Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:
- The Canadian Magazines blog reports that Joyce Byrne, “the long time second-in-command” at Venture Publishing, is leaving to take on the role of publisher at Avenue Calgary.
- Emil’s latest “A Few Minutes With” feature is with Go! Edmonton host Dana Giesbrecht. Sounds like she really loves Winnipeg!
- Jodie Sinnema announced today that she is leaving the general assignment desk at the Journal to become the new style writer.
- In case you missed it, check out All Ears: A Shared History of CKUA and CJSR. It’s the story, “told by more than 25 of Alberta’s finest radio makers, of how public radio across this province has come to hold a prominent and esteemed place as the true voice of Alberta’s diverse communities.”
- Here are the latest social media notes from Linda!
- Apparently 102.3 Now! Radio is doing a giveaway this month where $100 goes to a listener and $100 goes to a charity of the listener’s choice. It’s a neat way to raise awareness about local charities. It probably also means the charities are activating their networks to talk about Now! Radio too, like the Terra Centre.
- It’s awards season, and two Edmonton productions received recognition with the announcement of the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards. Mosaic Entertainment’s Tiny Plastic Men and Prairie Dog Film + Television’s Blackstone received nominations for Best Comedy Series and Best Dramatic Series, respectively. Congratulations! The awards will be presented on March 9 in Toronto.
- Here’s a short feature on Shawna Randolph who is of course co-hosting Alberta Primetime.
- New Oiler goaltender Ben Scrivens has already used Twitter to express his displeasure at media coverage of his trade (and his wife’s apparent feelings about coming to Edmonton). Here’s a good take on the story.
- MasterChef Canada premiered tonight with six chefs from Alberta, but none from Edmonton. What gives?
- The Timeout is a radio show that airs every Wednesday at 5pm on CJSR. I hadn’t come across their blog before, but today I found the latest post – a league-wide round-up of the first half of the NHL season.
- The Edmonton Public Library’s newest writer in residence is Jason Lee Norman. Here’s a feature on him in the Edmonton Examiner.
- An Edmonton-made film called Rock Paper Dice Enter has been picked up for a theatrical release in India starting February 7! “Rock Paper Dice Enter is a film set in the fictitious city of Strathaven, a hub for cyber security and prosperity in North America.” It was filmed in Edmonton with Alberta talent.
- Don’t forget to nominate your favorite blogs and other social media properties from 2013 for The Yeggies!
- Daryl Katz posted another letter to Oilers fans online today. In his analysis at OilersNation, Jonathan Willis nailed the likely reaction from local media: “Anybody who has spent any time reading the local beat reporters on Twitter or in the papers knows that a) they really don’t like that Katz doesn’t talk to them and b) they hate it when they aren’t used in a gatekeeping role. A direct letter to fans that bypasses the professional media and a continued lack of interviews with Katz is only going to encourage them to dismiss the letter.” Sure enough, David Staples posted this in response to the letter: “Unsatisfying letter from Oilers owner Daryl Katz is more of the same from organization.” Not that he’s wrong, it is more of the same. But still, amusing!
- There’s a new bridal show in town called Swept, and it was created by “local journalist turned wedding photographer” Erin Walker along with Morgan Hrynyk and Hans Kristian Larsen.
- This isn’t a surprise, but I can’t think of another recent example being talked about so publicly and I want to capture it: Skylar Murphy, the pipe bomb teen, tried to sell his interview to various local media outlets for $600 (the total of his fines) but all refused.
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!
MasterMaq's Blog 