Quebec: Media task force recommends new contract between the press and the state

An academic study commissioned by Quebec’s Ministry of Culture recommends an overhaul of journalism practice to address poor work conditions for journalists and political pressures that compromise journalism ethics, according to an article just published in Montreal’s Le Devoir (in French).

The study, entitled Task Force on Journalism and the Future of Information (Le groupe de travail sur le journalisme et l’avenir de l’information) was conducted by Professor Dominique Paquette at L’Université Laval in Quebec City. 

Professor Paquette’s report proposes a “new contract between the press and the State”.  Its recommendations include:

• ·      A professional title for journalists modelled on some European examples
• ·      Reserving government press releases for media organizations that hire accredited professional journalists
• ·      Stricter enforcement of rules against conflict of interest
• ·      Unions and a set minimum wage for freelance journalists (YIPPEEEE!! Exposing my conflict of interest to cheer vociferously for this one!!)

Quebec’s Minister of Culture and Communications, Christine Saint-Pierre, commissioned the study a year ago to address worsening crises in the profession.  Journalists at the daily Le Journal de Montréal, which is owned by the  Québecor conglomerate (which also owns the Sun chain in Ontario), have been locked out for two years.  Dailies across the province face mounting political and economic pressures that jeopardize their impartiality.  Freelancers work under unstable and untenable conditions.

What do you think?  Are these recommendations elitist?  Will they save journalism?  Do other provinces need an overhaul of the contract between the press and the state?