Rapid and unprecedented transformation to the media landscape has shifted the priorities of CBC/SRC. As it reorients itself to become a digital-first company, the way CBC employees gather and deliver content also is changing. One of the most significant changes is the use of smartphones to gather news content. Smartphones are in some cases replacing traditional cameras as a way of gathering video to record at news events.

The CMG and the CBC agree, that in some cases those journalists who are using smartphones, or other portable technology for newsgathering, are working at a higher level than the Band 8 Reporter/Editor classification. The two sides agree that they will discuss what classification this work belongs in, whether it fits within existing job descriptions, or if a new classification has to be written.

In the interim, the CBC/SRC and CMG have agreed to a framework for determining when an upgrade should apply.

When a Reporter-Editor has primary responsibility for gathering the video elements of the story in addition to the writing and reporting, with an iPhone instead of a camera, then he/she will be considered to be working as a Band 10 VJ. However, a Reporter-Editor who gathers incidental media elements or short bursts of content, such as an announcement or the top of a press conference, will not be considered to be working as a Band 10 VJ.

The determination of whether or not an upgrade applies will happen at the assignment desk, and will be based on agreed upon guidelines. A FAQ will be produced by the members of the JE Sub-committee: Jonathan Whitten, Fred Youngs, John Bainbridge, Michael D’Souza, Patty Ducharme, Karine Lalonde, Catherine Gregory and Bruce May.

Marc-Philippe Laurin
CBC Branch President, CMG