Citing a study commissioned by Friends of Canadian Media, a recent National Post editorial called on government to revisit the advertising tax deductibility provisions of the Income Tax Act that could be a game-changer for the long-term viability of Canada’s news industry.

The Post is not alone in joining Friends of Canadian Media in championing revamped advertising tax incentives to support Canadian news media. News Media Canada, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, the chair of Cogeco, Louis Audet, the standing committee on Canadian heritage and the standing committee on finance have all advocated for such changes. There are live legislative proposals in the United States for a variation on the theme — a small business tax credit for advertisers patronizing local news outlets.