Giving Compass' Take:

• The Narwhal discusses the Canadian government's recent $600 million commitment to the country's news media, noting that the gesture is an important pivot from past indifference.

• In Canada, nonprofit news organizations weren't treated to the same benefit as other nonprofits. How might the shift help strengthen the fourth estate, perhaps influencing America's own journalistic investments?

• Here's more on what it takes to build a movement for trusted nonprofit journalism.

Much ink has been spilled over the Canadian government’s announcement of support for Canada’s struggling news media, valued at $600 million over five years.

There are valid concerns about the eligibility criteria, which will be crafted by a yet-to-be-determined committee. There are also concerns about the funds being wasted on propping up old business models and stifling innovation in the process.

But one thing that’s been largely lost in all the hand-wringing is one simple fact: journalism is a public good and at long last the Canadian government has recognized it as such.

“In short, strong and independent journalism serves the public good — for Canada, and for Canadians,” reads page 42 of the 158-page fall economic update.

The nonprofit news sector has languished in Canada, while it has flourished in the U.S. and other countries around the world. Why? In large part because — until now — nonprofit news organizations haven’t been qualified to receive charitable donations or issue tax receipts in Canada.

Read the full article about urging Canada to support journalism more by Emma Gilchrist at The Narwhal.