If governments make themselves responsible for determining “qualified journalism”, control is a certainty. Strangely enough, this is handled by the Canadian Revenue Agency here.
In order to make this all seem legitimate, the government created the Independent Advisory Board on the Eligibility for Journalism Tax Measures, “who will review the application and make recommendations as to whether the organization produces original news content and follows journalistic processes and principles.” This “department”is run by government appointed officials and their determination is non binding which means the CRA still holds the cards.
The criteria is stated as whether an organization produces original news content, and regularly employs two or more journalists who deal at arm’s length with it. However, its an arbitrary decision with no requirement of proof determined by officials with no experience or knowledge in this area. It amounts to a financial tool to regulate journalism.
Another way to view this is as a form of extortion and control. The appearance of government separation though none exist does little to change this. Unfortunately, it means critical journalism of government is simply not allowed. It really is on par with the approach used in communist regimes. The outcome of favourable government coverage is ensured while nullifying the purpose of journalism.
Lacking any balance, the people become misinformed and are denied opportunity to weigh matters appropriately. Journalists become marketing agents of the government as a society moves further towards communistic control.