17 minute read
OCNA’s Hall of Fame Award
Nominate someone today!!
The Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA) is excited to induct a new group of members into the OCNA Hall of Fame!! This Award recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made exemplary contributions to Ontario’s community newspapers. Inductees are respected community news professionals who have remained passionate about the industry throughout challenges, opportunities and changes. They are leaders who have helped community newspapers adapt and grow.
Advertisement
Nominees are encouraged from all aspects of the industry, including but not limited to: editorial, advertising, publishing, production, circulation, finance, sales or design. The Award may also be given posthumously.
Nominees shall: • have a proven record of outstanding achievements in the Ontario community newspaper industry • have demonstrated leadership or innovation within the Ontario community newspaper industry • have contributed to the overall health and success of community newspapers • be well respected in the business and community • be role models and inspirations for future generations of community newspaper leaders
The recipient(s) of the Hall of Fame Award will be honoured and celebrated at the BNC Awards Gala in Spring 2023.
For more information and to download the nomination form go to www.ocna.org/hall-of-fame-award or contact Karen Shardlow at k.shardlow@ocna.org.
MEMBERSERVICE SPOTLIGHT
Hall of Fame
The OCNA offers a wide variety of services The OCNA is proud to recognize and celebrate to its members, including events, individuals who have made exemplary awards, and training courses. contributions to Ontario's community newspapers through our Hall of Fame. Inductees are respected community news professionals who have remained passionate about the industry throughout challenges, opportunities and changes. They are leaders who have helped community newspapers adapt and grow. Nominees are encouraged from all aspects of the industry, including editorial, advertising, publishing, production, circulation, finance, sales or design. The Award may also be given posthumously. Nomination forms must be received no later than Friday October 28, 2022 to be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame for 2023.
For more information and to download the nomination form go to: www.ocna.org/ocna-hall-of-fame-award or contact Karen Shardlow at k.shardlow@ocna.org
World News Day 2022 set to amplify the power of fact-based journalism
World News Day, a global campaign to amplify the power and impact of fact-based journalism, will take place on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
This year, World News Day’s organizers, The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) and WANIFRA’s World Editors Forum, expect more than 500 news organizations to use World News Day as a platform to demonstrate the value of fact-based journalism in effecting change.
The World News Day campaign will provide enhanced materials to help trusted global news organizations drive home the message that their Journalism Makes a Difference and is worth promoting and defending.
In 2021, 500 news organizations took part in World News Day. From the Financial Times and the Guardian, to the Fiji Sun and The Sacramento Bee, World News Day touched six continents, generated more than two hundred million impressions on social media, and inspired meaningful global conversations on the power and impact of journalism. However, the need for trustworthy information and considered analysis has rarely been greater.
How your news organization can take part: World News Day 2022 is an opportunity to highlight the value and impact of your journalism on a truly global stage.
To join the campaign and get recognized as a participating newsroom on the World News Day website, worldnewsday.org, agree to promote World News Day 2022 on September 28 across your platforms and social media channels, and share one piece of journalism that has made a difference.
Lakefield Herald Celebrating 20 Years!
By Terry McQuitty
The Lakefield Herald celebrated 20 years August 2022. The anniversary date was August 2 and a party and special edition of the Herald took place and was distributed August 26, 2022. The Herald also published a book in partnership with the Lakefield Historical Society which chronicles the history of newspapers in Lakefield ranging from the Katchewanooka Herald first published in 1855 and culminating with the Lakefield Herald. Copies of the book can be purchased at the Lakefield Herald office or local bookstore. All profits from the book will be donated to the Lakefield Historical Society.
Staff cutting the cake include: Vanessa Stark, Lorna MacDonald, Brent Woodford, Terry McQuitty, Linda Markham, Berry Mutter, Kevin Heffernan, and Emma Salon.
Terry and Jim: Jim Marsden, president of the Lakefield Legion presented Terry McQuitty with the media award from Dominion Canada. The Media Award is a very prestigious award given to media outlets in recognition of the support they have given to the Legion’s work within the community.
Past Presidents and Publishers Annual Event
By Rick Shaver, GM/Publisher, Cornwall Seaway News
What happens when former OCNA presidents and publishers get together for a game of golf? Well - lots of fun is one thing, plus lots of food! In recent weeks, our past presidents got together in Collingwood for a great couple rounds of golf to catch up on industry news and other great things that are happening. This has become an annual event for John, Dave, Abbas and Rick to get a chance to catch up and at the same time look at strategies moving forth.
From Left to Right: Dave Adsett, Publisher, Fergus Wellington Advertiser, Rick Shaver, GM/Publisher, Cornwall Seaway News, John Willems, GM, Toronto Star Local & Torstar Community Brands, Abbas Homayed, Former Publisher, Sudbury Northern Life
The Eganville Leader recently raised $110,000 for Ukraine Relief
By Gerald Tracey, Publisher, The Eganville Leader Publisher Gerald Tracey presented a cheque for $80,000 to Ukrainian Ambassador Yulia Kovaliv at a luncheon at the Rio Rooftop Patio in Eganville on July 13. The money will go directly to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s United24 Campaign that will help his country stop the war that Russia has started and to rebuild what Russia has destroyed. Monies raised are being used to cover the most pressing needs in Ukraine which include defence and demining, medical aid and rebuilding Ukraine.
The remaining $30,000 is being used to assist Ukrainian refugees who are settling in Renfrew County. Already several families have located in the Barry’s Bay, Wilno, Cobden, Renfrew and Pembroke areas.
The Leader organized a large live auction featuring thousands of dollars in new and slightly used items as well as a silent auction. They were held at a dance at the Eganville Arena on June 17. The event had a twofold purpose: to raise funds for Ukraine and to mark the 120th year of publication of the newspaper. About 700 people attended the event.
Ambassador Yulia Kovaliv accepting cheque
The June 17 event raised about $50,000 and another $60,000 was raised through an appeal to readers of the newspaper. “It was heartbreaking to watch the national news night after night when the invasion began, and to see a country being destroyed and people dying, being injured and being uprooted. My wife, Wanda and I felt compelled to do something,” Mr. Tracey said. “COVID numbers were still relatively high in the county in April and May and we hesitated to organize a large event, but one day I had the pleasure of meeting a young Ukrainian refugee a day after her plane landed in Ottawa who was on her way to live with a family in Barry’s Bay, and it was at that moment I decided I had to do something.” Ambassador Kovaliv, who arrived in Ottawa just three months ago, was accompanied by her Deputy Head of Mission, Andrii Bukvych. Both expressed their deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the fund.
Ambassador Yulia Kovaliv accepting cheque and many of the volunteers and some Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in the area
Cornwall Seaway News accepts award
Provided by Canadian Mental Health Association
This year’s ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE AWARD was presented to Seaway News and other groups of local media in recognition of the commitment and significant contributions made to the mental health movement in the community. Seaway News publisher, Rick Shaver accepted for Seaway News and his staff. “It’s great to receive such an unexpected award,” says Shaver. We offer space to Angele to let her share information that helps inform and educate people about mental health issues, so for her and CMHA to recognize us is truly unexpected”. We will continue to support and bring her message to over 34,000 homes in Cornwall and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry weekly. Angele D’Alessio: “Congratulations to Seaway News. The award recognizes the important role media plays in shaping the perception and attitudes of people regarding mental health/illness. Over the past two years CHMA has relied on this very powerful platform to help sensitize/educate and support people’s mental health as we navigated the challenges of the pandemic. On behalf of CHMA Champlain East, we thank you for the ongoing coverage of mental health awareness/education. You and our media partners have prioritized mental health throughout the pandemic by providing space to publish “Mental Health Matters” articles, provide opportunities to promote events and awareness campaigns, share events on your Facebook channels, and provide reporters/producers to attend in-person events for local coverage. These partnerships, both in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry and in Prescott and Russell, have allowed us to reach a broader audience and redirect people to our agency for information and services. Thousands of people have been reached each month both in print and online, thanks to your support. The impact this may have had on our community cannot be measured.”
Seaway News Publisher, Rick Shaver accepting award
QUILL AWARD RECIPIENTS
BRAD HARNESS, MIDDLESEX BANNER
SILVER QUILL, 25 YEARS
A proud veteran, he served as a naval officer in his first career, holding a degree in Social Sciences and diplomas in Small Business Management and Graphic Design. Brad launched The Middlesex BANNER in 1996 to provide journalistic coverage to an under-served part of Ontario outside London. Brad is also an accomplished artist and amateur musician. He enjoys staying fit, sailing and travelling. He and his wife have 3 adult sons and 2 grandchildren. Brad’s volunteer work has included minor sports coaching, starting a museum, local government, the Rotary Club, and charity work.
JEFF MAGUIRE, OTTAWA VALLEY
GOLD QUILL, 50 YEARS
Joined by his wife Kathy and members of Metroland’s Ottawa Valley editorial team for a celebration at Montana’s in Kanata, Jeff was presented with his Gold Quill by local managing editor Ryland Coyne “for 50 years of distinguished service to the news media industry.” After graduating from Algonquin’s Journalism School in 1971, Jeff started his career at the Wallaceburg News in southwestern Ontario that same summer. After moving up the ranks over the next several years, including City Editor at the St. Thomas Times-Journal, Jeff returned to his roots in the Ottawa Valley in the mid-1970s and took the job of news editor at the Carleton Place Canadian.
Jeff remained with the Canadian for 28 years, quickly moving up from news editor to editor of the McCuaig group newspapers. When Don McCuaig sold his papers to the late Donald Runge in the early 1980s, Jeff was named managing editor of the Canadian in 1985, then promoted to managing publisher of both the Canadian and Almonte Gazette two years later. By 1990, Jeff was publisher of both papers, a position he held until he parted ways with Runge in 2004. During that time, Jeff’s papers won countless OCNA and CCNA awards, a tribute to Jeff’s editorial leadership. From there, Jeff joined Performance Printing, contributing a regular column as well as other news stories for the Record News EMC. In 2011, Performance was purchased by Metroland and Jeff has continued to maintain a significant presence, both in the Canadian-Gazette and on InsideOttawaValley.com with his column and other pieces. Now having marked his 51st year in the industry, Jeff continues to write on a regular basis and is the first Gold Quill recipient from Metroland’s Ottawa Valley Division.
QUILL AWARD RECIPIENTS
TERRY MCQUITTY, LAKEFIELD HERALD
SILVER QUILL, 25 YEARS LAKEFIELD HERALD’S HISTORY
The Lakefield Herald got its start 20 years ago this month. Terry McQuitty, current owner and publisher of the Herald bought the Katchawanooka Herald back in August of 2002 with his then business partner Simon Conolly. Before teaming up and moving to the area, Conolly was the publisher of the Thunder Bay Post while McQuitty was national sales manager there. The pair first met at an Ontario Community Newspapers Association conference while McQuitty was working for the Packet and Times in Orillia. McQuitty explained, “I was working at the Packet and Times newspaper when Hollinger bought the Thompson newspapers and there were a number of changes that I didn’t like that were happening. So [I thought] you can complain or you can move along.” Soon after that he would meet with Conolly and applied for a position with the Thunder Bay Post. McQuitty’s wife, Beth, is originally from Thunder Bay and was excited to be making the move back home. However, Conolly and McQuitty soon saw more and more changes in the industry they both did not agree with. McQuitty has been in the newspaper business since 1988, starting out at the Barrie Examiner. Conolly helped start the newspaper in Brighton and stayed in the industry until the day he passed in 2014. Working so closely the pair decided to team up and start looking for a newspaper of their own so that they can uphold the ethical and professional standards of journalism they both valued. They would look at many different options across the province but would ultimately settle on the Katchawanooka Herald in the village of Lakefield. Conolly and McQuitty both knew the area as Conolly was from Brighton and visited the area as a child and McQuitty from his postsecondary education at Trent University. After taking over the Herald, the team kept on the reporter and office manager for continuity sake. McQuitty and Conolly updated the production and point of sales system at the Herald. Before becoming the Lakefield Herald, the newspaper was produced through a process called paste up, which hadn’t been widely used in the industry since the early 90’s. The new owners would digitalize and streamline the process, making it quicker and easier to send off to the press. The Lakefield Herald, though based in a village, covers four municipalities across the East Kawarthas including North Kawartha, Trent Lakes, Douro-Dummer and Selwyn. Since 2002, not much has changed at the Herald. We still use the system which was developed by Conolly and we still have a strong focus on local community news. Looking forward, the future of the paper is uncertain but what remains without a doubt is our commitment to local, truthful, ethical journalism for our readers and communities.
Five years on: The Press is still a strong, local paper
by Jillian Taylor
Time flies when you’re having fun – and having fun we are.
Five years has come and gone since Kaitlyn and I signed the papers to purchase The Haldimand Press from former owner Jill Morison in August 2017. The past five years have been so rewarding for us. We’ve run a successful newspaper – putting out 255 papers – and we’ve enjoyed doing it.
Jill was instrumental in the paper’s revitalization over her three years of ownership. We can’t thank her enough for hiring us in 2014 and 2015 to work with the paper, teaching us everything she knows, and then trusting us to take over in 2017.
Bob Hall, who proceeded Jill as publisher, was a highly respected member of our community and published an outstanding paper for many, many years. Jill purchased the paper from Bob in 2014 when he could no longer carry on.
When Kaitlyn and I joined The Press team, we came at such a fastpaced time. We learned so much over such a short period of time and took on new challenges – but were also presented with new opportunities to grow. We learned everything that is involved in putting out a strong weekly community newspaper.
Bob Hall’s vision was to produce a community-oriented newspaper that highlighted local news, people, events, and more. We continue to hold onto his vision today.
Now 154 years old, the paper continues to be strong as ever, and has fared through a two-year pandemic that proved its value of local news to the community.
The advertisers and readers are a huge part of the paper’s success, as there would be no paper without them. So, thank you to every one of you who has supported us. The many awards The Press has received on a national and provincial level over the past five years attest to this outstanding paper.
We continue to have the largest guaranteed readership in Haldimand County. Every week, thousands of people read The Press from front to back. We are the only 100% locally owned and operated newspaper in Haldimand and we are proud of that.
Our team is skilled, dedicated, and local. That is what truly makes us Haldimand’s most local media. Our loyalty is to our readers and we don’t answer to anyone else. We’re lucky to have a team that is just as proud as we are to bring you the paper. Over the past five years, you likely will have noticed various changes in the paper as we continue to strive for the best design that is appealing to the eye with strong editorial and advertising content to fulfill our readers’ needs. Some of these changes may even go without notice, as we take into consideration the smallest of details when designing the paper.
Additionally, new stand-alone publications like our Home Sweet Home and Staycation magazines have made their debut in recent years. This is part of our ongoing efforts to expand the offerings we have and to share more local information, covering the many facets of Haldimand life.
Not only has the paper seen changes, but both Kaitlyn and I have as well. Over the past five years, we’ve both relocated – Kaitlyn from Cayuga to Hagersville to Dunnville, and myself from South Cayuga to Caledonia. We’ve both also gotten married – you will have noticed my last name change from Zynomirski to Taylor. Wherever we find ourselves in the next five years, we look forward to continuing to grow with the paper. Know that we will remain dedicated to bringing you the best Haldimand County newspaper each week.
Thank you to everyone who has supported The Press, these past five years and beyond. We look forward to your continued support as we bring Haldimand the best in news, features, photos, and more each week.
HAGERSVILLE—The Haldimand Press co-owners Jillian Taylor and Kaitlyn Clark recreate the image that appeared on the August 15, 2017 edition of the paper that announced their purchase. —Haldimand Press photo by Mike Renzella.
UPCOMING WEBINARS
The OCNA has teamed up with the Online Media Campus and Newspaper Academy to help the association fulfill its mission of providing affordable and relevant training to members.
Online Media Campus
Scoring Big in Times of Economic Uncertainty Thursday October 6, 2022 2-3pm (EDT) $35 USD Presented by Ben Bouslog
This webinar, which will have a FOOTBALL THEME, will give you the “Xs & Os” on how to score BIG on the advertising field. At AdCellerant, the pandemic and the uncertainty of 2020 created a unique challenge for our print partners. We will open the playbook to our winning strategies that helped many partners not only survive – but THRIVE through that difficult time. • Assessing/accepting the field conditions (economic field) • Understanding your opponent (local competition) • The all important running game (Local SEO) • The passing game – when to throw short and when to go long! (Small Device-ID campaigns vs Full Omnichannel Approach) • Crucial 2nd Half Adjustments (When to modify the sales game plan) • Football needs cheerleaders (Cheering on successes and multiplying them)
Click here to register
To view more information and archived webinars hosted by OnlineMediaCampus go to: www.onlinemediacampus.com
Newspaper Academy
Kevin Slimp - Relearning or Learning Many of the InDesign Basics Friday October 14, 2022 11:00am - 12:10pm (EDT) Register TODAY and save $20! SAVE $20 $89 $69 USD
There’s so much to InDesign that most folks learn on their own and never get a grip on many of the basic tools that make the application so powerful. During this session, Kevin will look at many of the tools (in the toolbars, menus, and other places) that often get overlooked by InDesign users. This session will be especially useful for newer InDesign users, but there will be plenty of information to give InDesign veterans even more tools for their arsenals. Bring two pens. You’ll need them! Click here to register
