You might have noticed a new name between the pages of the Fitzhugh.
That’s right, we have a new reporter!
Thanks to News Media Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative, we have hired Joanne McQuarrie - a reporter and photographer with 30 years’ experience on local newspapers in Alberta and British Columbia.
As well as being a highly accomplished journalist, Joanne worked for eight years as a victim services advocate and is a certified and experienced public speaker.
You might recognize her from leading public speaking workshops in Jasper or working summers at Jasper Rock and Jade.
Joanne’s position at the Fitzhugh is being funded by the Local Journalism Initiative - a $50 million, five-year effort created and funded by the Canadian government to support local and civic journalism.
The program provides funding through grants to hire reporters to create new journalistic content covering civic issues and institutions.
And the Fitzhugh was one of more than 160 media outlets across the country to win a grant. Eligible applicants included press agencies and private and non-profit news organizations.
This is absolutely fantastic and we are so grateful for the support - it is another foundation that helps secure the future of your community newspaper.
It’s no secret that the past few months have been extremely hard for the Fitzhugh - like most businesses in Jasper and newspapers across the world.
But thanks to the overwhelming support from you, our loyal readers, and the Jasper community, we have made it through and feel strong and positive for the future.
This is a new chapter for the Fitz and we are thrilled to be here to tell your stories, keep you informed and stay connected.
Thank you so much for your continued support - to our readers, contributors and advertisers.
Please join me in welcoming Joanne to the team, a new voice for the Fitzhugh.
Fuchsia Dragon
For more information, visit www.localjournalisminitiative.ca.
