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We're able to focus our attention on publishing impactful journalism in the public interest, and publish it for free for all to read, because we have the support of Tyee Builders. Tyee Builders are readers who contribute a bit of money — at a level and frequency of their choice — to support our editorial budget.

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You made it all the way through the article – I hope that means you liked it (or if not ‘liked’ it, gleaned some useful information from it). Tyee articles are known for being quite lengthy, so we appreciate when people spend some quality time with our work.

Listen, I’ll get to the point – the article you just read was made possible because our non-profit newsroom was able to pay a talented journalist to research and write it. And we can only afford to do that because of our business model, which relies on a certain percentage of our readers signing up for our paid membership program called Tyee Builders.

The traditional business model for journalism in Canada has been completely disrupted, and we’re witnessing a slow collapse as corporate newsrooms buy up distressed publications, lay people off, and suck the value out of them before declaring bankruptcy. And it doesn’t help that tech giant Meta has blocked Canadian news on their Facebook and Instagram platforms.

There is another way and we are carving the path.

Between 1 to 2 per cent of people who visit The Tyee contribute financially, but amazingly, that small percentage is enough to fund half of our overall budget. And it means we can operate without a paywall, too. 1 per cent of people giving means 99 per cent of people get access to quality, fact-based journalism from a talented team of journalists who live and work in B.C., Alberta, and across Canada. We think that’s pretty remarkable.

If you’re concerned about the way journalism is heading in Canada and you’d like to do something about it, consider joining Tyee Builders and contributing an amount that works for you.

— Jeanette Ageson, Publisher

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Tyee News

Steve Burgess Is a Tyee Builder

He finds comedy in everything... except the current state of Canadian media. Find out what hooks him.

Tyee Staff 23 Apr 2012TheTyee.ca

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Steve Burgess, Tyee Builder.

"I support The Tyee because attrition and consolidation have greatly reduced the number of credible alternative voices in Canadian news. The Tyee is swimming upstream against media standardization." -- Steve Burgess

Seriously. We had no idea that Steve could be so serious. Oh -- hang on. There's more to what "hooks" him.

"As a writer, I also appreciate that The Tyee is one of the few outlets where a professional writer can write freely and without editorial interference. And I like the Ezra puppet."

There it is. The puppet. But back to what Burgess said first about how important Tyee journalism is: our online news magazine is proudly independent, and will remain that way. But because we aren't part of any mainstream conglomerate, we don't have a lot of wiggle room in our budget. We're asking you, the readers we publish feisty, investigative news for every day (even Saturdays!), to help us boost our editorial capacity. Support The Tyee with just a few dollars a month, and we'll be better able to bring you the news you need. What's more, we have treats for you, as tokens of our appreciation.

Click to Become a Tyee Builder

If you'd like to join Steve Burgess and the rest of the famous Builders that are helping The Tyee grow, click on the yellow button above.

Being a Tyee Builder means a lot to us. We're aiming to double our editorial content this year, which means we need to rally a few hundred more supporters. You can see the readers who have already signed up here. We'd love to add you to the list. Sign up quick for your best chance at getting the thank-you gift of your choice, and thanks for supporting our journalism!

About this Tyee Builder: Steve Burgess is a freelance writer and the author of Who Killed Mom?, published in 2011 by Greystone Books. He was born in Norwalk, Ohio, (home of the famous virus), and was raised in Regina, SK, and Brandon, MB. Burgess writes a regular column for The Tyee, often reviewing films but also, sometimes, detailing his hilarious world travels for Tyee readers. Steve is a former CBC Radio host and has won two National Magazine Awards. He has also won three Western Magazine Awards. You can learn more about Steve on his website.

About the Tyee Builder Program: Want to give independent Canadian journalism a boost? You've come to the right place. The Tyee is trying to become fully sustainable. In order to do so, we've launched the Tyee Builders program to allows readers who love The Tyee's work to help fund more of it. Every penny you support us with will go directly to pay Tyee writers and editors. And besides the warm, fuzzy feelings you'll get knowing you're helping dial up the volume on an independent voice in Canadian media, we've come up with a few other ways to thank you. Click on "Hammertime" above to learn more and start Building! [Tyee]

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