JOURNALISM IN THE AMERICAS Blog
Quebec pushing forward with controversial proposal to define "professional" journalists
In Canada, the Quebec government's proposal to create legislation that would define who is a professional journalist is first going to have to undergo public scrutiny, reported the National Post and TheSuburban.com.
Public meetings will be held in 10 cities over six weeks, said The Mark.
Noting that the intention of the law would be to "distinguish those dedicated to 'serving the public interest' from 'amateur bloggers,'” a column in the National Post called the proposal "alarming," saying that citizen journalists should be "encouraged, not chilled." Further, the article pointed out that the phrase "serving the public interest" was in itself disturbing, potentially deterring journalists from being critical.
The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) in May convened a committee to study the proposed regulation and the broader issue of professionalization of journalists. The CAJ said it would issue an opinion on the proposal once the committee issues recommendations.
Another column in the National Post explained that the proposed regulation is based off a report from former journalist Dominique Payette who recommended that "professional" journalists be awarded certain access and privileges "in exchange for respecting certain yet-to-be-determined criteria."
The column concluded that "Canadian media and journalists should be in full-scale revolt against this state of affairs."
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"Professional" journalists vs. "amateur bloggers"
We bloggers fill the enormous gaps frequently left by "professional" media. Considering that most bloggers are volunteers, that many are excellent journalists, and that some have a background in "professional" journalism, I consider our efforts to be the real public service. If paid journalists were doing their jobs well, the people wouldn't be in such a hurry to find their information elsewhere. If the daily newspaper in my city were doing its job relative to public education, I could easily and happily return to the life I had before I became an "amateur blogger."
Laurie H. Rogers
Member of the executive committee for Where's the Math?
Author of "Betrayed: How the Education Establishment Has Betrayed America and What You Can Do about it" and the blog "Betrayed"
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