News Media Canada calls for new applications for Local Journalism Initiative 2022-2023

News Media Canada is inviting news media organizations to submit applications for the Local Journalism Initiative, which provides funding to hire reporters to cover civic issues and institutions in underserved communities across Canada.

Created by the Government of Canada, the Local Journalism Initiative is a five-year program that supports the creation of new, original civic journalism relevant to the diverse needs of people living in news deserts and areas of news poverty in Canada.

Print and digital news media organizations may to apply to News Media Canada, including French-language media in Quebec, English-language media in the rest of Canada, and Indigenous media across the country. Applications may be submitted for new project proposals.

If you submitted an application to News Media Canada in 2021-2022 that was declined, you may contact us in writing to indicate whether you would like it to be re-considered in 2022-2023.  If you wish to modify your project proposal, you may submit a revised application, or a new application.

LJI reporters will cover civic institutions such as courthouses, city halls, band councils, school boards, Parliament or provincial legislatures. Their stories will help citizens know what is going on where they live and will be shared with accredited media organizations across the country.

Applications will be accepted until March 14, 2022, via email.

For more information on eligibility criteria and to download the application form and guidelines, visit the Local Journalism Initiative website at www.localjournalisminitiative.ca.