Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:
- After 26 years, David Howell voluntarily left the Edmonton Journal this week. He wrote: “Sincere thanks to all colleagues and contacts over past 26 years. Onward!”
- And according to Brent Wittmeier tonight, Sheila Pratt is also leaving the Journal. He said she was “one of #yeg’s smartest, deepest, most feared and respected reporters.”
- Various sources are reporting that the Edmonton Sun’s Dave “Crash” Cameron has passed away. A Facebook group has been created for family and friends to share memories of Dave.
- Here’s a great feature on Karen Unland of Seen and Heard in Edmonton and her efforts to highlight and grow Edmonton’s blog and podcast communities.
- Ryan Jespersen had Brent Wittmeier, Bill Mah, and John White on his show on Friday morning for a “post-Postmedia” discussion. Some interesting thoughts, but somewhat aggravating at times too. Bonus to end the segment though, Carrie Doll called in to share her thoughts! And in the final few seconds, a small suggestion that all the new ex-Postmedia folks could start their own newsroom.
- Mike Ross (of GigCity) is also feeling the Postmedia pinch: “After almost 25 years of reviewing concerts for The Edmonton Sun, I have been told my services are no longer required.”
- While many seem to be bailing on print media, either by choice or otherwise, Liv Vors has decided to quit blogging and will be “moving back to print media”.
- A new editorial in The Gateway by Richard Catangay-Liew argues the state of local journalism is dire.
- I missed the most recent Edmonton Podcasting Meetup, but you can listen to the audio here. The focus was on promoting your podcast.
- Congratulations to producer Andrew Scholotiuk and director Dylan Pearce on winning a Lumiere Award from the Advanced Imaging Society for their 3D film work in 40 Below and Falling, a feature-length romantic comedy filmed in Alberta.
- Capital Ideas Edmonton is looking for a Community Manager to join its team. The deadline to apply is February 2.
- Couple of regional opportunities to mention. The Bonnyville Nouvelle and Lakeland Regional is looking for an General Assignment Reporter/Photographer. And the Mayerthorpe Freelancer is looking for a multimedia journalist.
- Local photographer Bob Peterson, former official photographer for the Oilers, Eskimos, and Drillers, is putting his collection up for sale. It includes more than 3,000 sports negatives.
- Happy belated birthday to Stacey Brotzel!
- ICYMI: here is last week’s Edmonton blog roundup.
Jeff Jarvis at the World Economic Forum. He wrote that this was the post-Snowden Davos.
And here is some slightly less local media stuff:
- On the topic of the World Economic Forum, here is the Shaping the Future Implications of Digital Media for Society project and its report, Digital Media and Society.
- Here are Linda’s latest social media notes.
- The CRTC is accepting input from Canadians on local news until February 3!
- Here’s David Olive in the Toronto Star on the problem with Postmedia. And here is Andrew Coyne’s take in the National Post.
- Still on the topic of Postmedia, here is an interview with outgoing Ottawa Citizen editor Andrew Potter.
- Corus Entertainment is launching a new initiative called Corus Live that will “leverage Corus’ TV, radio, digital and production expertise to connect audiences with great talent and leading brands through immersive, live experiences staged across the country.”
- Bloomberg reports that Amazon is ramping up its investment in podcasts and other radio-style shows via Audible. Could be interesting.
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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