CMG announces tentative new CBC agreement, freelancer issues still pending

November 26, 2013 Editor News cbccmgfreelance contractsfreelancer rates

The Canadian Media Guild has reached a tentative agreement with CBC, but there are still freelance-related issues to work out.

Freelancer pay rates are one of several areas still under discussion. The next negotiating session, which will be devoted to resolving freelance issues, is scheduled for early December. We'll post details on Story Board once they're available.

There will be a ratification vote on the new agreement early in the new year. If ratified, the new agreement will come into effect on April 1, 2014 and will stand until 2019.

CMG staff rep Keith Maskell is available to answer any questions at keith@cmg.ca.

The Born Freelancer on Animation Writing, Part 1

November 22, 2013 Editor Advice adviceanimationborn freelancer

This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments. In my last post, I talked about writing radio plays. I especially addressed those of you who would normally never consider such work and…

Social Media tips for writers from the Freelancer’s Toolbox

November 21, 2013 Editor Advice advicefreelancers toolboxmarketing yourselfsocial media

Social media can be a real productivity destroyer, but Rebecca Coleman says that freelancers just need to learn how to use it well in order to reap its many benefits. At the Freelancer's Toolbox seminar in Vancouver earlier this month, Coleman -- a blogger, teacher and freelance PR specialist -- said that writers should be using social…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Nov 13-18

November 18, 2013 Editor News newsoff the wire

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler? From Canada: Freelance journalist's lawyer waits on John Furlong to agree to lawsuit court date [J-Source] COPA 2013 winners announced [Masthead]…

Reuse and Recycle

November 15, 2013 Editor Advice advicepitchingresearchreselling

by Tanya Lloyd Kyi We all have the same complaints. Newspapers are regurgitating content. Editors are reusing tired articles. Publishers are recycling old ideas.But while we writers and readers continue to push for great content, we can also steal a page from the publishing playbook. Why not see how many ways we can reuse our own ideas and…

Opportunities and Pitching—tips from The Freelancer’s Toolbox

November 14, 2013 Editor Advice advicefreelance opportunitypitchingthe freelancer's toolbox

The good news for freelancers is that there have never been more places to publish than there are right now.The bad news, as we all know, is that very few places want to pay you for your work.Food and travel writers Joanne Sasvari and Don Genova offered some advice on how to make your freelance career pay at The Freelancer’s Toolbox seminar…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Nov 5-12

November 12, 2013 Editor News newsoff the wire

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler? From Canada: The Tyee looks to expand nationally [J-Source] Vancouver Sun's supposed handling of Amada Todd coverage raises ethical questions [J-Source]…

Researcher seeks interviews with freelancers

November 08, 2013 Editor News freelance liferesearch

A University of Western Ontario doctoral student is looking for Canadian freelance writers to participate in a study of freelance working conditions. Robert Bertuzzi, a PhD student in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, is seeking freelancers who are able to commit to one 90-minute interview. His dissertation will explore the experiences…

Braving the Canadian Lake: Paolo Pietropaolo on the joys of freelancing

November 06, 2013 Editor Advice advicefreelance lifepaolo pietropaoloradio

Freelance radio producer Paolo Pietropaolo says that working as a freelancer is like standing on the edge of a Canadian lake. When embarking on any new creative project, he says, there’s always that daunting moment where you have to figure out where to begin. The lake in front of you is huge, it's freezing cold, you’re scared. But once…

The Born Freelancer on Writing a Radio Play

November 01, 2013 Editor Advice adviceborn freelancerradioradio drama

This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments. It seems appropriate to spend a post on writing radio plays during the very week that marks the 75th anniversary of the initial broadcast of…