I began writing this newsletter while on the fast train from Stockholm to Copenhagen, but then I got motion sickness so I had to stop. That makes this newsletter very special: it was written in two different countries! Started in Sweden, finished it up in Denmark. We’re going international, baby!

For me, travel has always been a time to get into new podcasts and new music. But somehow, on this trip, I have not listened to a single podcast episode all the way through, and I’m barely listening to music, either. 

I had this whole clever idea where I would find a podcast episode that goes into the history or the culture or the politics of whatever place I’m in, which is part of what I love about podcasts. It’s almost like a shortcut into another culture or way of thinking – albeit a very specific one, but still. I like to hear what other people have to say. 

Long story short, I haven’t been doing that. Instead I’ve been gobsmacked by views like this one:

The view from my train. So beautiful it makes you wanna barf!

But this isn’t a travel newsletter, it’s a podcast newsletter! Here’s what’s going on in the world of podcasts.

Speaking of Sweden, unfortunately, it seems like Swedish podcast company Acast is laying off 15 per cent of its staff.

CBC has announced their fall slate of podcasts. There are only three new shows, in addition to their ongoing/recurring shows, which seems slimmer than usual to me. The Outlaw Ocean, which seems to be a true crime podcast about the sea (someone please correct me if I’ve misread) sounds very intriguing. 

Friend of the newsletter Arman Aghbali wrote a great thread about why news organizations should be rethinking their relationships to social media and revamping their websites. 

There’s an update in the case that inspired Serial: prosecutors are now recommending that Adnan Syed's conviction be thrown out.

And now, a rant from Vocal Fry producer, Jay Cockburn...

I like to scan jobs on LinkedIn, not necessarily because I’m looking for opportunities but because it’s a pretty good way to keep tabs on what’s going on in the industry. If a newsroom is suddenly hiring a bunch of different roles, they’re either expanding or there’s a lot of internal turnover. Both are good gossip, and I love media gossip.

In my search for gossip, I’ve noticed a trend. Communications departments are appropriating the language of newsrooms, and I’m not sure I like it.

Take this job at the University of Toronto. The title is “Staff Reporter” and the position “reports to the Editor in Chief and is responsible for researching and reporting daily news stories…”

Okay. That part sounds very much like a normal staff reporter, except the description goes on:

“...stories that align with the broader goals of the university’s communication priorities.”

The role sits within the communications department, whose goal is “promoting, enhancing and protecting the U of T’s reputation.”

To quote William Randolph Hearst,

“News is something somebody doesn't want printed; all else is advertising.”

Don’t get me wrong, I totally see why someone would take a $68k/year unionized staff position at the University of Toronto. I also understand why U of T would title their roles this way. 

The number of journalism jobs has been declining for a depressingly long time now. In the 1980s, there were around 12 PR staff for every 10 journalists. Now that number is closer to 60 for every 10, according to figures I could find from the U.S. Department of Labor. 

If you want journalists searching for jobs to join your team, this is just good SEO. Former journalists make great comms managers and PR staff.

But let’s not kid ourselves, these are communications roles. Reporting involves finding out new information and distilling it into a story. If that information is uncomfortable for the University of Toronto, well too bad. Your job is to enhance and protect U of T’s reputation.

There’s nothing wrong with taking that job. I just feel uncomfortable calling a spade a journalist. 

CKUA in Alberta is hiring a senior producer.

Canada’s National Observer is hiring an associate producer. The position is unionized and the salary starts at approximately $54k/year. Apply by Monday, September 26. 

Canadaland is hiring an office manager. Compensation ranges from $56k to $66k. Apply by September 30.  

CBC Vancouver is hiring a permanent, full-time managing editor of news and programs. Apply by EOD October 3.

CBC Victoria is hiring a permanent, full-time host for All Points West. Apply by EOD September 19.

CBC Indigenous is hiring a permanent, full-time reporter/editor based in Alberta. Apply by EOD September 28. 

CBC Calgary is hiring a permanent, full-time reporter assigned to social media. Apply by EOD September 30. 

CBC News Studios is hiring a full-time daily news producer for a contract that goes until March 31, 2023. Apply by EOD September 20. 

CBC Vancouver is hiring a full-time, permanent weekend producer-host for North by Northwest. Apply by EOD September 19. 

CBC Radio is hiring a full-time, permanent producer assigned to The Cost of Living, which is based in Calgary. Apply by EOD September 17.

CBC Calgary is hiring a permanent, full-time web writer. Apply by EOD September 27.

CBC Radio is hiring a full-time digital associate producer and a full time social media editor assigned to q for a contract that runs until March 2023 (there’s possibility of renewal!) Apply by EOD September 20.

CBC London (Ontario) is hiring a permanent, full-time producer assigned to community engagement. Apply by EOD September 19.

The Maine College of Art & Design offers SALT Intensive workshops, which are associated with their Documentary Studies department, but open to the general public. They have a four-week workshop coming up on Telling Your Own Audio Story, and it looks like a lot of fun if you’re interested in learning more about memoir in an audio format. Tuition is $325 USD and the course runs on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. EST, beginning September 21.

This week on Building Good, Jodee Dick joins host Tim Coldwell to talk about why Indigenous partnership in development isn’t optional – it’s mandatory.

We want to hear from you! What are you looking for in your podcast news? Let us know on Twitter, Instagram, or by email at info@vocalfrystudios.com.

Thanks to Emily Latimer for editing this newsletter, and to Katie Jensen for designing it.

We’ll see you again on September 23. Until then, here’s an update from my friend Anita’s dog, Archie, who was my special Stockholm tour guide.