Social media and search engine giants, Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and Google have decided to no longer share Canadian news links after the Online News Act, or Bill C-18, was passed in June.
Does this mean the end of access to local news for you?
In short, NO.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions we get surrounding the stories we tell and the changing landscape of news on social media in Canada.
If Facebook blocks DiscoverAirdrie posts, how do I find my local news?
While local news links are often shared on social media, those are just links to the original story posted to DiscoverAirdrie or shared from the DiscoverAirdrie app.
The best way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything happening in your community is to:
- Bookmark DiscoverAirdrie
- Download the DiscoverAirdrie app
We’re posting new stories about our community many times per day so check back often.
Is DiscoverAirdrie a Facebook page?
DiscoverAirdrie has been regularly sharing some of our stories on our social media accounts but our Facebook and Instagram accounts are not DiscoverAirdrie.
All of the local news, sports, weather, community events, radio stations and more reside on DiscoverAirdrie and the DiscoverAirdrie app.
Optimized for your phone or tablet, the DiscoverAirdrie app gives you direct access to local news, weather and radio stations at the touch of a button. Plus, when you sign up, the DiscoverAirdrie app also provides notifications for breaking news, amber alerts, contests and more.
I am still seeing some posts from DiscoverAirdrie on social media. Does this apply to everyone?
Meta and Google are rolling out their response to the Online News Act to a percentage of Canadians first then, they claim, to all.
Going directly to your trusted local news source remains the best way to ensure you don’t miss any important or interesting local information.
Instead of waiting for a social media algorithm to determine what you read about your community, visit DiscoverAirdrie or download the DiscoverAirdrie app and see it all for yourself.
How can I share the stories from DiscoverAirdrie?
Each of our stories includes a ‘Share this story’ link under the headline. You can use this share quickly and simply. Alternatively, you can use your mobile device share features to email, text or post the story. We encourage you to continue to share what you can on social media while Facebook allows it.
What does this mean for my local radio station(s) Facebook pages?
Meta and Google appear to be defining all media organizations, including broadcasters, in Canada as the same. National, local, newspaper or radio, access is being limited.
Thankfully, there continue to be many ways to connect with AIR 106.1 and DiscoverAirdrie
Our signal remains strong and you can listen on traditional radio, or by streaming via the DiscoverAirdrie app or DiscoverAirdrie on your desktop computer.
AIR 106.1 and DiscoverAirdrie remain deeply connected to our community and regularly post stories about interesting guests, fun events and contests on DiscoverAirdrie. Check the ‘Community’ news under the menu at the top right of the website or app.
How do I comment on local news stories from DiscoverAirdrie if Facebook won’t allow posting?
We still want to hear from you. Click on ‘Contact Us in the menu or email: news@discoverairdrie.com
You can also join the conversation on our Talk and Text lines at 403-212-1061.
I’m travelling to the United States, why can I see your Facebook posts?
The reaction from Meta and Google to Bill C-18 is in Canada only and only applies to Canadian news outlets. You, as a Canadian, may not see Canadian news on their platforms (including local news from DiscoverAirdrie) but everything else is still allowed by Facebook and Instagram.
In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrieOnline
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com
Fri, Jul 26, 12:00 AM
Full-time, Permanent, Labour