How to save a crumbling pillar of Canadian democracy: local news

Published: February 13, 2025

Lisa Sygutek of the Crowsnest Pass Herald, Stacey Brzostowski of The Haida Gwaii News, and Andrew Phillips, a columnist with The Toronto Star, talk about the role of local news and stopping its decline

Local news in Canada has been disappearing at an alarming rate, leaving a huge void in communities and undermining a key pillar of democracy.

In this episode, guest host Alison Uncles talks to Lisa Sygutek, the publisher of the Crowsnest Pass Herald, Stacey Brzostowski, editor and publisher of The Haida Gwaii News, and Andrew Phillips, former editor-in-chief of The Montreal Gazette and Victoria Times Colonist, and a columnist with The Toronto Star, about misinformation, community ties and why they have a newfound sense of optimism in their battle for survival against big tech.

They also delve into the results of a new PPF report, written in partnership with the Michener Awards Foundation and the Rideau Hall Foundation, about the surprising impact of small radio stations, newspapers and news websites, and outlining some key steps to help put the local back in local news.

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