Alberta Debates Media Ownership and Local News Coverage

Recent online community discussions have sparked a fiery debate over perceived political bias and corporate control within Alberta’s news media, fueling calls for diverse voices. Many residents express concern over conservative leanings, particularly identifying Postmedia as a major player in the local news landscape. This sentiment often points to specific opinion pieces, such as Lorne Gunter’s "Liberals' hatred of Alberta and oil obvious in major projects snub," published in the Edmonton Journal on November 15, 2025.

Factually, Postmedia Network owns both the Calgary Herald and the Calgary Sun, operating 32 newspapers across Alberta. The company stands as Canada's largest media group, with over 130 print and digital titles nationwide. Notably, approximately two-thirds, or 66%, of Postmedia Network is owned by Chatham Asset Management, an American hedge fund. Amidst these ownership discussions, there’s a strong push to support independent news and advocate for increased local coverage from the CBC.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation currently receives approximately $1.38 billion in federal funding, amounting to about $33.66 per capita—roughly half of the G7 average. The federal budget, tabled in November 2025, does include a $150 million funding increase for CBC/Radio-Canada, aiming to strengthen its presence and local reporting in regions like Alberta.