Horrible news out of Boston today with an attack on the Boston Marathon. Jeff Jarvis called it a “media attack” tonight: “The attack on the Boston Marathon was designed to maximize media coverage: a popular event with cameras everywhere and a narrative that will be sure to follow about innocent enjoyment henceforth ruined by danger.”
Here is my latest update on local media stuff:
- Here’s a great profile of Todd Babiak in New Trail. I love the story of his grade six story. Oh, and the purple suit!
- The Wanderer, which launched last July, is thanking readers for “a remarkable year.” They’ve published 847 pieces on “just $100 and many dedicated volunteers.” Watch for the site to ramp up in May, and if you’re keen to get involved, now is the time!
- Losses deepened at Postmedia last quarter as both print advertising revenue and circulation continued to fall. And if you thought the cuts made already were bad, you ain’t seen nothing yet! They’re apparently just half-way through CEO Paul Godfrey’s goal to cut $120 million in costs. We know the paywall will be coming to the Journal at some point, but still no word on exactly when. And don’t expect it to solve all the problems.
- TEDxEdmonton 2013 is taking place on June 15 and tickets are on sale now! A partial list of speakers has been released, and featured is Kerry Powell, Director of Digital Products for the Edmonton Journal. She’ll be speaking about “The Future of News”.
- Global Edmonton debuted a new look this week, and it’s very blue. I’ve seen mixed reaction online, what do you think? I think the change was made to coincide with the switch to 16×9 (Global is no longer supporting 4×3). Here’s a look at the new forecast screen:
- The next Art of Conversation event, hosted by Graham Hicks, Rob Christie, and Audie Lynds, is scheduled to take place on April 24 at 4:30pm at The Rose and Crown Pub downtown. If you decide to attend, be prepared to put down your cell phone for at least an hour!
- Should the City forgive property taxes on the Film Alberta Studio, formerly known as Allarcom Studios? “The next movie expected to use space at the studio is the crime drama Cut Bank, which will bring actors Ben Kingsley and John Malkovich to Edmonton in May,” according to the Journal.
- The Journal is still looking for a Digital Media Developer. The deadline to apply is Saturday.
- I really like this visualization of the Oilers’ history creating by the Journal’s Lucas Timmons.
- Avenue Edmonton is looking for an Art Director. “As the Art Director for Avenue, you will shape the tastes, trends and psyche for Edmontonians.” The deadline to apply is April 30.
- Surprise, surprise: the downtown arena dominated online discussion last week. What will we talk about when construction starts?
- It’s okay Kevin, it happens to everyone.
- Tomorrow is the big day: Leduc’s new radio station, 93.1 FM The One, launches at 9:31 AM! And in case you were wondering about the station’s signal strength, Mike McGuire has you covered:
You can follow Edmonton media news on Twitter using the hashtag #yegmedia. For a great overview of the global media landscape, check out Mediagazer.
So, what have I missed? What’s new and interesting in the world of Edmonton media? Let me know!
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