Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:
- Global Edmonton’s new chief weather anchor Jesse Beyer made his on-air debut today. He spent some time with Mike Sobel on the Morning News and also spoke to Emil at I Heart Edmonton. He was also featured at K-Days in a pop-up photo booth. Jesse is a NAIT grad and will soon be a graduate of the Mississippi State meteorological program.
Global Edmonton’s weather team as of today
- I sent Jesse a few questions via email, asking for just quick answers. Here’s what I learned:
- Which weather app do you use on your phone? I don’t use a weather app—but Global News Skytracker app would be my first choice if I did…
- Rain or snow, and why? Snow! I can at least ride on it on my snowboard or snowmobile
- What do you think of the Long John Index? Long john index is… cute
- How do you think we’ll be receiving weather forecasts in three years? Hopefully still from a trained on air professional! Hopefully, human.
- What are you most looking forward to in your new position? I’m looking forward to bringing accuracy and reliability to our weather forecast team.
- David Climenhaga has the scoop on plans to bring the Edmonton Journal and Edmonton Sun closer together this fall. Sounds like the Sun editorial staff will be moving into the Journal building but will remain separate, while the sales teams will be merged.
- Cory Edel has joined the weather team at CTV Edmonton (his last day at CBC was Thursday). You’ll find him on CTV Morning Live starting Wednesday and you can follow him on Twitter here. As Al Girard notes, the station now has three meteorologists.
- Here is the latest local blog roundup from Seen and Heard in Edmonton. Karen has also posted episode 3 of the podcast which features Adam Rozenhart. They discuss OilersNation, The Unknown Studio, and some of his other online projects.
- Marty Forbes has news on some dynamic women in the local media, including Sharon Mallon, Jennifer Martin, and Jennifer Dalen.
- Congratulations to Edmonton Journal food writer Liane Faulder on receiving the Discovery Prize for her play The Long Walk Home.
- Edmonton Sun crime reporter Pamela Roth is moving to Victoria, BC. Her last day was Thursday.
- Edmonton-born Lisa Gilroy is the host of YTV’s The Zone and is now based in Toronto, but the Examiner caught up with her on a recent trip back to town.
- Here’s an introduction to Hannah, one of half of the sisters behind Honey & Betts.
- Here are Linda’s latest social media notes!
- Here in Edmonton it’s all McDavid, all the time, but down in the USA, they’ll only get to see Connor on TV once. Only the March 1 game between the Oilers and the Sabres (where No. 2 pick Jack Eichel will play) will be televised on NBCSN.
- The Fort McMurray Today is looking for a multimedia reporter. The deadline to apply is August 3.
- Senator Art Eggleton says the federal government should commit to stable and predictable funding for the CBC. “It is important to have a strong and vibrant CBC, to tell our stories, to entertain and inform us as Canadians.”
- A recent survey by Cision on “social journalism” found that while social media is becoming more accepted, journalists overwhelming prefer to receive pitches via email.
- Flipboard has raised another $50 million with a rumored valuation of around $1 billion.
- It’s 2015. If your excuse for not linking more is your CMS, you’re doing it wrong.
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 
I wonder what’s up with the weatherman swaps this week.