Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?

From Canada: 

• Should J-schools teach advocacy journalism? [J-Source]
• CBC 'in peril' if funding cuts not reversed, former board members say [Globe and Mail] (via @jembradshaw)
• Guest editorial: Anti-spam law resolves little [Vancouver Sun] (via @writersdotca) 

From the U.S. and beyond:

• "A Twisted Industry": Reality TV Workers Are Really Fed Up [Gawker]
• Freelancers, here's how to budget your money [Forbes]
• What Creative People Need to Do to Protect Their Work [Fast Company]
• Hey Publishers: Stop fooling us, and yourselves [Poynter]
• The Power of Procrastination [Contently]
• Traditional publishing is 'no longer fair or sustainable', says Society of Authors [The Guardian]
• 7 Steps That Will Help You Track Down Missing Freelance Payments [Contently]
• Newspaper reporter makes 'endangered jobs' list [Poynter]

Last week on Story Board:

• Freelance health benefits information video: Freelancers who are thinking about getting extended health insurance should take a few minutes to watch this video, which was recorded at a recent CMG Freelance info session about the ACTRA Fraternal Benefits Society (AFBS) health benefits plans for freelancers...

Spot a story you think we should include in next week's Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.