully transition to an even playing field. With forward thinking policy implementation supporting the protections of journalists and accessible funding sources, member nations can all greatly benefit from the shift towards citizen and independent media.