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The digital revolution hasn't just changed how we consume news—it's fundamentally transformed how journalists produce it. CTV London reporter Reta Ismail takes us behind the scenes of modern local journalism, revealing a landscape where speed and versatility have become essential professional skills.

Remember when TV reporters travelled with camera operators and returned to studios to edit their stories? That world is rapidly disappearing. Today's video journalists carry their entire production studio in a backpack, conducting interviews, shooting footage, and editing complete packages from their vehicles. This evolution offers greater flexibility and editorial control but comes amid significant workforce reductions that have eliminated weekend newscasts and diminished specialized coverage like local sports.

The relationship between social media and traditional news has become increasingly complex. While platforms provide crucial distribution channels, they've also created an environment where journalists compete not just with each other but with anyone carrying a smartphone. "We're fighting against anybody on the street who has an iPhone," Reta explains, describing how breaking news often appears on social media before professional journalists can arrive on scene.

Perhaps most concerning is the changing dynamic between news sources and reporters. Organizations and politicians increasingly bypass traditional media interviews by issuing prepared statements or using their own channels to communicate directly with the public. This shift diminishes accountability while allowing complete message control.

Despite these challenges, Reta remains optimistic about journalism's future as she teaches the next generation at Fanshawe College. The industry isn't dying—it's evolving. The human connection between journalists and their communities can never be replaced by technology, no matter how sophisticated. As Reta passionately argues, "The connections I make with the community, the way I tell the stories, you can't replace that with a robot."

Join us for this illuminating conversation about the present and future of local journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape.

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In this engaging episode, we explore the dynamic world of communication with Anne Marie Akins, a seasoned communicator who has spent years navigating large organizations. Anne Marie shares her insights on the evolving media landscape, highlighting the importance of transparency and timely responses in crisis communication. As the former lead communicator at Metrolinx, she offers eye-opening stories about fostering partnerships with media and the need for empathy in delivering messages.

Listeners will learn practical strategies for effective communication, especially during challenging times. Anne-Marie delves into the shift from traditional media to social media and the implications of this evolution for organizations. This conversation is a must-listen for professionals seeking to enhance their communication skills and build deeper connections with their audiences.

Join us as we unpack the lessons learned from Anne-Marie's experiences and discover how to navigate a rapidly changing media world while maintaining trust and credibility. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review!

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On this episode of Speaking of Media, I’m joined by veteran TV reporter and longtime friend Tom Hayes to explore nearly 40 years of journalism evolution. From our shared early days of volunteering in community TV to Tom’s success with his online news program, 1-Minute Morning Toronto, we discuss how trust, adaptability, and storytelling have shaped his career—and the state of legacy media today.

We also reminisce about the past, including a quirky connection to the Wayne’s World phenomenon (HEY where are our royalties, Mike Myers?). Sit back and Tune in for this fun and insightful conversation about the future of hyper-local journalism and how media - both legacy and social - continue to evolve.

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Don’t forget to check out Tom Hayes and his 1-Minute Morning Toronto online/social feed for your daily GTA news fix. It’s incredible to reflect on how much news consumption has transformed over the past few decades, from traditional outlets to today’s more targeted—and sometimes polarized—sources. We’ll keep exploring how media shapes our understanding of the world in future episodes. Hope you enjoyed this episode as we look forward to the next time we are Speaking of Media.

On this edition of the speaking of media podcast, we dive into the nuts and bolts of media relations …with one of the industries top media trainers warren Weeks.

This episode provides a great opportunity for those of you who are looking to understand, media relations, more particularly.

And maybe if you’re up against it and need to listen to something to quickly prep for your next big media challenge ^^^

This discussion between myself and Warren might be quite valuable.

Here’s my back-and-forth with one of the industry’s top media trainers.

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Want to create your own podcast? Learn from the producer of this podcast - Keith Marnoch. You need to know that, in a crowded podcast landscape, only about 20% of podcasts thrive long-term, with only 6% reaching 100 episodes. This episode that you are presently listening to is not there by a long shot. Still, thanks to our listeners who have stuck with us … in the past two years through our archive of episodes—as well as the high-quality guests that we intend to keep featuring—we’re committed to getting there.

Many podcasts fall short due to underestimating the effort involved and overestimating their initial popularity. We all think we’re great … with amazing show ideas. However, with dedication, you can significantly broaden your audience, whether for business purposes or your own personal passion.

The global pandemic has seen a shift in established norms of communication,
both through the channels and the messages we share.
There is currently a particular focus on leadership both corporate and political; as we all navigate previously uncharted waters.
We are at a place and time where many of the conventional constructs of mass communication are being challenged and - for better or worse - amplified.

As a communicator - how ready are you to succeed in that environment?

In this episode of ‘Speaking of Media’
- What Leaders need to think about when representing their stories and messages to the broader public.

- And also - how will leadership guide organizations
as we attempt to reach a state of endemic
and start living with Covid in the years to come.

Kym Geddes is our guest. She was news Director
at one of Canada‘s most listened-to radio news operations
and she is now combining her past experience with a new venture
- coaching leaders to communicate through the media - a perfect fit for this podcast.

Note: this particular show was recorded in mid-February 2022 – when trucker protests were dominating the news headlines in Canada…. But the discussion’s themes hold up … including what are the approaches that need to continue within your media relations strategies and which ones need to be adjusted?
…understanding that we’re in a new dynamic and fluid environment
I hope you enjoy this conversation I had with someone who truly knows both sides of the media microphone.

Kym Geddes can be reached at:
kymgeddes.com or kym.geddes@outlook.com
Visit her Instagram: @coach.kymgeddes

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Keith Marnoch's LinkedIn Page
Previews upcoming guest and episode announcements



Intro / extro Music courtesy of :
~~Roa Music~~
▶YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/RoaMusic
▶Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ETpo...
▶Soundcloud
https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031

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Satellite radio is often an overlooked media channel. In a world where individuals can subscribe to services that allow them to listen to their music and other programming independent of others … platforms like SiriusXM Canada have to work harder to frame their entertainment offerings to be unique and attractive to their various niche channels.

If you are trying to promote a property or story that has a niche audience – satellite radio might be worth investigating rather than overlooking.

This media platform drew the attention of Sarah Burke.

Her career has grown alongside the evolution of satellite radio. From Rocker DJ to digital music programmer, she moved over from various stints on traditional, terrestrial radio stations finding success in various local Canadian markets, before making the leap and flourishing in this still burgeoning media in Canada.

Listening to her story of the limitations but also the opportunities that satellite presents offers an insight into what communicators might want to take advantage of within this largely untapped media platform.

I love bringing attention to those who in their own right bring attention to minority voices and stories. Sarah’s Women in Media podcast is well worth a listen for that very reason. Her guests have included stories from women who need to be heard, as well as some who already have amazing platforms; like recording artist Jann Arden, national tv sports anchor Ivanka Osmak, and Canadian Olympian Alysha Newman, who all tell stories from obviously a female perspective …

That said, whether you’re female or male, I suggest you give Sarah’s podcast a try. You can also find Sarah on – and behind the scenes – at SiriusXM Canada as well as on her entertaining Twitter feed @BurkeTalks.

Again, I hope you learned on this podcast something of value as a communicator from the career recollections – to date! – from this episode’s guest – Sarah Burke.

Visit SPEAKING OF MEDIA on Facebook

Join the SPEAKING OF MEDIA COMMUNICATOR'S DISCUSSION GROUP on Facebook

SPEAKING OF MEDIA is on Instagram: @speakingofmedia

Join the conversation on the Speaking of Media Twitter Account

Keith Marnoch's LinkedIn Page
Previews upcoming guest and episode announcements

Sarah Burke's image courtesy of Lindsay Duncan Photography

Intro / extro Music courtesy of :
~~Roa Music~~
▶YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/RoaMusic
▶Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ETpo...
▶Soundcloud
https://soundcloud.com/roa_music