february 10, 2021
You’ll notice something different about the front page of today’s print edition: it is void of news It represents a very real phenomenon — local headlines and local newspapers are disappearing across Canada. A large part of the reason is the dominance of global tech giants such as Google and Facebook, which refuse to pay a fair price for content created by Canadian news outlets. They also drain off more than 80 per cent of all digital advertising revenue in Canada. Our front page without the news is part of a nationwide campaign by News Media Canada to raise awareness of the danger this phenomenon poses not only to local media but to democracy itself. Without reliable, trusted journalism that informs you and keeps governments accountable, our democracy and the ability of citizens to respond to local issues will suffer. It costs real money to report trusted,
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fact-based news. Because of the virtual monopoly of Google and Facebook online, dozens of local newspapers across Canada have closed in recent years and hundreds of journalists have lost their jobs. It’s time for Ottawa to act. The best solution is for Ottawa to follow an Australian example and adopt legislation that allows newspapers to negotiate a fair price for use of their
content, with massive fines if Google and Facebook refuse to co-operate. Importantly, no new government funding, taxes or fees are required for this solution. We encourage you to read the Open Letter. It can be found at https://www. levellingthedigitalplayingfield.ca/
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We’re from here MCSnet is a local, family-owned rural internet service provider. Connect, share and always be there: At MCSnet, we believe in the neighbourly way of life. That’s why we’ve been dedicated to delivering high-speed, wireless internet to our rural communities since 1995. See our grassroots story at mcsnet.ca/about Call 1-844-908-9373 to learn about our internet & telephone services.
We also encourage you to let your local MP know you want Ottawa to level the playing field. Thank you. Arthur Beaudette General Manager
