Here is my latest update on local media stuff:
- Kerry Powell was let go by the Edmonton Journal on Thursday. She was the Director of Digital Products. Appropriately she hasn’t been shy about sharing the experience online, expressing sadness and even tweeting photos of her exit. It certainly sounds like the decision was a surprise. No word on where Kerry will go next, but I have no doubt she’ll have her pick of opportunities. Here’s her TEDxEdmonton talk on The Future of News.
It’s been a hell of a ride, @edmontonjournal. Thanks for being my mentor, my voice and something like home.
— Kerry Powell (@KerryPowell) August 9, 2013
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- It’s an odd decision. Assuming the Journal and Postmedia understand the importance of digital to their future, then the only logical reason to let Kerry go would be if they felt someone else was a better fit. If that’s the case, then I’d expect them to bring someone on board who lacks a traditional media background (Kerry was a journalist & editor for more than a decade at the Journal before taking on digital). Another possibility is that Postmedia is planning to centralize digital, which I’m not sure is wise. Of course, there could be some sort of internal politicking going on too, but that seems unlikely given that the Journal is currently without a publisher or editor-in-chief.
- Rick Harp’s last day as host of Edmonton AM on CBC was today. He’s returning to Winnipeg to reunite with his family. Best of luck Rick, can’t wait to see what you’re up to next!
Today is my last day as host of "Edmonton AM" > pic.twitter.com/5i7OpX72DZ
— Rick Harp (@RickHarpCBC) August 12, 2013
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- Are you a fan of Edmonton expat Mike Winters? Well only for Edmontonians, Andy has a bunch of Cartoon Machine comics and magnets to sell.
- Breakfast Television recently got rid of the comfy living room feel resulting in a bit of backlash on Facebook! But if you enjoyed the couch, fear not – BT Edmonton will be unveiling a new set on September 9.
- After 24 years, Edmonton Journal editor and reporter Rick McConnell is retiring.
- Global Edmonton is the second local news organization to crack the 70,000 likes barrier on Facebook. Here are the stats as of mid-June.
- From Vintage Edmonton: CFRN News for Saturday, March 7, 1992.
- Thomasean Vernon has joined Global Edmonton as a reporter. His debut was Friday. He was most recently with Global Regina.
- Here’s a feature on Dave Rutherford from The Calgary Journal.
- Life after journalism: Jennifer Parks left the Edmonton Sun in 2007 to focus on yoga. She now teaches regularly at Lotus Soul Gym and Yoga Within.
- Are you sick of all the stories about the 25th anniversary of the Gretzky trade? Well here’s a media related one from NHL.com. “Had it happened today, it probably would have played out online in a matter of minutes. Instead, it took a lot longer.”
- Last week the CRTC rejected an application from Sun News to be forced onto basic digital television subscriptions in Canada. The channel currently loses about $17 million per year. But, a proposal from the CRTC to force distributors to offer all news channels could change the equation.
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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