Media Monday Edmonton: Update #88

Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:

• Margo Goodhand is the new editor-in-chief at the Edmonton Journal. She was previously the editor-in-chief at the Winnipeg Free Press, a position she held from 2007 to 2012. Here’s what she tweeted when the news was announced:

• The next day this piece appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press (not strictly related I suppose, but Margo is credited with transforming the Free Press “from being primarily a print-based operation into a 24/7 news organization with a heavy online presence” so I found the timing curious). “If you picked up a paper copy of the Free Press today, you have a paper unlike any that has rolled off our presses in the 141 years we have been publishing.” Basically they’re using augmented reality via a company called Blippar. Kind of reminds me a little bit of the Journal’s adoption of ScanLife back in 2010.
• Margo’s predecessor, Lucinda Chodan, was spotted in the Gazette recently!
• There has been a fascinating back-and-forth between Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Sun News personality Ezra Levant over the last few days. The latest is a statement from Nenshi. Though I question whether this battle is worth Nenshi’s time to fight, I do like that once he’s in, he’s in.
• Marty Forbes has a solid recap of the latest moves in local radio and television. He notes: “CBC and CKUA are the only media properties that now operate in the quickly rebuilding downtown core and both are just steps away from the best concerts, plays, movies, festivals, and the new arena/entertainment complex while the rest of the media are in the burbs now!” As pointed out by Bruce below and others previously, The Journal, CityTV, Metro, and World FM all operate out of downtown.
• In November 2011, 22-year-old media intern Andy Ferguson died when his car crossed the centre line and hit a gravel truck head-on. His family is convinced the incident occurred because he was being exploited as an intern at Astral Media’s local radio stations The Bear and Virgin Radio. This CBC article covers the story well, and includes a statement from Bell Media and NAIT (where he was a student).
• James Gruff Gushnowski replaces Danny Hooper as the new co-host of the CFCW morning show.
• The Local Good is looking for a Blog Coordinator to join the team. The deadline to apply is September 18.
• Alberta Primetime is working on a new look!
• In case you missed it: The Wanderer has expanded with the launch of The Young Wanderer. Here’s the introductory post.
• On her journey to the top of rock n’ roll radio: Edmonton Woman Magazine profiles 100.3 The Bear’s Gillian Foote.
• CTV Edmonton’s Laura Lowe is moving on to become Communications & Education Manager at the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council. Yesterday (or possibly Friday) was her last day.
• I got a kick out of Lesley Primeau’s Twitter page, where her bio reads “Unemployed Radio Star looking for a signal.” Careful though Lesley, that domain is unregistered. And yes, you should drop the “AndGrose” from your name.
• Check out the media pass for Country Music Week.
• Here’s a look at CKUA’s impressive library courtesy of Brittney.
• Former Edmonton Journal editor George Stout died in hospital on July 18 after long-term health problems. His father was an editor at the Edmonton Bulletin. Really interesting article about “a gifted storyteller with family roots in Strathcona.”
• Don’t forget the Edmonton chapter of the Online News Association launches this Thursday at the Mercer Tavern at 7pm.
• The latest Giants of Edmonton mural will be revealed tomorrow at noon at Capilano Centre. It honors five local sports announcers: Ernie Afaganis, Bryan Hall, Al McCann, Rod Phillips, and John Short.
• Here’s an open memo to the BuzzFeed team from Founder and CEO Jonah Peretti. I like the approach, and it’s interesting to read just how ambitious BuzzFeed is.
• Via Stacey Brotzel: “Best. News. Promo. Ever. (from Utah)”:

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!

You can see past Media Monday Edmonton entries here.