The bulk of Canada’s media is bought, and paid for by the Liberal Government which has extended generous taxpayer subsidies to outlets that comply. The federal government rolls out nearly $600 million in subsidies for select media outlets that obtain the federal government’s approval.
The majority of government media control is obviously the CBC, with an annual bill to taxpayers well in excess of $1 billion.
By handing nearly $600 million directly to select newspapers, the government is just extending the control that it had over other mediums, to traditional mainstream newspapers.
To distribute the subsidies, the Liberals created a handpicked panel, giving the bailout an appearance of distance from direct partisan intervention however; the panel was stacked with Liberal media allies.
The Liberal government wants to provide assistance indefinitely for mainstream media after the $595 million federal journalism bailout expires in 2024.
According to Blacklock’s Reporter, the Department of Canadian Heritage hasn’t ruled out extending funding despite the fact that the bailout has failed to save financially unviable outlets or prevent them from going under.
“News businesses have seen their revenues significantly decline affecting coverage of our communities and institutions,” said Canadian Heritage spokesperson David Larose.
“The government is committed to supporting the long term viability of the Canadian news sector including through various tax measures and programs.”
During a media convention, Trudeau says “we paid them $600 million dollars” to buy off the media in order to get good coverage.