Our Newsletter
THE CONNECTOR
WINTER EDITION 2025
QCNA NEWS
To survive in uncertain times means being willing to make changes
Recently, QCNA learned that our stalwart 142 year-old broadsheet member newspaper, The Equity, is changing ownership. For most media, a change of ownership is a business deal and that’s that. But for a community newspaper that’s seen generations of the same family run it, it’s deeply personal. We at QCNA have always admired the grit and passion of our often family-run newspaper businesses. It’s that grit and passion that keeps these community newspapers running against all odds. But sometimes, the old way of doing things just can’t maintain. It can be painful to make the changes that need to be made for the sake of the publication’s survival. One has to be brave of heart. To read more about the change of ownership at The Equity, please read the feature published in fellow QCNA newspaper, The Low Down to Hull and Back News.
NEWS FOR MEMBERS
Eligible media to receive first payment in March
RE: Google funds for journalism: Between mid-February and mid-March news businesses will receive a determination letter indicating whether the news business is eligible to receive funds. Eligible news businesses will also receive the recipient agreement. Payment will follow two weeks after the CJC receives your signed recipient agreement and banking information.
The CJC calls its first general meeting
QCNA member newspapers that applied for the Google funds as per the Online News Act are invited to attend the first general meeting of the Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC), the organization mandated to distribute the funds.
This is the first meeting for new members (applicants) and there will be an election of directors and a report on financials. Date: Feb. 25 at 1 pm ET.
Publisher of The Sherbrooke Record Awarded
In a celebration of dedication, service, and community spirit, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP Compton—Stanstead, awarded King Charles III Coronation Medals to 21 individuals on Jan. 16 at the Old Lennoxville Golf Club.
“These medals are awarded to people for whom this recognition truly means something,” Bibeau shared during an interview prior to the event. “Community organizations in the riding were invited to nominate individuals who are deeply involved in their communities, and every single nomination was accepted.” She emphasized the heartfelt importance of the awards, which honour individuals whose efforts have positively impacted collective well-being.
Save the Date for QCNA's 45th AGM and BNC Awards Gala!
For QCNA’s remarkable 45th Anniversary, we are pulling out the red carpet. Literally. The events will take place on June 13th at the historical Fairmont Chateau Montebello, in Montebello, QC.
This year’s events will feature informational seminars and workshops, opportunities to socialize and network, as well as the annual banquet dinner and live awards ceremony.
ON THE CALENDAR
QCNA EVENT
Writing Workshop with Julian Sher
QCNA staff reporters and freelance journalists are invited to join us for three Friday afternoon sessions in February to craft compelling stories with veteran journalist, Julian Sher.
Sessions:
- Storytelling, Feb. 7, 12-2
- Getting the best quotes in your interviews, Feb. 14, 12-2
- The secrets to good newspaper writing, Feb. 21, 12-2
Participants are required to register with QCNA and submit a published article that they either were really happy with or didn’t land as they hoped it would. Be prepared to share! This event is free of charge. Email ilka.delaat@qcna.qc.ca to register.
GET INVOLVED
Still waiting for word on 2025 fees
All printed media must report tonnage by the March 31 deadline at the RecycleMedia website here. Provincial government subsidies cover the fees for 2024, but there is no confirmation that subsidies will cover 2025 fees at this time. For further information, please visit the French version of the RecycleMedia website where they have updated documents.
QCNA Member Slack Chat!
Coming out of the in-person strategic planning last year, members asked for an informal chat space to share ideas. Please contact QCNA to be invited and join the conversations!
Renewed: Committees!
QCNA’s two days of in-person strategic planning in June inspired many to join in on important committee work. Please, get involved! For more on committee descriptions and time commitments, please email administration@qcnna.qc.ca.
QCNA PARTNERS IN THE NEWS
From l'ARC du Canada
L’Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada has hired a new executive director, Louis Béland
With a wide range of experience, including management of not-for-profit organisations and business development, Louis is recognised for his expertise in mentoring and coaching. Passionate about innovation and business growth, he knows how to use his knowledge to strengthen the economic fabric of French-speaking communities and boost their influence.
The ARC du Canada Board of Directors believes that his leadership and strategic vision will be invaluable assets at a time when the organization has embarked on a restructuring and strategic planning exercise to strengthen its mission of supporting and promoting French-language minority community radio stations in Canada.
From Réseau.Presse
Réseau.Presse announces a new President on their board of directors
Ottawa, Ontario, January 27, 2025 – Maryne Dumaine, General Manager of L’Aurore boréale, is taking over the reins of Réseau.Presse’s Board of Directors. She succeeds Nicolas Jean, whom she helped as vice-president last year. With her wealth of experience, she brings a renewed vision to support the network’s members and strengthen the place of the French-language press in communities.
‘It is with great pleasure that I begin my mandate as president of Réseau.Presse, surrounded by my colleagues and the team. The challenges are many, but thanks to the collaboration of the board members, we will move forward and emerge stronger,’ said Ms Dumaine.
