UNBeknownst #28: Mark Leger on the future of local journalism and its importance in building communities
Author: UNB Alumni
Posted on Apr 13, 2023
Category: UNB Saint John , Inspiring Stories , Podcast
Mark Leger (MA’11) was editor of Huddle, the popular Maritime online business news publication, from 2017 to early 2023, and was also director of news content for parent company Acadia Broadcasting, which owns and operates 15 radio stations in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
A journalist for more than 25 years, Mark began his career as a reporter and editor with the Telegraph-Journal and went on to work for CBC Radio as a reporter and producer. An entrepreneur at heart, he has been involved in three start-up media companies in New Brunswick. He is a graduate of the Ryerson University journalism program and has a master’s in political science from UNB Saint John.
In this episode:
- Mark’s path to journalism and startups – and his willingness to take risks
- The good news approach to Huddle and why people crave positive stories that inspire action
- The disappearance of local media and its effect on communities
- Ideas on solutions for local journalism in the future
- Thoughts on the CBC vs private media and shaky business models
- Figuring out how to fund local journalism innovation for communities – and the idea of non-profit models
- Podcasts as one part of the solution
- Journalism as a core pillar of democracy
Where to listen:
Links and resources:
Thanks to:
- Our alumni host, Katie Davey
- Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden
- Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife
To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website.