Andrew Coyne, a longtime columnist at the National Post and former editor at Maclean’s, has been one of the most consistent critics of federal journalism subsidies since they were first proposed in 2018.
In op-eds, interviews, and public statements, Coyne has warned that tying media finances to government programs creates an inherent conflict of interest, undermining the very independence journalists are supposed to protect.
In a 2018 National Post column shortly after the Liberals announced the initial $595-million bailout package, Coyne wrote: “The Liberals’ $600M aid package for news media will irrevocably politicize the press.” He argued that even well-intentioned subsidies risk turning outlets into indirect extensions of government policy, as recipients become reluctant to bite the hand that feeds them.
Coyne has repeatedly highlighted how the structure of the subsidies — including the Canadian Journalism Labour Tax Credit (which covers up to 35% of eligible salaries) and the mandated payments from platforms under the Online News Act — rewards alignment with federal priorities. “Once you accept government money, you’re no longer at arm’s length,” he stated in a 2024 discussion on media funding. “The incentive is to avoid stories that might jeopardize future support or anger the government in power.”
He pointed to examples where subsidized outlets have been noticeably softer on government spending programs that benefit the media sector itself, or on regulatory decisions involving tech giants — issues that directly affect their bottom line. Coyne has also criticized the lack of transparency, noting that many recipients fail to disclose the full extent of their government-linked revenue, which erodes public trust further.
Unlike some critics who left mainstream media entirely, Coyne has remained in the field but has used his platform to advocate for alternatives. He has praised subscription-supported models like those at The Hub or The Line as more accountable to readers than to Ottawa.
Coyne’s longstanding critique — echoed by other independents — underscores a core concern for many Albertans: when national media depend on federal largesse, coverage can tilt toward Ottawa-centric views, sidelining regional economic realities or dissenting perspectives on resource development, energy policy, and provincial autonomy.
His warnings have proven prescient as subsidy programs have expanded, with recent estimates showing hundreds of millions flowing annually to private outlets through tax credits and platform mandates.
