03 May Open Letter for World Press Freedom Day 2025

To the people of Canada,

As we recognize World Press Freedom Day on May 3—a day dedicated to celebrating the fundamental principles of press freedom and evaluating its state globally —​the recent suspensions of journalism programs at colleges and universities across Canada highlight a troubling trend in our country’s higher education. And as an organization representing journalism educators nationwide, J-Schools Canada/Écoles-J Canada is deeply alarmed by the implications of these closures—not only for aspiring journalists but also for the health of our democracy.

Journalism serves as a cornerstone of democratic societies, holding power to account and providing citizens with the information necessary for informed decision-making. At a time when misinformation and disinformation are proliferating at unprecedented rates, the need for trained journalists has never been more critical. The erosion of trust in journalism—exacerbated by shrinking newsroom resources and the growing dominance of false information—should concern all Canadians.

The decline of local news in Canada has reached a critical point, with numerous community newspapers closing their doors and leaving residents without reliable sources of information and essential coverage of municipal affairs. And as Canadian-owned news sources dwindle, the concentration of news outlet ownership in our country by American entities raises significant concerns about the independence and diversity of journalism in Canada.

We acknowledge that the media industry is undergoing a transformation, but this does not signify the end of journalism itself. Innovative models exist, demonstrating that there remains a demand for credible news. Organizations like The Logic, allNovaScotia, and Village Media illustrate that investigative and community-driven journalism can thrive when adapted to new economic realities. These examples show that journalism’s future is not one of extinction but evolution.

As journalism educators, we believe that journalism programs need to remain accessible to students committed to this vital work. And these programs do more than train the next generation of reporters; they provide essential media literacy education that helps citizens discern fact from fiction, fostering a more informed and engaged public. Without these institutional avenues for journalism education, we risk leaving future generations ill-equipped to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape—one where AI-generated content, deepfakes, and propaganda blur the lines between reality and fabrication. The loss of each journalism program is a loss for the public’s ability to access fact-based, trustworthy information.

We urge decision-makers at all levels—educational institutions, government and media organizations—to recognize the stakes. The future of our democracy depends on a robust, diverse, and well-trained media landscape. This can only be achieved if we continue to invest in journalism education rather than dismantling it.

Sincerely,

The J-Schools Canada/Écoles-J Canada Board of Directors 2024-25