Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer June 17-23

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: 

• What to do about the CBC? [Rabble] 
• Tyee looking for editor-in-chief, as Dave Beers takes on new role [J-Source]
• Canadian Media Guild details where cuts at CBC will happen [J-Source]
• Telling Better Stories [Alberta Magazines]
• Torstar, union reach deal over ‘digital jobs’ [Globe and Mail]
• Strip unnecessary words from your writing [Luigi Benetton]
• Brother of deceased intern Andy Ferguson hopes NDP bill will prevent abuse [CBC]
• The Globe and Mail’s Plan to Force Reporters to Write Ads [Canadaland]

From the U.S. and beyond:

• Resting makes you a better creative [Explore Create Repeat]
• Freelance hacks for science journalists [Sciencewriters.ca] (via @ljevanso]
• A Long, Strange Day in the Life of a Freelance Writer [Contently]
• A Known Loan: How Fundbox Solves Cash Flow Woes for Freelancers [Contently]
• Freelance pros take the zeros out of project bids. Here’s why [Freelancers Union]
• ‘Pitching Into the Void’: Music Writers Share their Secrets to Success [Contently]

Last week on Story Board:

• The Born Freelancer on Turning a No Into a Yes: When selling your freelance services one of the greatest assets to possess is the ability to turn a “no” into a “yes”. Of course, sometimes a “no” really means “no” but more often than I ever realised when I was starting out it can sometimes mean “maybe”… 
• The Tyee’s David Beers talks hiring, growth and the value of freelancers: David Beers says Canadian journalism is richer because of its freelancers. The former Editor in Chief of the Vancouver-based independent online magazine The Tyee has moved into an executive editor role and the magazine is seeking a new Editor in Chief to bring fresh perspective and energy into the ten-year-old publication…
• CMG Freelance to host health insurance info session: Freelancers who are considering extended health benefits will be interested in an info session organized by CMG Freelance next Monday, June 23rd from 2 to 4 pm Eastern Time…
• CMG Freelance launches series of drop-in info sessions: The Canadian Media Guild is launching a series of drop-in info sessions to spread the word about the new, voluntary CMG Freelance membership that’s now available to freelancers of all kinds…

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.