Media Monday Edmonton: Update #168

Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:

• Edmonton Journal editor-in-chief Margo Goodhand and Edmonton Sun editor-in-chief Dave Breakenridge spent some time on Ryan Jespersen’s show on Friday. They kept things pretty civil, reaffirmed they are editorially independent, and said that they aren’t supposed to know much about the business side. On endorsements, both stated the Prentice endorsement was the prerogative of the publisher, Postmedia, even if such endorsements are written locally. They both agreed the most addictive tool for editors is Chartbeat while acknowledging that often it’s clickbait that climbs the charts. On that note, Dave confirms the Sunshine Girl isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. They also shared some thoughts on the future of newspapers and the impact of digital.
• While they may keep separate editorial teams, the business sides of the papers are getting cozier. Journal subscribers can now add the Sunday Sun for an additional $4.99 per month. I can’t imagine that’ll be a popular offer, but interesting nonetheless.

• As mentioned last week, Jason Roberts was let go from up! 99.3. His morning show co-host Kari Skelton is of course out on maternity leave. Now we know that Cory Kimm and Ami Amato will return to Edmonton this fall to host an all-new morning show on up! 99.3. They were previously the afternoon drive team on NOW! 102.3 when it launched in 2010.
• Jeremy Lye is leaving 630 CHED to join CKNW in Vancouver as a senior reporter.
• Colin MacIntyre reports that Makin Whoopee, the show he has done with Chad Brunets for 9 years on CJSR, is ending. Here’s the last episode. Also ending is Clockwork Orange Juice (final tweet), after nearly 20 years, and also Doug Hoyer’s show A Great Face for Radio.
• Metro Edmonton has launched an updated look for its website (across the country of course). It appears to still be WordPress VIP under the hood. You can still get the print version online but it appears that RSS feeds are broken, unfortunately.
• Linda is hosting @PeopleOfCanada this week! It’ll be great to see Edmonton in the spotlight.
• In episode six of the Seen and Heard in Edmonton podcast, Karen interviews Jay Runham. Here’s the latest Edmonton blog roundup too.
• WHERE Edmonton Magazine is looking for an Account Executive to join the team.
• The Ignite Edmonton Festival is coming up on September 9 and 10. Speakers continue to be announced as the date draws near, including Karen!
• Congratulations to J’lyn Nye on being appointed Honourary Colonel of 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron with the RCAF here in Edmonton (link only available to her friends on Facebook).
• Looking for some new users to follow on Instagram? Here is Linda’s third list of local must-follow accounts. Here’s her latest social media notes too.
• Coming up on September 13 is a reunion for former K97, CJCA, and Selkirk radio employees.
• The Bonnyville Nouvelle is recruiting for a general assignment reporter/photographer.
• Good to keep in mind: it won’t come true if you don’t hashtag it!
• Interesting development in the world of paywalls – Piano Media and TinyPass have merged. Some of the biggest newspaper companies are customers, including Postmedia.
• Perhaps another reason for embargoes to go away? “An international web of hackers and traders was charged by U.S. authorities Tuesday with making $100 million by breaking into the computers of business newswire services, reading corporate press releases before they came out, and then trading on that information ahead of the pack on Wall Street.”
• Via Katherine, here are 20 of the most spectacular newspaper corrections ever.
• Remember Facebook Notes? Well it’s still there, and it could finally be getting a makeover. Bad news for Medium.

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.