Making national news : a history of Canadian Press /

Since 1917, Canadian Press (CP), Canada's news agency, has provided basic national and international news coverage for the entire country. Its national news has helped define the nation. In this chronological history, Allen (Ryerson Univ.) first examines CP's early relationship with Associated Press; CP's early need for subsidy; and the challenge posed by radio in the 1930s. Chapter 4, "'A Great Responsibility': CP in Wartime," covers the organization's complex wartime relationship with the federal government and the military. In the chapter on the 1950s, Allen looks at how CP fought off a challenge from the American Newspaper Guild. The last two chapters treat, respectively, 1960s debates over national agency and the changes in CP coverage from 1920 to 1970. In the conclusion, the author deals with journalism history "and the nature and significance of mediated publicness in twentieth century Canadian life." The nonprofit cooperative was rescued from bankruptcy in 2010 when three members bought it. Meticulously researched, clearly written, with lots of great stories and colorful characters, this model of journalism history appeals and informs beyond its Canadian arena. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. M. Yacowar emeritus, University of Calgary

Canadian Press is a venerable institution, but there have been few formal studies of it. Veteran journalist Allen addresses that lack, beginning with CP's origins during WWI, an age when Canadian news was often quite regional or filtered through the sensibilities of Americans. Allen divides CP's history into seven periods: the decade of its formation; the era when it was formulating its relationship to the government, eventually eschewing subsidy for independence; the era when it struggled to adapt to the new medium of radio; the challenges of the WWII; the post-war era; the 1960s and the rise of a true Canadian consciousness; and finally a grand overview of journalism from the 1920s to the 1970s. The prose is detailed, clear and informative. Lavish endnotes and a lengthy bibliography are provided. The work is fascinating not just for the compact history of the CP that it provides but the perspective it provides on Canada. CP's evolution parallels those of other Canadian institutions and certain events, such as the effects of radio, and casts an illuminating light on current technological challenges facing CP. Insightful and informative, this text will stand as the definitive history of Canadian Press. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.