Local Journalism Initiative Impact

Between April and September, the civic journalism produced at U Multicultural played a vital role in amplifying the voices of newcomers and strengthening dialogue across the community. Through podcasts, articles, and interviews, short viral videos, we highlighted challenges faced by immigrants, women navigating independence in Canada, and families adapting to new realities. By focusing on local experiences, these stories resonated deeply with audiences and helped reduce barriers between cultural groups.

Our recent coverage of safe injection sites and the work of frontline organizers has resonated deeply with the community, shedding light on a topic that often goes underreported. While much of the mainstream media coverage focuses on controversy, restrictions, or political debates, like recent proposals to limit safe injection sites with Bill 103, which organizers warn could effectively shut them down, our reporting sought to center the experiences of those directly involved: the workers, the volunteers, and the people relying on these services.

Depuis plusieurs mois, TVR9 suit avec attention un dossier qui touche à l’essence même de notre mission : l’avenir des télévisions communautaires autonomes (TCA). Alors que les géants du Web siphonnent les revenus publicitaires et que l’information locale disparaît des grands réseaux, la survie des télévisions communautaires est plus que jamais menacée. Pour les acteurs du milieu, il ne s’agit pas seulement d’une question budgétaire, mais bien d’un enjeu démocratique : préserver une voix citoyenne, accessible et enracinée dans les réalités locales.

This summer, the NB Media Co-op hosted a series of media production workshops at Elsipogtog First Nation, about an hour north of Moncton. One participant, Lance Francis, an Elsipogtog community member and student at St. Thomas University, pitched a story that became one of the most-watched videos of the year.

What started as an idea to engage youth in creative skill-building and local journalism turned into an eight-week journey for 15 young participants, thanks to a collaboration between NACTV, the Neepawa Settlement’s SWIS program, and a grant from the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation. The pilot youth training program provided not only technical skills but also a voice and platform for participants to share their perspectives.

In July, alongside local news outlets across the province, NACTV had the opportunity to present at a public hearing held by the Province of Manitoba regarding local journalism. Senior LJI journalist Rrain Prior took the reins for the presentation, supported by a body of work from council meetings to public works investigations to protests and calls to action that was only possible thanks to the Local Journalism Initiative and the presence of a local reporter in Neepawa. 

What began as an idea to engage youth in creative skill-building and local journalism turned into a transformative eight-week journey for 15 young participants. The initiative was made possible through a collaboration between NACTV, the Neepawa Settlement’s SWIS program, and a generous grant from the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation. Together, these partners launched a pilot youth training program that provided more than just technical skills—it gave participants a voice and a platform to share their perspectives.

This story makes a meaningful impact on the Tri-Cities community in several ways:

1. Amplifying Indigenous Voices

By sharing Stephen Armstrong’s teachings and insights, the story amplifies the voice of a Kwikwetlem First Nation Elder in a region where Indigenous history is often underrepresented. His message that “an Elder has nothing to do with age” challenges stereotypes and broadens the community’s understanding of cultural roles and traditions.

Au cours des six derniers mois, les reportages diffusés par la station communautaire TVCO ont joué un rôle essentiel dans la sensibilisation du public et des instances décisionnelles face au conflit de travail à la traverse de l’Isle-aux-Coudres. Ce conflit, opposant les officiers de navigation brevetés et non brevetés à la Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ), affectait directement le quotidien des citoyens et l’économie locale, en raison des interruptions fréquentes de service et des menaces de grève répétitives.

At a time when transgender rights in the United States face mounting legislative rollbacks, a small television station in rural New Brunswick is making a deliberate choice: to put these issues at the center of its programming.

This summer, two of Southwest New Brunswick’s most visible journalists teamed up to bring viewers something that had been missing from the local media landscape: time.

This Week Uncut, an hour-long weekly news panel show, debuted on CHCO-TV as a forum to examine the week’s top stories with the kind of detail rarely available in short news segments. Hosted by CHCO-TV News Director Vicki Hogarth and The Courier editor-in-chief Nathalie Sturgeon, the program blends the immediacy of television with the context of print journalism.

Inaugurée en novembre 2023, la Maison de fin de vie Les couleurs du vent a bien sûr suscité notre attention assez rapidement. En effet, il nous semblait essentiel de faire découvrir cette ressource aux gens de la région. Ce reportage a représenté, au cours de la seconde partie de notre saison, un moment tout à fait particulier, de par la teneur du sujet abordé et son aspect solennel. Celui-ci a eu un grand impact dans la population, et bien des téléspectateurs ont pu ainsi découvrir cette nouvelle ressource.

Le PLDC (Promotion du leadership pour le développement communautaire) a officiellement lancé son programme de promotion au travers d’un événement de regroupement communautaire à Casselman en août dernier. Ce type de programme étant nouveau dans la région, l'un de leurs plus grands défis reste de se faire connaître par ceux qui en ont besoin. C’est pour cette raison que la directrice générale du PLDC, Adèle Kabuo, nous a contactés pour que l’on puisse couvrir l'événement.

Four Years of Ground Reporting in Simcoe County – Deepak Bidwai, Simcoe Community Media

For the past four years, I’ve been on the ground in Barrie and across Simcoe County, covering stories too often neglected or underrepresented. The trust built through deep community connections has allowed me to share voices that have long been hesitant to engage with media, often because of decades—and in some cases centuries—of misrepresentation.

When Toronto Centre candidates faced off in Regent Park on April 30, 2025, the spotlight wasn’t only on politics—it was on the community itself. The packed debate at Daniels Spectrum, organized by the Community Civic Engagement Collaborative (CCEC), drew over 160 participants in person and online, proving that residents in Regent Park and the Downtown East are eager to engage in Canada’s democratic life.

Parvaz TV plays a vital civic role in Vancouver’s Persian-speaking community by providing culturally relevant programming that informs, educates, and connects local residents—filling gaps often overlooked by mainstream media. Celebrating its 26th anniversary, the station highlighted decades of service in promoting social cohesion, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering civic engagement.

We interviewed Amir Mohammadi, CEO of Advanced Medical, to highlight the critical role of fall prevention and home safety for Vancouver’s seniors—a growing civic concern. Mohammadi explained how mobility aids, safety equipment, and occupational therapy assessments not only help seniors stay independent and prevent injuries but also reduce pressure on hospitals and long-term care facilities. The conversation addressed cultural barriers, especially in the Iranian community, encouraging the normalization of assistive devices.

Major General Scott Malcolm, Surgeon General of the Canadian Armed Forces, was officially initiated as an honorary member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 in Arichat on July 26—recognizing his achievement as the highest-ranking medical professional in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Following the ceremony, Major General Malcolm spoke with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot.

This past quarter has been one of the most eventful and impactful both for Simcoe Community Media (SCM) and for me as a journalist.

From a once-in-a-generation federal election to the worst ice storm in Simcoe County’s history, the stories we’ve covered have not only shaped the news cycle but also amplified the voices of communities that often go unheard. We also marked Indigenous History Month and Pride Month, and launched a deeply personal new series, The Library of Lived Experiences, in partnership with Ryan's Hope and Moms Stop the Harm.

Vancouver Hosts Powerful Event for Victims and Survivors of Crime Week

To mark Victims and Survivors of Crime Week (May 11–17, 2025), Vancouver hosted a heartfelt and impactful event titled “Honouring Voices, Empowering Survivors” on May 11, 2025. The seminar brought together survivors, mental health professionals, and advocates to explore the mental and emotional impact of crime and the need for coordinated community support.

The all-female Persian vocal trio recently won two Silver Medals at the Global Music Awards — one for Best Female Vocalist and one for Best Trio Ensemble.

Made up of Atoosa Nezakati, Pegah Sherkat, and Banafsheh Farahmand, Hazar Ava has been an active part of Vancouver’s cultural music scene for nearly a decade. Their unique sound and commitment to Persian vocal traditions have earned them a loyal following and now, global recognition.

In 2024, as a reporter for Simcoe Community Media, I, Deepak Bidwai, had the privilege of bringing powerful visual stories to life from Barrie and across Simcoe County—stories that often go untold. I covered diverse issues spanning the county, from Barrie, its largest urban center, to Tiny Township, a region far greater than Barrie in land area but with less than a tenth of its population.

Giving Voice to a Diverse Community

Produced by civic journalist Jake Boudrot, Episode 48 of Strait Talk explores the Municipality of the County of Richmond’s efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of properly displaying civic numbers on properties—crucial for helping emergency personnel respond more quickly and accurately.

The episode came about after Richmond Warden Lois Landry reached out to Telile with the idea of hosting a show on the topic. She was joined by Isle Madame Volunteer Fire Department Deputy Chief Codie Forest and Kelly Diggdon, owner/operator of Fleur de Lis Signs.

Parmi toutes les entrevues réalisées depuis que le projet est débuté, les plus significatives sont celles réalisée avec M. Rick Lavergne, directeur général de la MRC des Appalaches et de la Société de développement économique de la région de Thetford (SDE), ainsi que plus récemment avec M. Ludovic Beauregard, le nouveau commissaire à l’économie circulaire de la SDE.

Guy Jacques – Initiative de journalisme local

Our coverage of Amazon’s sudden layoffs in Quebec helped bring attention to a major local issue that was making waves internationally. By giving a platform to voices like organizer and former Amazon worker Mostafa Henaway, we helped spark an important conversation and dialogue about labour rights, corporate power, and the fight for fair working conditions. The mass layoffs of nearly 2,000 workers across Amazon’s Quebec warehouses was allegedly not isolated or disconnected from other factors, but rather influenced by surrounding circumstances and prior similar events.

Dans un contexte d’incertitude et changements après la hausse de 25% des frais de douane imposés par les États-Unis, la Télévision Communautaire de l’Érable (TVCÉ) s’est imposée comme un acteur clé dans la sensibilisation du public à l’importance de l’achat local, faisant ainsi connaître l'impact économique et moral positif que ce simple acte peut générer pour les entrepreneurs et les agriculteurs de la région.

Silvana Suarez Ardila – Initiative de Journalisme Local

The story Montreal Marches for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation shows a large-scale demonstration in Montreal, where thousands gathered to recognize the ongoing impacts of Canada’s residential school system. The march, which was held on September 30, and is also known as Orange Shirt Day, was part of a national movement to honour residential school survivors and commemorate the children who did not return home.

En janvier dernier, la Chambre de commerce et d’industrie Vallée-du-Richelieu – Rouville (CCIVRR) a accueilli Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, chef du Parti québécois (PQ) et député de Camille-Laurin, pour un dîner-conférence à l’hôtel Rive Gauche de Belœil. TVR9 était sur place pour que grand nombre de citoyens puissent bénéficier de ce contenu riche, informatif et pertinent.

Andréane Viau - Initiative de journalisme local

La couverture médiatique que l’équipe de TVCO a réalisée concernant le dossier de la perte du droit de commerce des campings aménagés de la ZEC des Martres dans Charlevoix a suscité bien des réactions dans notre population locale. Tout d’abord, l’entrevue réalisée avec l’équipe de direction de la ZEC a permis d’établir l’historique qui a mené au retrait du droit de commerce par le ministère responsable de l’Environnement au Québec.

Five years ago, Donna Mikeluk, former CEO of the Schreiber Public Library, and Kim Krause, a councillor at the time, ventured into uncharted territory with plans to create a community channel for Schreiber. The Schreiber Media Centre (SMC) was established as a nonprofit organization, supporting the library’s media literacy initiative. A space in the library’s basement was transformed into a small studio equipped for live streaming, green screen production, and three-camera recording. The mixed-use control room/edit suite also facilitates audio mixing and graphic design.

The Canadian housing crisis is no stranger to most areas across the country, but it doesn’t always manifest itself in the same ways. In Neepawa, where a recent housing study indicated that the community will be short almost 500 homes by 2028, rather than seeing unhoused residents we are seeing multiple families in single homes or large families in homes of insufficient size.

By Dimitrije Martiovic

Toronto’s housing crisis demands urgent, sustained coverage. Focus Media Arts Centre, an LJI participant, amplifies frontline voices and holds policymakers accountable. Without civic journalism, systemic failures remain hidden, and urgent demands go unheard.

A new report from SHJN and TUHU condemns Toronto’s response to homelessness, citing 766 deaths in three years, including 135 in early 2024. At a press conference, advocates Lynn Walker and Jennifer Jewell exposed the dangers unhoused people face, especially those with disabilities.

NACTV’s Community Round Table program recently made a significant impact by shining a spotlight on the pressing needs of seniors in the area. The program brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local municipality representatives and community organizations,  all united by a common goal: to improve the quality of life for seniors.

Caption: Members of ACORN NB held a protest in Saint John, N.B., during a housing summit organized by the provincial government and the New Brunswick Real Estate Association, on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. Photo: ACORN NB.

The NB Media Co-op has been at the forefront of covering the housing crisis, activism from tenant and community groups, and policy and program changes introduced by the province in response to the crisis.

TVC22 organized and broadcasted live and uploaded on their media a political debate between the provincial candidates for the provincial elections on February 27. Since there wasn't any other debate for the candidates of the Glengarry-Prescott-Russell area in front of a public, we had the exclusivity on the matter and the public was very thankful of our initiative to hold a debate. We even held and uploaded the debate before the anticipation round of votes was open, so everyone could have been well informed well in advance.

In response to recent geopolitical shifts and the suspension of U.S. financial aid to Ukraine, the Ukrainian community in Winnipeg has become increasingly concerned about its future. This concern was highlighted in a podcast episode featuring Vasyl Malyk, a long-time community activist and volunteer. Having lived in Canada for nearly seven years, Vasyl has made significant contributions to the Ukrainian diaspora, particularly in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Yaran Iranian Group in Vancouver hosted a panel discussion with Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and MP for North Vancouver. The event provided an opportunity for the Iranian-Canadian community to engage directly with the minister, discuss key federal initiatives, and voice concerns.

Skyrise Media Society: A Community-Driven Impact

From Struggle to Strength: How Community Stories Sparked a Movement

In addition to coverage of the monthly committee-of-the-whole and regular monthly meetings of Richmond Municipal Council, Richmond Warden Lois Landry wanted to do a program to directly engage with residents, businesses, and organizations.