Taproot Edmonton’s latest Media Roundup was published today. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox every Monday morning!

Local updates from the Media Roundup

Here are a few select updates from today’s Media Roundup:

• Corus Entertainment’s CKNG-FM, broadcasting at 92.5 FM, has rebranded to 92.5 The ‘Chuck. “Buff up the Talus balls and grab a green onion cake,” reads the news release.
• Taproot Edmonton is launching a weekly municipal politics podcast called Speaking Municipally. Hosted by Troy Pavlek and myself, the podcast will feature 20-30 minute conversations about the context surrounding decisions made at City Hall. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
• Sarolta Saskiw is joining CityNews Edmonton from Winnipeg. “I’ve had an amazing 2 years covering stories here in Winnipeg, and have met so many great people,” she tweeted.
• Digging in the Dirt is looking for your support on STORYHIVE. The 20-minute documentary builds on Omar Mouallem’s award-winning investigative feature for BuzzFeed News.
• Karen Unland will make podcast recommendations on CBC Radio on Tuesday afternoon. “Catch her chat about true crime podcasts at about 3:35 p.m. on CBC Calgary’s The Homestretch and at about 4:05 p.m. on CBC Edmonton’s Radio Active.”

Media-related updates from elsewhere

And here is some non-local media news that I found interesting this week:

• After 14 years, Postmedia’s arts & entertainment magazine Swerve Calgary has “been discontinued.” Listings will continue online and in the Herald, they say. It’s too bad the shutdown happened during the summer holidays, because it doesn’t sound like the editorial team will have a chance to put together a final issue.
• Margaret Sullivan writes in the Washington Post about the local-news crisis: “And to make matters worse, many are owned by hedge funds that couldn’t care less about journalism. They are only interested in bleeding the papers dry of whatever remaining profits they can produce with ever-shrinking staffs.” And later: “What’s more, as papers decline, there’s less reason to subscribe because coverage isn’t what it used to be.”
• “People will support local news and investigative reporting, they just need to see themselves in that coverage or see that it helps them identify solutions for everyday problems,” writes Tracie Powell in a piece on connecting audience to revenue.
• The New York Times has an update on Disney’s forthcoming streaming service that will compete with Netflix.
• Facebook, Apple, YouTube, and Spotify have finally done the right thing and have banned the American conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and his Infowars website from their platforms. “The lone major social network to still allow Jones unfettered access is Twitter, where the broadcaster has a “verified” account.”

Follow Edmonton media news using the hashtag #yegmedia and be sure to check out Mediagazer for the latest media news from elsewhere. You can see past Media Monday Edmonton entries here. If you have a tip or suggestion for future updates, let me know.

At Taproot Edmonton we’re working hard to ensure that local journalism has a future in our city. Join us to be part of the movement.

Taproot Edmonton’s second Media Roundup was published today. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox every Monday morning!

Local updates from the Media Roundup

Here are a few select updates from today’s Media Roundup:

• Cory Janssen’s Janalta Interactive has purchased the rights to the Alberta Venture brand and plans to relaunch the publication online with a greater focus on features.
• Graham Thomson has taken a voluntary buyout from Postmedia and will be leaving the Edmonton Journal at the end of August. “Then I will let you know what I plan to do next,” he tweeted. “I cannot imagine a life outside journalism,” he said. Looks like he has options with some suggesting he start a blog or podcast, and others like the National Observer pitching him to write for them.
• Evan Cooke is moving back to Alberta from Kelowna to be the News Director for The One in both Leduc and Stony Plain.
• Sunday was Zoe Todd’s last day at CBC Edmonton as she heads to New York City to start a masters degree in journalism at Columbia. “A bright spot that I’ll miss,” her colleague Janice Johnston tweeted.
• Tim Caufield’s show A User’s Guide to Cheating Death has been picked up by Netflix. “With researchers from the University of Alberta backing up the science, Caulfield travelled from Edmonton to other parts of the world to look into some of the most popular as well as obscure methods people are trying to ‘cheat death.'” Watch for season one this fall.

Media-related updates from elsewhere

And here is some non-local media news that I found interesting this week:

• Rob Lewis is stepping down from Techvibes.com after 11 years. “It’s been a blast and I look forward to keeping in touch with every startup, PR person, and HR professional that I’ve been lucky to cross paths with over the years,” he wrote. Until I did a big clean last year, I still had some Techvibes business cards from when I was a contributor. End of an era for sure!
• The Guardian now earns more money from its digital operations than from its print newspapers for the first time in its history.
• Non-profit organization The Signals Network is planning joint investigations with five interational media groups of the misuse of big data, along with coordination publication. There are 30 investigative journalists working on the initiative.
• From Vanity Fair: How The Daily’s Michael Barbaro Unexpectedly Became the Ira Glass of The New York Times. “During the past year, Barbaro has actually become kind of legitimately famous.” It’s a good read.
• “From 2008 to 2017, newsroom employment in the U.S. dropped by 23%,” reports Pew Research Center. “Newspaper newsroom employees dropped by 45% over the period, from about 71,000 workers in 2008 to 39,000 in 2017.”

Follow Edmonton media news using the hashtag #yegmedia and be sure to check out Mediagazer for the latest media news from elsewhere. You can see past Media Monday Edmonton entries here. If you have a tip or suggestion for future updates, let me know.

At Taproot Edmonton we’re working hard to ensure that local journalism has a future in our city. Join us to be part of the movement.

I’m excited to share that we’re launching the Media Roundup at Taproot Edmonton today. Sign up now to get the latest news, events, comings & goings, job opportunities, and other updates on media, public relations, and communications in Edmonton every Monday morning.

I started writing the Media Monday Edmonton series on my blog in February 2011. “Like many others, I’m interested in the continual evolution of journalism and media,” I wrote at the time. “I’d like to start devoting an entry each Monday to this changing landscape.” I’ve kept it up ever since, and have received a lot of great feedback about the series over the years. People tell me they find it useful, informative, and interesting.

Inspired in part by my experience with this series, we have recently launched a few roundups at Taproot, which are curated updates on local topics that our members are curious about. In support of that effort, I’m essentially transitioning Media Monday Edmonton to Taproot as the Media Roundup. It will become the primary place for my curated updates.

Here is the first edition, published this morning!

For now, I plan to continue publishing Media Monday Edmonton here with a selection of updates from the Media Roundup and my non-local media links of the week.

Local updates from the Media Roundup

Here are a few select updates from today’s Media Roundup:

• Elevating Edmonton is a new podcast about architecture in Edmonton. The first episode features Dan Rose, Dave Sutherland, Tim Schneider, Tim Querengesser, and Shafraaz Kaba.
• Brenden Ullrich is joining the Corus Entertainment sales team as an Account Manager for radio & television. For the last four years he has been a producer of and occasional fill-in host for Oilers Now on 630 CHED.
• Glass Buffalo is launching its summer issue on Wednesday evening at Yellowhead Brewery. Tickets are $10 or $5 for current subscribers.
• Jacquie DuVal of Plated Public Relations will be speaking about social media influencers within Alberta’s food industry on Thursday at lunchtime at the Food Central Cowork, located at 10578 113 Street.
• Servus Credit Union is looking for a Media and Story Consultant. “This position will research, develop, implement and evaluate external communications programs in support of corporate communication strategies.”

If you look closely, I’m in this photo (with Sharon and Emily) of the K-Days parade, standing next to the 840 CFCW tent. It was fun to listen to their running commentary!

K-Days Parade 2018 by jasonwoodhead23 on Flickr

Media-related updates from elsewhere

And here is some non-local media news that I found interesting this week:

• We need a new model for tech journalism, writes James Ball in the Columbia Journalism Review. “It’s easy to see why some readers would feel whiplashed by the current, critical coverage of Facebook and Google, which seems to come out of nowhere,” he says. “That’s our fault as journalists: We’ve been too slow to spot how things have changed and to cover the sector as the corporate behemoth it is.”
• Here’s a rebuttal to that idea from Danny Crichton at TechCrunch. “But here’s the challenge: The whole idea of a coherent “tech press” seems to miss that technology has completely taken over the world.”
• “Smart speakers are gaining adoption faster than any technology since the mobile phone,” which is why news publishers are stepping up their efforts to create content for platforms like Amazon Echo and Google Home.
• The ongoing trade war has resulted in new tariffs that increase the cost of newsprint by as much as 30 to 35 percent. Could this be the Black Swan event that speeds up the death of newspapers in the United States?
• The podcast In the Dark has attracted more than 250 people to a private Facebook group that requires a minimum donation of $50 to join.

Follow Edmonton media news using the hashtag #yegmedia and be sure to check out Mediagazer for the latest media news from elsewhere. You can see past Media Monday Edmonton entries here. If you have a tip or suggestion for future updates, let me know.

At Taproot Edmonton we’re working hard to ensure that local journalism has a future in our city. Join us to be part of the movement.

Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:

• Taproot Edmonton has launched the Music Roundup, a weekly compilation of the latest headlines, concert announcements, and other updates to help you stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Edmonton’s music community. The Music Roundup is being curated and written by Sandra Sperounes, who was the music writer for The Edmonton Journal for 18 years.
• “It’s road trip season, and what that means, in 2018, is time to download a few podcasts to take on the highway.” Karen Unland spoke with CBC’s The Homestretch about the Alberta Podcast Network. “Over the summer, Unland will appear periodically on The Homestretch with a variety of recommendations for listeners looking for some guidance through the world of podcasting, where each listener is also their own program director.”
• Catherine Griwkowsky has announced she is “no longer employed by StarMetro Edmonton.” She took the opportunity to share some great things about her colleagues in the Twitter thread. She isn’t sure what’s next, but let’s hope she is able to stay here in Edmonton!
• Here is the 33rd Alberta Podcast Network Roundup. The network has grown again, adding The UnDad Podcast created by Trent Wilkie.
• Speaking of Trent Wilkie, he recently answered 20 questions for the Edmonton Sun.
• Carly Robinson highlights the new faces on the CityNews Edmonton team: Dalia Ashry, Connor O’Donovan, and Jessica Storm.
• From Grant Ainsley: Why Mike’s News Was the Greatest Store Ever. “Mike’s News closed in the 80’s, after serving Edmonton for 70 years.”
• Congrats to Trevor Robb on marking seven years with Postmedia.
• The Athletic is looking for a beat writer or columnist covering the Edmonton Oilers. “We are now following through with plans to hire more staff, especially in Western Canada, to offer subscribers more quality coverage beginning with the 2018-19 season.”
• The City of Edmonton is looking for a Director, Integration & Relationships to join the Communications branch.
• PR Power: How to be a Media Worthy Brand, hosted by Publicity Room, takes place on Wednesday from 5-7pm at RAAS in West Edmonton Mall.
• The Alberta Media Fund is hosting information sessions on Tuesday & Wednesday this week to help prepare for the Screen-based Production Grant Application process.
• New Trail and Alumni Career Services at the University of Alberta have teamed up to answer career questions about working in magazines. The online session will take place on August 8.
• Podmap aims to map the world’s podcasts. Here’s Edmonton.

Premier Notley celebrates Canada Day in Millwoods, photo by Premier of Alberta

And here is some slightly less local media stuff:

• Instapaper is going independent and will be owned and operated “by the same people who’ve been working on Instapaper since it was sold to betaworks by Marco Arment in 2013.”
• Hyperlocal site EveryBlock is being shutdown – again. Comcast is closing the site it relaunched in 2014 and will direct users to rival Nextdoor, which it has invested in.
• The Emmy nominations are out. “Netflix led the way with 112 nominations when they were announced on Thursday, snapping HBO’s 17-year streak of being the most nominated network for TV’s most coveted prize.” Three years ago Netflix had just 34 nominations. Next up? HBO’s 16-year streak of winning the most Emmys.
• The Associated Press reports: “The estate of the man at the center of the popular “S-Town” podcast is suing the show’s creators, saying they exploited details of his private life for financial gain.”

Follow Edmonton media news using the hashtag #yegmedia and be sure to check out Mediagazer for the latest media news from elsewhere. You can see past Media Monday Edmonton entries here. If you have a tip or suggestion for future updates, let me know.

At Taproot Edmonton we’re working hard to ensure that local journalism has a future in our city. Join us to be part of the movement.

Thanks for reading! Want to support my blog? Buy me a coffee!

Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:

• “We love working in Edmonton, and the work we do costs money,” tweeted StarMetro Edmonton’s bureau chief Alex Boyd in reference to the new paywall.
• Four new podcasts have joined the Alberta Podcast Network! Here is the latest podcast roundup.
• The Edmonton Journal’s Dave Breakenridge had to defend the name of his new Postmedia podcast after it was highlighted that there’s already a data journalism website with the name 10 and 3. “In trying to offer a show highlighting stories of national interest, featuring work from across the country, we wanted to come up with a name that represented Canada,” he told Canadaland. “After brainstorming a list of names, the consensus among the group involved with the project was 10/3.”
• Cam Tait is taking his blog in a new direction and will be telling stories of people with disabilities. “For too many years, I think, there has been a mysterious silence from people with disabilities on issues, programs and services available,” he wrote.
• Glass Buffalo editor Matthew Stepanic has been making the rounds, talking about the summer 2018 issue on Global Edmonton and about his new book of poetry on CBC’s Edmonton AM and with StarMetro.
• The Family Matters podcast from Global Edmonton featuring Laurel Gregory has now posted 50 episodes. Nice work!
• Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster Harnarayan Singh was at the University of Alberta last week to talk about being “the first person to broadcast pro hockey in Punjabi.” Here’s a Q&A he did with StarMetro in which he shares his thoughts on the Oilers: “they can’t be as bad as they were last year.”
• The Narwhal, a non-profit focused on telling stories about Canada’s natural environment, is looking for an investigative journalist in Alberta for a one-year contract.
• PressProgress, an online publication from The Broadbent Institute, is looking for an Alberta-based writer to “develop story ideas as well as investigate and write stories as assigned.”
• Corus Entertainment is looking for a Creative Writer to join its Creative Services team in Edmonton. The deadline to apply is July 15.
• Friday is the deadline to apply for Avenue Edmonton’s Assistant Editor position.
• Publicity Room is hosting PR Power: How to be a Media Worthy Brand at RAAS Edmonton inside West Edmonton Mall on July 18. “If media outreach isn’t part of your current marketing strategy, it will be after this event!”
• A couple from Ottawa is visiting all 90 locations highlighted in Heritage Minutes, starting with Emily Murphy’s house here in Edmonton.

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

And here is some slightly less local media stuff:

• YouTube is investing $25 million in grants to news organizations looking to expand their video operations. “The goal is to identify authoritative news sources, bring those videos to the top of users’ feeds, and support quality journalism with tools and funding that will help news organizations more effectively reach their audiences.”
• Inside the Binge Factory: “Netflix is hiring everybody in and out of Hollywood to make more TV shows than any network ever has, and it already knows which ones you’ll like.”
• Here are 12 ideas for engaging young audiences from BBC News Labs’ recent industry hackathon.

Follow Edmonton media news using the hashtag #yegmedia and be sure to check out Mediagazer for the latest media news from elsewhere. You can see past Media Monday Edmonton entries here. If you have a tip or suggestion for future updates, let me know.

At Taproot Edmonton we’re working hard to ensure that local journalism has a future in our city. Join us to be part of the movement.

Thanks for reading! Want to support my blog? Buy me a coffee!

A small announcement to start this week’s edition: Media Monday Edmonton will soon become a roundup at Taproot Edmonton! I am still working out the details, but I will continue to post something media-related here each Monday night while directing you to Taproot for the full roundup. Thank you for reading!

Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:

• Tim Adams has announced he is “leaving CBC for a while” to work on Free Footie full-time for a year. The goal is to expand the free children’s soccer league to all host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “In his mind, now is the time to strike.” Congrats Tim and best of luck!
• A few weeks ago I mentioned that Gary Cunliffe was retiring from CBC Edmonton, making way for Stephanie Coombs. Now it’s Twitter official!
• Susan Reade, who worked as a realtor after being “restructured” out of Bell Media in 2016, is jumping back into media as the General Manager for Newcap here in Edmonton, which includes Capital FM, K-97, and CFCW.
• Well, that didn’t take long. StarMetro Edmonton now has a paywall (all the Torstar properties share the same website, so it applies across the board). No pricing information that I can see, but they are currently offering free registration for a limited time. “Later, your continued access will require a paid subscription.”
• City Council has approved nearly $4 million in funding for the new Edmonton Screen Media Fund. “The new fund will be used to make investments in, or loans to, Edmonton entrepreneurs and companies engaged in the development and production of screen media products such as films and television programs, as well as interactive digital games and mobile apps.”
• Looks like the media challenge at Southgate’s pop-up roller rink was fun! The event was emceed by Linda Hoang.
• Here is the latest Alberta Podcast Network Roundup.
• Have a podcast and want to join the Alberta Podcast Network? They have a form for that!
• The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is looking for a Communications Director for Alberta, to be based in either Edmonton or Calgary.
• Matt Smith of Doctor Who and The Crown fame is the first celebrity guest to be announced for the 7th annual Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo.
• Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at 630 CHED’s Bryan Hall doing a live Global Edmonton hit.
• Taproot Edmonton’s Tech Roundup has had a great first month so far! Sign up to get it delivered to your inbox every Tuesday morning.

And here is some slightly less local media stuff:

• A new independent news organization launched in Calgary in early June called LiveWire Calgary. “LiveWire Calgary believes there’s a large, under-represented group (maybe even a majority?) of Calgarians who have lost their connection to media because it’s not connecting them to their community,” wrote Darren Krause (formerly of Metro) in his introduction post. In addition to advertising and sponsored content, LiveWire Calgary has a Patreon page.
• Postmedia announced it will cut staff costs by another 10% by the end of August, in addition to closing six local newspapers. Here’s the email they sent.
• Torstar is also making cuts, laying off 11 full-time and 10 part-time staff in Toronto.
• Things aren’t much better in broadcast media, as Corus Entertainment announced a $936 million quarterly loss last week. “The key challenge for Corus and other traditional broadcasters is the decline in TV ad spending in Canada – a trend that shows no sign of reversing.”
• Politico is launching a new Canadian edition it describes as a “cross-border intelligence service for professionals with a stake in the Canada-U.S. relationship and the integrated border economy.”

Follow Edmonton media news using the hashtag #yegmedia and be sure to check out Mediagazer for the latest media news from elsewhere. You can see past Media Monday Edmonton entries here. If you have a tip or suggestion for future updates, let me know.

At Taproot Edmonton we’re working hard to ensure that local journalism has a future in our city. Join us to be part of the movement.

Thanks for reading! Want to support my blog? Buy me a coffee!

Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:

• Calder Bateman’s Catrin Owen is leaving for a new role at the City of Edmonton. I’ve not yet seen confirmation of this, but it is very likely she will be the new Deputy City Manager of Communications and Engagement, the position that Carolyn Campbell left late last month. Congrats Catrin!
• After 35 years with CBC Radio-Canada, Rodney Lamarre has retired from his position as Operations Manager.
• The Edmonton Screen Industries Office is hoping a new $4 million taxpayer-backed fund can reboot the industry. “We have to staunch the bleeding of people,” said Josh Miller, executive director of the ESIO.
• Rob Williams is celebrating 18 years at CTV Edmonton.
• Carly Kincaid started a new position today at Corus Entertainment, and will be working at both 92.5 Fresh FM and CISN Country 103.9 FM. She was previously with the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group’s up! 99.3 FM until February.
• Postmedia’s Hina Alam took part in the 2018 Transit Skills Competition at the ETS Centennial Garage. “I’ve ridden roller coasters and hiked through some steep gorges — but driving big hulking pieces of metal is not really my thing.”
• CBC Edmonton’s next YEG Walk takes place on Tuesday evening. The event is “a monthly tour of downtown Edmonton, served up by the one and only Mark Connolly; host extraordinaire of Edmonton AM.”
• The Kevin Karius Golf Classic raised $102,000 for the Easter Seals of Alberta today!
• Sounds like IABC’s session on pitching the media had some useful information. “Make it easy for the media to cover your story – make sure it’s worth / anticipate visual support & have it ready,” tweeted Teresa Sturgess.
• There was “an absolute ton of radio history” present at the Edmonton Radio Reunion on Saturday. The event was organized by Mark Summers.
• Here is the 30th Alberta Podcast Network Roundup!
• CKUA is looking for a Marketing & Communications Coordinator. The deadline to apply is June 28.
• Avenue Edmonton is looking for an Assistant Editor. The deadline to apply is July 13.
• The Winspear Centre is looking for a full-time Communications & Campaign Manager.
• ICYMI: The #yeg hashtag turned ten years old last week.

Mayor Iveson preparing to speak with the media last month

And here is some slightly less local media stuff:

• Congratulations to Kathy Le, recipient of the 2018 Spirit of NAIT Alumni Award.
• Irene Gentle has been appointed Editor of the Toronto Star, the first female to hold the position in the Star’s 126-year history.
• “Three years in, the Winnipeg Free Press’ attempt to get readers to pay by the article is still producing less than $100,000” but they hope to use the data it is generating for more targeted upsells.
• Google introduced its new podcast app for Android called Google Podcasts. “The Podcasts app is integrated with Google Assistant, meaning you can search for and play podcasts wherever you have Assistant enabled.”

Follow Edmonton media news using the hashtag #yegmedia and be sure to check out Mediagazer for the latest media news from elsewhere. You can see past Media Monday Edmonton entries here. If you have a tip or suggestion for future updates, let me know.

At Taproot Edmonton we’re working hard to ensure that local journalism has a future in our city. Join us to be part of the movement.

Thanks for reading! Want to support my blog? Buy me a coffee!

Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:

• Newly retired, Lorraine Mansbridge has joined Twitter! Here’s a Global Edmonton feature on Lorraine. “She’s been in Edmonton media for 36 years, almost as long as the Global Edmonton station has been in existence.” Gord Steinke tweeted she’s a “class act and a lot of fun to work with.”
• Congratulations to Terry Jones on being inducted into the City of Edmonton’s Salute to Excellence Hall of Fame for his role as a journalist & sports builder. He’s the first sports writer to receive the honour. “Terry inspired me to, maybe, one day, be a columnist,” wrote Cam Tait.
• Congratulations to Liane Faulder on winning first place in the Arts & Entertainment Feature category of the Society for Features Journalism Excellence-in-Features Awards. Here’s the winning story. “So thrilled!” she tweeted. Paula Simons, Clare Clancy, and Mark Iype picked up third place in the Diversity in Digital Features category, and the Edmonton Journal received two other honourable mentions.
• CBC Edmonton has earned a Michener Citation of Merit “for its investigative series focusing on Pure North, an alternative health foundation of a Calgary businessman.”
• Edmonton’s own Anna Holtby and Todd Kirk have been announced as contestants for the upcoming season of The Amazing Race Canada, which premieres on July 3. “Thankful, humbled and SO EXCITED to be chosen to compete,” Anna wrote. Here’s the interview they did with CTV. Anna wrote a story for Taproot Edmonton back in 2016.
• Two local dancers have made it through to the next round of competition on NBC’s World of Dance TV show.
• IABC Edmonton is hosting Nailing the Pitch: How to Deliver a Stellar Media Event on Thursday at 99ten.
• Janet French shared how Postmedia “gained access to class size information and the fees some school districts charged for the information” in this showing our work piece.
• Here’s an Alberta Primetime interview with Edmonton-born Dawn Chubai, currently a host on The Shopping Channel.
• Here is David Bray’s analysis of the latest Edmonton radio ratings.
• A reminder that the Edmonton Radio Reunion takes place on Saturday at 3pm at Local Public Eatery on Jasper Avenue.
• Here is the 29th Alberta Podcast Network Roundup.
• CBC Edmonton is looking for a Reporter/Editor (French Services).
• I hope to see you on Sunday for the Edmonton Podcasting Meetup where we are going to be talking about smart speakers!

Carbon Copy was unveiled recently in the Brewery District

And here is some slightly less local media stuff:

• About 75 people were laid off on June 14 from Rogers Media’s digital content & publishing team. Here’s a statement from Rogers Media on the layoffs: “We have reorganized our…structure to reflect the headwinds the industry is facing and make the business sustainable.”
• Following in the footsteps of Postmedia, Global News is launching a new podcast called “This is Why” to delve “deeper into the stories that matter to Canadians.”
• The Logic is a new Canadian subscription news outlet. “Information wants to be $300 a year — and it wants to be exclusive, high quality, and lower quantity,” reports Nieman Lab.
• Concordia University is launching the Institute for Investigative Journalism, the first of its kind in Canada, to be headquartered in the Department of Journalism.
• From Quartz: “Next year, for the first time, we’ll spend more time using the internet than watching TV.”
• Based on a new report from PwC, the Wall Street Journal reports that “advertisers spent an estimated $313.9 million on podcast ads in 2017, an increase of 86% from about $169.1 million a year earlier”.
• Did you enjoy the S-Town podcast? Well, get ready for the movie. Participant Media has acquired the rights and Spotlight‘s Tom McCarthy is in negotiations to direct.
• Don’t worry, #mprraccoon reached the roof and was rescued. Think about everything this story tells us about the state of media right now!

Follow Edmonton media news using the hashtag #yegmedia and be sure to check out Mediagazer for the latest media news from elsewhere. You can see past Media Monday Edmonton entries here. If you have a tip or suggestion for future updates, let me know.

At Taproot Edmonton we’re working hard to ensure that local journalism has a future in our city. Join us to be part of the movement.

Thanks for reading! Want to support my blog? Buy me a coffee!

Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:

• Stephanie Coombs, former managing editor at the Edmonton Journal, is leaving her post as Director of Communications and Marketing at EEDC to return to media, taking over the CBC Edmonton newsroom as Gary Cunliffe is retiring. She starts at the end of the month. “This is absolutely fantastic news for our city,” tweeted Edmonton Journal editor-in-chief Mark Iype. “Stephanie is as good as it gets when it comes to journalists.”
• After 35 years, Global Edmonton’s Lorraine Mansbridge is hanging up her microphone. For her last segment, John Stanton of The Running Room announced a new award in her name.
• Congratulations to Bob Layton on being inducted into the Western Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. “There is no greater honour than being recognized by your peers,” he wrote. “The fact is, no-one in this business achieves anything alone.” Here’s a photo of him with the award.
• Congratulations to CFCW’s Jackie Rae Greening on being named the 2018 builder inductee to the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Last week at Taproot Edmonton we launched the Tech Roundup, a weekly collection of the latest news and events related to Edmonton’s tech scene. You can get it delivered via email for free (though we’d love for you to become a member).
• Here are the February 26 – May 27 radio ratings for Edmonton. 102.3 Now FM (CKNO) remains on top, just ahead of CISN Country 103.9 FM.
• The Edmonton Sun’s John Short threw out the opening pitch at the Edmonton Prospects game on Saturday. He’s new to Twitter, saying “due to overwhelming peer pressure, I’m entering (being dragged) into the 21st century of Social Media.” And if you’re wondering about his Twitter handle, he tweeted about that.
• Postmedia freelancer Jason Hills has received the Fred Sgambati Media Award “for his work covering university sports on behalf of the Edmonton Journal and Edmonton Sun.” Congrats!
• Congratulations to Brandi Morin on becoming a permanent reporter for Alberta & Saskatchewan with CBC Indigenous. She will be starting in December after her maternity leave finishes.
• J-Source covers the Strathcona County Library Journal, “a pop-up newspaper made by more than a dozen kids at an Alberta library over spring break.” Michael Hingston served as editor-in-chief in his capacity as writer-in-residence for the Metro Edmonton Federation of Libraries.
• Here is Grant Ainsley on the rebranding of radio stations to Global: “One by one, radio stations are being rebranded under the Global banner and Global is actually dropping television newscasts into prime-time radio programming. It’s TV on radio. Seriously.”
• Corus Entertainment’s “Show the Love” Radio-a-Thon in support of the Cross Cancer Institute raised $310,000 in just 12 hours!
• Postmedia has launched a new podcast on Canadian current affairs, hosted by Edmonton’s own Dave Breakenridge. It’s called 10/3: Canadian News Covered.
• There’s plenty of great stuff to listen to in the latest Alberta Podcast Network Roundup.
• The Oilers Entertainment Group is looking for a Digital Content Producer & Reporter.
• The Pembina Institute is looking for a Communications Lead.
• IABC Edmonton is hosting Nailing the Pitch: How to Deliver a Stellar Media Event on June 21 at 99ten.
• Save the date: I’ll be speaking about podcasting & smart speakers at the next Edmonton Podcasting Meetup on Sunday, June 24.
• Rob Christie and Graham Hicks are hosting the Art of Conversation CXLII on Thursday, June 28 at Rebel Food and Drink. And they’ve got a website now!
• Robert Summers found copies of the November 4, 1939 edition of the Edmonton Journal being used for insulation inside the walls of an old house!

Alberta offering gender-inclusive ID documents, photo by Premier of Alberta

And here is some slightly less local media stuff:

• Roger Millions has announced he is retiring from sports broadcasting “after 39 incredible years” to pursue the UCP nomination in Airdrie-East.
• Postmedia is eliminating 52 positions in Calgary with the closure of its printing plant. Black Press Group Inc. will begin printing the Calgary Sun this summer (the Calgary Herald printing moved to TC Transcontinental Printing in 2013).
• From The Walrus: Inside the Toronto Star’s Bold Plan to Save Itself. “The crisis in media, in other words, has evolved from being technological to existential, as a news darkness threatens to descend wherever metro dailies are snuffed out.”
• Ryerson’s multimedia publication The Future of Local News “is the culmination of several years of academic research, complemented by a year of student journalism, an international conference, and a cross-Atlantic editorial collaboration focused specifically on the current and future state of local news around the world.” They’re also now publishing content on Medium.
• Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, is giving $20 million to the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, which will rename itself the “Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York.” There’s a certain amount of irony in the news, given that Craiglist at least contributed to the decline of newspapers’ revenue. “When asked if his desire to give millions of dollars to the journalism school had sprung from a sense of guilt, Mr. Newmark said no.”
• Postmedia has launched TheGrowthOp.com, a new website focused on the “quickly evolving world of cannabis.” The new site aims to “keep audiences informed and educated while working to normalize cannabis information from its long-time taboo and counter-culture status to its newly legitimized role in our communities.”

Follow Edmonton media news using the hashtag #yegmedia and be sure to check out Mediagazer for the latest media news from elsewhere. You can see past Media Monday Edmonton entries here. If you have a tip or suggestion for future updates, let me know.

At Taproot Edmonton we’re working hard to ensure that local journalism has a future in our city. Join us to be part of the movement.

Thanks for reading! Want to support my blog? Buy me a coffee!

Here’s my latest update on local media stuff:

• At 3pm on Tuesday, Corus Radio flipped the switch and iNews880 became Global News Radio 880 Edmonton. “Global News Hour at 6 will now be heard on the radio as well as Gord Steinke, Carole Anne Devaney and Jesse Beyer deliver a full hour of news to those looking for a full recap of the day.”
• Congratulations to the winners of the 41st annual National Magazine Awards! Omar Mouallem won the gold medal for Personal Journalism for his story “Homeland for the Holidays” in Eighteen Bridges. Alberta Views and Avenue Edmonton each took home one silver medal.
• After a 30-year career, Mark Harvey is retiring from CBC Edmonton where he has worked since 2002.
• Congratulations to Paula Simons, one of this year’s Alumni Honour Award recipients in the University of Alberta’s Alumni Awards! The ceremony will take place on September 24 at the Jubilee.
• The Gateway is “seeking submissions of art and design-related work and creative writing.” Each monthly issue will have a theme, so consider those when pitching work. The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 22.
• The Yards Summer Salon takes place on Thursday, June 7 evening at CKUA.
• Ryan Jespersen shared that his show will air province-wide until June 12 while Danielle Smith is on vacation.
• The Alberta Podcast Network has added three new podcasts, bringing the total to 36. Here is the latest podcast roundup.
• Kari Skelton is speaking about building community around your brand through social media on Wednesday, June 6 at the Rogers Small Business Centre.
• A reminder that the Edmonton Radio Reunion is coming up on June 23 at Local Public Eatery.
• Hey photographers, Linda Hoang and Brittney Le Blanc are hosting the first Instagrammable Walls of Edmonton Photo Walk of 2018 on Saturday, June 23. RSVP on Facebook.
• Save the date: I’ll be speaking about podcasting & smart speakers at the next Edmonton Podcasting Meetup on Sunday, June 24.
• And looking much further out, 630 CHED’s Bryan Hall will celebrate his 65th anniversary in radio at the Edmonton Broadcasters Club luncheon on October 17.

Mayor Don Iveson does the media scrum at the State of the City

And here is some slightly less local media stuff:

• In a new report, the CRTC recommends that ISPs and foreign streaming services should contribute to media funding in the same way that cable providers do.
• The Hidden Costs of Losing Your City’s Newspaper: “Without investigative daily reporters around to call bullshit on city hall, three years after a newspaper closes, that city or county’s municipal bond offering yields increased on average by 5.5 basis points, while bond yields in the secondary market increased by 6.4 basis points—statistically significant effects.”
• The Wall Street Journal reports on The Athletic, which says it now has more than 100,000 subscribers and 150 employees. “The Athletic has shown flexibility around its paywall in attempts to hire big-name writers.”
• Plex, a popular service for managing and streaming media, has added support for podcasts. “Podcasts are also a great fit for the media platform we’ve built here at Plex, which is probably why people have asked us to add them for years.”
• New data from Chartbeat suggests that “the number of mobile readers visiting news sites directly has surpassed the number visiting from Facebook.”

Follow Edmonton media news using the hashtag #yegmedia and be sure to check out Mediagazer for the latest media news from elsewhere. You can see past Media Monday Edmonton entries here. If you have a tip or suggestion for future updates, let me know.

At Taproot Edmonton we’re working hard to ensure that local journalism has a future in our city. Join us to be part of the movement.

Thanks for reading! Want to support my blog? Buy me a coffee!