Access Copyright Payback claim period open until May 31

April 12, 2017 Editor Compensation access copyrightfreelance compensation

The 2017 Access Copyright Payback claim period is open from April 1st to May 31. If you're a writer or visual artist who was affiliated with Access Copyright as of December 31, 2016, now is the time to submit a claim for this year's payment.

The eligible publication years for the 2017 Payback claim are 1996 to 2015. Written and visual work published during this period in books, magazines, journals and/or newspapers is eligible.

If you're not yet registered with Access Copyright and you have written or visual work that fits the claim criteria, now might be a good time to register so that you're ready for next year's claim period.

For a comprehensive explanation of how Access Copyright and the Access Copyright Foundation could contribute to your income stream, check out this Story Board post.

And for more information or to submit a claim go to the Access Copyright website.

Media mixer in Ottawa on April 20

April 11, 2017 Editor Event cmg freelancecwa associate membersfreelance meet-upmedia mixer

Ottawa media workers, students and freelancers: mark your calendars for an exciting evening of mentorship and networking. You're invited to a media mixer on April 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Clocktower Brew Pub (200 Elgin Street). CWA Canada associate members is hosting this event to give media workers a chance to make connections with…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer April 4-10

April 10, 2017 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: Toronto's "gig economy" fueled by young workers starved for choice [Toronto Star] IAF calls on Canada to protect its cultural workers by repairing…

Webinar: Cyber Security for Journalists

April 07, 2017 Editor Event cmg freelancecyber securitywebinar

[caption id="attachment_13301" align="alignright" width="281"] Buzzfeed reporter Jane Lytvynenko[/caption]CMG Freelance is hosting a webinar called Cyber Security for Journalists on Tuesday, April 11 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.The webinar will focus on tangible and easy steps reporters can take to secure their everyday activities online and off.…

Hey, CBC Freelancers, You’re Getting A Raise!

April 06, 2017 Editor News cbccbc freelancerscmgcmg freelancefreelance compensationfreelance contracts

By Don Genova, CMG Freelance Branch President Journalists who contribute to the CBC on a freelance basis are now subject to new minimum rates as of April 1, 2017. The Canadian Media Guild and CBC have agreed to a 1.5% across-the-board increase in rates contained in the collective agreement.This means the rates have risen by a total of 4.5% since…

Indemnity clauses – the rickety bridges of freelancing

April 05, 2017 Editor Journalism freelance contractsindemnity clausesthe walrustrouble spots

by Lesley Evans OgdenImagine you want to climb up a mountain to a beautiful viewpoint. You've done some research, figured out how to get to the trailhead, packed your backpack, and climbed most of the way up the mountain.But on the final ascent you arrive at a deep chasm. The only way across is a rickety bridge. The viewpoint is otherwise…

Webinar April 4: Health Care Benefits via CMG Freelance

April 04, 2017 Editor Event actra fraternalafbseventhealth insurancewebinar

Membership in CMG Freelance comes with affordable access to the Actra Fraternal Benefit Society and the Writers' Coalition Program — an affordable health insurance program designed to help members manage their health care costs. CMG Freelance is hosting an informational webinar about the program tomorrow, Wednesday, April 5,…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Mar 28-April 3

April 03, 2017 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: Finalists announced for Magazine Grands Prix awards [Canadian Magazines] Opinion: ‘Nationalize’ Postmedia? That’s just the first step…

2017 Public Lending Right Program registration deadline May 1

March 31, 2017 Editor Advice advicefreelance compensationplrpublic lending right program

If you're a Canadian author, illustrator or photographer with a published book, it's time to register for the Public Lending Right Program. PLR is a Canada Council for the Arts program that distributes payments to Canadian creators to compensate them for the lending out of their books through Canadian public libraries.This year's registration…

Urban Worker Skillshare April 8 in Vancouver

March 29, 2017 Editor Event eventskillshareurban worker projectworkshop

CMG Freelance is partnering with the Urban Worker Project to present a day-long workshop and after party for freelance and contract workers to get together, network and share resources.Join us on Saturday, April 8th from 9:30 to 6 p.m. at Creative Coworkers (343 Railway Street). There will be lawyers, accountants and other experts leading…