/https://www.therecord.com/content/dam/therecord/news/waterloo-region/2020/09/14/kitchener-joins-other-councils-in-supporting-value-of-local-media/_119467321_181245696853258_8543074646839333752_o.jpg)
KITCHENER — Kitchener council unanimously passed a resolution Monday affirming the value of local news media.
The resolution, introduced by Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, endorses laws and regulations to support and rejuvenate news outlets across Canada and urges Ottawa to move quickly to support an ecosystem for a healthy news media.
“The local media really is what ultimately protects our democracies,” Vrbanovic said. “And having a strong media helps ensure that the tough questions get asked,” and that elected politicians and public servants are held accountable.
The resolution was the brainchild of a group of retired Waterloo Region journalists who have started a grassroots campaign calling for measures to ensure the country continues to enjoy the benefits of a thriving news media, which has been hard hit by declining revenues.
All 12 of the local councils have passed similar resolutions, as have councils in Hamilton, Windsor, Kingston and elsewhere.
