BR-Mba-Media-Aid

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is looking for ways to support local journalism, although it is currently unclear what kind of help might be offered and which outlets might qualify.

The N-D-P government wants to set up a legislature committee to look at public support options for local outlets including cultural media such as French and Filipino publications.

N-D-P legislature member Robert Loiselle (lwah-ZELL’) says a number of papers have lost staff in recent years.

Whether religious publications would qualify, and whether government support would involve subsidies, paid advertising or another form of aid are among many open questions.

Loiselle initially said the aid would be available only to print media outlets.

The Opposition Progressive Conservatives said that came as a surprise and needs to be discussed.

Hours later, the N-D-P caucus clarified that the committee will also consider aid to non-print outlets such as broadcasters and online publications.