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La Presse seeks not-for-profit structure, pending Quebec legislation changes

Click to play video: 'La Presse in for some major changes'
La Presse in for some major changes
WATCH: Montreal-based La Presse plans to adopt a not-for-profit structure. Global News Montreal Senior Anchor Jamie Orchard speaks to Paul Gott, a Concordia University journalism lecturer, about the implications of the move for media as a whole – May 8, 2018

Montreal-based La Presse news group plans to adopt a not-for-profit structure, if Quebec allows it to do so, the company announced Tuesday.

READ MORE: Montreal’s ‘La Presse’ publishes final print edition as part of shift to digital

The structural change requires the Quebec government to repeal a provision of a Private Act adopted in 1967, regarding La Presse’s ownership, the French-language publication said in a statement.

Power Corporation of Canada, whose subsidiary Square Victoria Communications Group currently owns the 130-year-old publication, will grant $50 million to the venture.

READ MORE: French daily ‘La Presse’ stops printing weekly edition ending 131-year run

Under the new structure, Power Corp. would no longer own the media company or have any ties with the not-for-profit structure, La Presse said.

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La Presse president Pierre-Elliott Levasseur thanked the corporation, its co-CEO André Desmarais and the Desmarais family for their “untiring support” over the past 50 years.

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READ MORE: Montreal police were issued warrant to listen to journalists’ calls: La Presse

The money will help the news organization focus on its strategic plan and bring together the necessary conditions to expand its support base, La Presse said.

WATCH BELOW: La Presse goes digital

Under the new structure, La Presse will use operational profits, any government assistance and donor funds to serve its goal of producing high-quality reporting.

The not-for-profit model “is designed to be a modern approach adapted to the realities of today’s written media,” the company said.

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READ MORE: La Presse says Montreal police placed journalist Patrick Lagacé’s phone under surveillance

Traditional media in the country are grappling with the loss of advertising revenue, resulting in mass layoffs, publication closures and a shift to fewer print editions and more online publications.

Nearly a year ago, La Presse announced it would end its print edition in 2017 and publish only on its website and tablet edition.

The organization urged the federal government to financially support the written press through philanthropic models and direct assistance when it made its announcement.

The Canadian government indicated it would do so in its last budget, tabled in February.

READ MORE: La Presse lays off 158 workers as it ends weekday printed edition

The Liberal government proposed $50 million over five years to support independent, non-governmental organizations that will spur on local journalism in under-served communities.

The budget also said the government will spend the next year exploring models that would allow private giving or philanthropic support for non-profit journalism and local news.

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