Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Nov 25-Dec 1

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?

From Canada: 

• Ezra Levant loses libel case, must pay $80,000 to man he defamed [National Post]
• Tax tips for freelancers [J-Source]
• Canadian University Press must reinvent itself to stay alive [Ryerson Review]
• Jian Ghomeshi Faces Five Charges in Sexual Assault Investigation [The Globe and Mail]
• Andrew Langille’s Twitter essay on The Walrus and unpaid internships [Storify]
• Doyle: CBC needs an adult in charge, MacIntyre affair shows [Globe and Mail]

From the U.S. and beyond:

• 5 Predictions for the freelance economy in 2015 [Forbes]
• Why You Can and Should Charge Extra for Rush Jobs [The Freelancer]
• 6 Ways to Avoid Burnout and Fuel Your Fire [Freelancers Union]
• 5 Crucial Freelancer Tipping Points You Should Hit [The Freelancer]
• 5 Tips for Making a Great First Impression on Freelance Clients [The Freelancer]
• Fellowship or Internship? In Media, the Definition Has Become Fluid [New York Times]
• ‘Serial,’ Podcasting’s First Breakout Hit, Sets Stage for More [New York Times]

Last week on Story Board:

• CMG Freelance launches Freelancer Directory: The Canadian Media Guild has launched a freelancer directory that offers its freelance and temporary members a place to showcase their skills and experience to potential employers…
• Media Works Handbook looking for freelance pitches: Have you got an idea for a story related to labour and the media? A new project is looking for pitches from members of CMG Freelance and CWA Canada…

Spot a story you think we should include in next week’s Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.