Why I Think Journalism Matters Now, More than Ever

I started in journalism because it was a way to make a difference. I still think so.

But journalism is under attack. Traditional news media are collapsing, and newsrooms gutted. More people are tuning out entirely or choosing only to connect with news that supports their prejudices — sometimes, even obviously fake news.

The powerful, in all areas, have got better and better at presenting a version of reality that advances their interests at the same time traditional media have become less and less effective at challenging those narratives. Today the B.C. government has about 280 communications staff, more than the number of reporters at every media outlet — print, radio, TV — in the province.

I have to admit Donald Trump’s victory challenged the belief in journalism that’s kept me going through stints as a reporter, editor, columnist and publisher.

But the coming B.C. election is an important chance to show that independent, effective reporting and analysis does still matter, and that people — given information — will make wise choices.

Here at The Tyee, we have big plans for providing British Columbians with the information they need to make an informed choice next May.

We’re not going to get caught up in the gimmicks and spin.

Instead, we’re asking readers to help identify the most important issues facing this province. We’re going to put our experienced reporters and outside experts to work exploring and explaining those issues and where the parties stand. We’re challenging the claims, explaining the impact of parties’ policies and whether they make any sense.

And we’re going to focus on real accountability.

The BC Liberals have to be held accountable for their record, which requires an in-depth look at what’s been done — or not done — over the last 15 years and the effects on our society. And at who has won or lost as a result of the decisions.

And the opposition parties have to be held accountable for their actions and their promises.

We have a great plan in place. But we need your support. The Tyee uses money from investors, crowdfunding campaigns and advertisers aligned with our vision to fund public interest journalism.

But this election is a special challenge that calls for a much greater effort. And we need support — money, not best wishes — from readers and people who care about democracy, equality and the future of B.C.

As of this writing, more than 400 Tyee readers have pitched in nearly $25,000 to fund the B.C. in the Balance reporting project. Will you join them?

If you contribute, we can fund more investigations and dig deeper into the election issues — even the ones the parties don’t want to talk about. We’ll have more opportunity to force the politicians to move beyond spin and slogans. We’ll help make British Columbians well-informed voters.

Every dollar you contribute in the current campaign will fund our election coverage in the coming months. The more we raise, the more we will be able to do. And we promise we’ll wring every possible value out of your contribution.

This is a critical time. Independent journalism is under attack. Politics are too often being debased by spin and lies.

We’re pushing back, aiming to restore power to citizens to make smart decisions about their futures — because information is power.

British Columbians shouldn’t tolerate another election where driving around in a bus with a silly slogan like “Debt-Free BC” is an effective campaign tactic and real issues are forgotten.

Here at The Tyee, we need your help, now, to provide the election coverage that will help make sure that can’t happen.

We’re ready to get started on the B.C. in the Balance reporting project right now, but we need your help. Please join hundreds of other Tyee readers and contribute today.