The new civic journalism? An examination of Canadian public libraries as community news sources during the 2019 and 2021 federal election
Author
Faculty Advisor
Date
2023
Keywords
civic journalism, library and information organizations, local news poverty, content analysis, elections
Abstract (summary)
Background: This article examines to what extent Canadian public libraries participate in civic journalism at a time when news media coverage is declining in many communities. This pilot study was prompted by reports that public libraries in the United States were undertaking civic-minded journalism following the closure of community newspapers.
Analysis: A content analysis of 64 Canadian public library websites found nearly a dozen examples of basic news reporting or civic-minded journalism initiatives (basic reporting, n = 8; civic, n = 3) published during the 2019 and 2021 federal election campaigns. This article also articulates and explains the shared goals and philosophy of the civic journalism movement and the mandate of public libraries.
Publication Information
Lillebuen, S. & Shamchuk, L. (2023). The new civic journalism? An examination of Canadian public libraries as community news sources during the 2019 and 2021 federal election. Canadian Journal of Communication, 48(2): 223-252. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjc.2022-0016
Notes
Item Type
Article
Language
Rights
All Rights Reserved