Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:
- Mel Priestley wrote about the future of journalism in Vue Weekly last week and concludes “the onus is on the journalists themselves to diversify their skill sets as much as possible,” given the rapidly changing media landscape.
- Former Edmonton Journal editor Margo Goodhand was a guest on CBC’s The Current recently. She spoke about the importance of a local newsroom being local, saying “it has to support the community, it has to reflect the community, it has to inspire the community.”
- Marty Forbes wrote about his father’s legacy now that “the Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit is about to become a reality.” They’ve purchased a building in northeast Edmonton.
- Linda is back with another list of local Instagram users to follow. I absolutely second her recommendation to follow John Robertson, his photos are great!
- Episode 31 of the Seen and Heard in Edmonton podcast features Sarah Hoyles, the storyteller behind Pet Sounds.
- Josh and Tracey have announced that #YEGMUSIC Magazine is shutting down. “It was a great run, and we will miss it. Keep on rockin’ and supporting your local music scene!”
- Global Edmonton’s Wardrobe Sale took place on the weekend and raised $9,100 for breast cancer research in Alberta.
- You may have seen this Reddit thread on Edmonton media personalities. Be warned: some of it is pretty mean.
- As mentioned yesterday, Paula has the scoop on OEG’s entertainment ambitions. Does that include a foray into the world of media?
- Season 4 of Big Brother Canada premieres this week and features four Albertans, including one Edmontonian.
- 93.1 The One in Leduc is looking for an On-Air Announcer / Promotions Assistant.
- If you’re a fan of The Expats, be sure to fill out their audience survey.
- Save the date: The Gateway’s 106 year print era will be celebrated on April 6 at an event hosted by “notable Gateway alumni, Adam Rozenhart, Todd Babiak and Sarah Chan.”
Moe Banga doing his first media scrum as Ward 12 Councillor
And here is some slightly less local media stuff:
- In her latest social media notes, Linda highlights that selfie deaths are now more common than death by shark attack.
- The CRTC announced on Tuesday that it has “received 12 applications to operate radio stations serving urban Indigenous Canadians in major markets.” Three of those applications are for Edmonton.
- Sharon and I watched Spotlight on Saturday night and were happy to see it win Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay on Sunday at the Oscars. Definitely one to see!
- So-called “Skinny” TV packages are here. We’re on Shaw, so I priced out their “Limited TV” plan plus some of the additional packages we’d be interested in. The total came out to be quite a bit less than what we pay currently (and I confirmed with support that for each of the channels in the add-on packages you get both the SD and HD variants, assuming they both exist via Shaw). So it looks like there will be a cost savings for us!
- “For the first time in more than 40 years, the Stanley Cup playoffs may lack a Canadian team this season.” And that means Rogers Media could be forced to take a hit on advertising revenue.
- Bloomberg TV Canada has announced the launch of Bloomberg North, a new weekday show featuring Amanda Lang, Pat Kiernan and Rudyard Griffiths.
- The folks behind FiveThirtyEight say they are here to stay, and won’t end up like ESPN’s Grantland.
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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