As economies continue to spiral out of control, a reaction is arriving which may benefit the integrity of journalism in Canada.

Canadian media empire Canwest is reaching its demise and bids are coming in from media giants like Quebecor and Transcontinental to take over. However, CRTC laws preventing media companies from acquiring certain publications or channels from competitors may bring an ‘independent voice’ to Canadian media and a return to regionally operated news.

Now, I am not necessarily saying that Canwest and their divisions have done a poor job. However, with any concentrated and monopolized media source, bias tends to surface. The newswire is narrow and what is considered un-newsworthy to Canwest’s interests may now receive a slot in the paper.

Talks of fracturing the company are already happening as a bid for 3 newspapers were made.

“Our partnership represents a cross spectrum of engaged Canadians committed to a vigorous, independent media voice for the communities that each newspaper serves. We are encouraged by the positive response we have received from investors,” the three consortium partners said. “We are firm in our view that there remains a bright future for newspapers supported by creative web platforms.”

- Toronto Star

Canwest is weighing the offer but maintaining a preference to an acquisition for the entire company.

So what?

A diverse spectrum of thought would only help to balance Canadian media.

These three investors may very well be leading us to believe that an ‘independent media voice for the communities’ is what will result from this transaction, and although they may be blindsiding us, a change of this magnitude will only help to transition media into 2010 by loosening the grip of monopolies in Canada.

How this would affect media and advertising consumption in Canada is still to be seen. Regionalism may surface with a return to sparse interests. Alternatively, a unified and diverse balance of Canadian interests may work to shape our identity in a different manner.

Regardless, I believe this is the shakeup the Canadian media needs.

When?

Ironically, the Financial Post, a sister-site of the National Post,  is reporting a deadline for bidders to acquire them both.

“The first phase of the sale will last seven weeks or until Feb. 26, during which bidders are asked to file indications of interest.”

No source is attributed.

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