Do I need Facebook or Google to get my local news? – PortageOnline.com

Social media and search engine giants, Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and Google, have decided to no longer share Canadian news links after the Online News Act, or Bill C-18, was passed in June. 

Does this mean the end of access to local news for you? 

In short, NO. 

Here are some of the frequently asked questions we get surrounding the stories we tell and the changing landscape of news on social media in Canada. 

If Facebook blocks PortageOnline’s posts, how do I find my local news? 

While local news links are often shared on social media, those are just the links to the original story posted to PortageOnline or shared from the PortageOnline app. 

The best way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything happening in your community is to: 

1. Bookmark PortageOnline 
2. Download the PortageOnline app  

We’re posting new stories about our community many times per day so check back often. 

Is PortageOnline a Facebook page? 

PortageOnline has been regularly sharing some of our stories on our social media accounts but our Facebook and Instagram accounts are not PortageOnline. 

All of the local news, sports, weather, community events, radio stations and more reside on PortageOnline and the PortageOnline app.  

Optimized for your phone or tablet, the PortageOnline app gives you direct access to local news, weather and radio stations at touch of a button. Plus, when you sign up, the PortageOnline app also provides notifications for breaking news, amber alerts, contests and more. 

I am still seeing some posts from PortageOnline on social media. Does this apply to everyone? 

Meta and Google are rolling out their response to the Online News Act to a percentage of Canadians first then, they claim, to all.  

Going directly to your trusted local news source remains the best way to ensure you don’t miss any important or interesting local information.  

Instead of waiting for a social media algorithm to determine what you read about your community, visit PortageOnline or download the PortageOnline app and see it all for yourself. 

How can I share the stories from PortageOnline? 

Each of our stories include a ‘Share this story’ links under the headline. You can use this share quickly and simply. Alternatively, you can use your mobile device share features to email, text or post the story. We encourage you to continue to share what you can on social media while Facebook allows it.  

What does this mean for my local radio station’s Facebook pages? 

Meta and Google appear to be defining all media organizations, including broadcasters, in Canada as the same. National, local, newspaper or radio, access is being limited.  

Thankfully, there continue to be many ways to connect with 920CFRY, MIX 96.5 and COUNTRY 93.1. 

Our signal remains strong and you can listen on traditional radio, or by streaming via the PortageOnline app or PortageOnline on your desktop computer.  

920CFRY, MIX 96.5 and COUNTRY 93.1 remain deeply connected to our community and regularly post stories about interesting guests, fun events and contests on PortageOnline. Check the ‘Community’ news under the menu at the top right of the website or app.  

How do I comment on local news stories from PortageOnline if Facebook won’t allow posting? 

We still want to hear from you. Click on ‘Contact Us’ in the menu or email: [email protected] 

I’m travelling to the United States, why can I see your Facebook posts?

The reaction from Meta and Google to Bill C-18 is in Canada only and only applies to Canadian news outlets. You, as a Canadian, may not see Canadian news on their platforms (including local news from PortageOnline) but everything else is still allowed by Facebook and Instagram. 

I would like more information on the PortageOnline app 

Please don’t hesitate to contact PortageOnline by emailing: [email protected] 

In response to Canada’s Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.