Based on coverage from CBC, Government of Manitoba, Winnipeg Free Press, The Peterborough Examiner, and Brandon Sun.
Manitoba's Media Support Report Sparks Debate
A new report from a Manitoba government committee has stirred the pot with its recommendations to bolster local media outlets. The six-member committee, which included representatives from various political parties, proposed that at least 25 per cent of government advertising budgets be allocated to local journalism. This suggestion aims to support rural, northern, and multicultural media across the province. However, not everyone is on board with the plan.
Opposition Tories Voice Concerns
The Progressive Conservatives, who held two seats on the committee, have raised objections. They claim they were not consulted on the final report and that their suggestions were omitted. Greg Nesbitt, a Tory committee member and former newspaper publisher, expressed frustration, stating that the NDP government has not been transparent about its advertising spending on platforms like Facebook and Google. The Tories argue that most government advertising should stay within Manitoba, supporting local media rather than international tech giants.
Recommendations for Tax Credits and Local Spending
Beyond advertising, the report also recommends tax credits to help locally owned media with staffing costs, drawing parallels to a federal tax credit already in place. The committee's chair, St. Boniface MLA Robert Loiselle, emphasized the importance of these measures, noting that local media plays a critical role in keeping Manitobans informed, especially during emergencies like wildfires.
Public Consultations and Diverging Views
The report is the result of nine public consultations held across Manitoba, where 43 presentations were made. While the 25 per cent advertising target was frequently mentioned, the Tories argue that stakeholders wanted a majority of ad spending to be directed to Manitoba media. Nesbitt pointed out that the committee did not provide a clear breakdown of current advertising spending, which he believes is necessary for informed discussions.
Moving Forward with Media Support
Despite the disagreements, the Manitoba government plans to move forward with the recommendations. Loiselle defended the report, highlighting the need to support local media outlets that have been struggling. The report's release has sparked a conversation about the future of media funding in Manitoba, with stakeholders like Golden West Broadcasting CEO Elmer Hildebrand expressing optimism about the committee's progress.
As the province navigates these recommendations, the focus remains on ensuring that local media can continue to serve their communities effectively. The debate underscores the challenges of balancing government support with the diverse needs of Manitoba's media landscape.
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The core facts reported by all sources are that a Manitoba government committee recommended tax credits and government advertising to support local media, but the report was not unanimous, with the Progressive Conservatives expressing dissatisfaction over their lack of input in the final report.
- CBC highlighted that the committee's report suggests a 25% target for government advertising spending on local media, a figure frequently cited in public hearings and similar to Ontario's target. It also noted the Progressive Conservatives' criticism of the NDP government for not disclosing advertising spending on platforms like Facebook and Google.
- Government of Manitoba provided details on the consultation process, mentioning nine sessions and 43 presentations, and included quotes from committee chair Robert Loiselle and Golden West Broadcasting CEO Elmer Hildebrand, emphasizing the importance of local media.
- Winnipeg Free Press included specific criticisms from PC MLA Greg Nesbitt, who felt the Tories were used in the process and noted the cancellation of a public consultation due to low interest. It also mentioned the importance of local media during events like the 2025 wildfire season.
- The Peterborough Examiner and Brandon Sun largely mirrored the information provided by the CBC, without adding unique details or perspectives.
