Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:
- Two local radio stations are among the nine being sold by Rawlco Radio to the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group. Subject to CRTC approval, both 102.3 NOW! Radio (CKNO-FM) and up! 99.3 (CIUP-FM) will both join the growing stable of stations under the Broadcast Group umbrella. I talked to a few people who work at the stations and also saw other reaction online, but it was all the same – employees expressed great respect for Rawlco and uncertainty about the future (despite assurances that “all of the existing team members at the nine Rawlco Radio stations will be offered positions and the opportunity to grow with the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.”)
- Edmonton’s newest media experiment is called Dispatch 7. Though based here in Edmonton, their focus goes beyond #YEG to cover “issues that matter to our city, province, and country.” Here’s their intro post. I recorded a brief podcast about the site, which you can check out on Mixcloud or via download here.
- Another new website I came across this week is The Noteworthy, a local site that “introduces you to interesting people, the places they go and the things they love.” It was founded by City and Dale contributor Gillian Thomson. Here’s the intro post, and here’s their first entry, on Adam Rozenhart.
- On Tuesday last week, the Edmonton Oilers and Corus Entertainment announced a multi-year contract extension that will keep 630 CHED as the home of the Oilers through 2020. The station has been broadcasting Oilers games since 1995. The news release states that Oilers coverage “will also be supported by CISN Country 103.9 (CISN-FM), The New 92.5 Fresh FM (CKNG-FM) and iNews 880 (CHQT-AM), and broadcast to Oilers fans across Oil Country.”
- For more on the Oilers/Corus deal, check out Marty’s latest column (he also checks in with Global’s Gord Steinke on baby mania at the station).
- Techvibes reports that SAM, the local startup that helps journalists manage social media assets, has closed its first round of funding with investment from the Accelerate Fund. Congrats!
- Here’s a feature on St. Albert native A.K. Jakubec, now voice of the Ottawa RedBlacks (among other Ottawa-based teams).
- Congratulations to The Pulp Magazine on surpassing 10,000 views! Great to see another local site attracting readership.
- Don’t miss Karen’s latest blog roundup!
- The next Capital Ideas Edmonton event is Wednesday at the Edmonton Journal!
- Here’s an update from Adam Rozenhart on his YouTube adventure. He shares some lessons learned, and says “I’ve really been enjoying the experience of producing content, tinkering with my format…” If you haven’t already watched it, his latest video is definitely worth 3 minutes of your time!
- Well look at that, Jonny Sullivan is back on the air at 95.7 CRUZ FM filing in for Gary James.
- Here’s a Social Media 101 from the Edmonton Sun’s Allison Salz.
- Global Edmonton is broadcasting Friday’s K-Days Parade live across the province. Are Calgarians really going to tune in to watch Edmonton’s parade?
- Edmonton-born Rapid Fire Theatre veteran Nikolai Witschl stars in the new FX Canada TV series The Strain. He was recruited for the role by Guillermo del Toro.
- From The Guardian: What Canada’s national public broadcaster could learn from the BBC.
- Bell Media has cut 91 jobs from its production division, with the majority of the staff reductions impacting MuchMusic. That includes the “polarizing” Leah Miller who was let go.
- TELUS has received CRTC approval for its new pay-per-view service.
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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