Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:
- The latest radio ratings are out, and once again Now! 102.3 FM is on top, in every demographic. In fact, they’ve increased their lead over second place 630 CHED. 91.7 FM The Bounce was the biggest loser in this book, while Capital FM improved the most.
- Central Edmonton is getting its own magazine in December called The Yards. It’ll be published four times per year by the Oliver and Downtown community leagues. The magazine’s editor is Omar Mouallem (here’s his letter to readers), while Vikki Wiercinski will lead art direction. Follow them on Twitter for updates.
- One of the big stories this week was that 630 CHED has let Dan Tencer go. No reason was officially given, but the slipping ratings are one potential reason. Tencer tweeted “nothing but gratitude towards 630 CHED and Corus” and said he’ll miss it. He added that he is proud of his work there.
- Congratulations to Mel Priestley on becoming the new Dish editor for Vue Weekly!
- Congrats also to Cory Haller who is the new associate editor at Avenue Edmonton.
- Edmonton’s 105.9 Shine FM recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Congrats!
- Social Media Breakfast Edmonton’s SMBFieldtrip 2014 is fast approaching! The event takes place at Rundle Park on Sunday, September 28. Tickets are $25 and include a picnic brunch, a geocaching challenge, and other activities. Learn more here.
- The finalists for the 2014 Canadian Online Publishing Awards have been posted. The Journal is up for Best Infographic for its feature on the Gretzky trade and for Best Use of Social Media for YEGQUEST. Postmedia Labs was also nominated for Best Use of Social Media for Gastropost and Capital Ideas, and Gastropost itself was nominated for Best Email Newsletter Design and Engagement. Alberta Construction Magazine was nominated for Best Infographic for its feature on the southern Alberta floods.
- From Vintage Edmonton, here are some great vintage radio ads. There’s even a very young Bryan Hall in those photos!
- This is pretty neat: side-by-side bylines in the National Post for Annalise and Cailynn Klingbeil.
- The next Capital Ideas Edmonton event takes place on Wednesday at the Edmonton Journal. The lineup looks pretty good: Cameron Gertz from YEG Live, Justine Barber from Poppy Barley, and Sue Heuman from Focus Communications.
- Venture Publishing is looking for an associate editor for Alberta Oil, in either Calgary or Edmonton.
- Dan Taylor has been named Edmonton’s topic comic by Sirius XM satellite radio.
- Extra Life is coming up on October 25, organized by Edmonton Sun reporter Matt Dykstra. The video gaming marathon raises money for the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
- A recent editorial from The Journal tackled the future of television and the decisions being considered by the CRTC right now. The editorial argues for pick and pay but also mandatory inclusions for community public access channels and Canadian stations. It also says “there is no reason online enterprises such as Netflix or Google should be required to pay into accounts that help fund Cancon.”
- While we’re on the subject of TV, Apple CEO Tim Cook says TV is “stuck back in the 70s.” It’s a hard nut to crack, evidently.
- Could the “glance” be a new subatomic unit of news? Wearables like the new Apple Watch could make it so.
- Neiman Reports argues for more female newsroom leaders.
You can expect to see new Minister of Health Stephen Mandel back in the news more frequently
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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