Our brand new website
After 26 years in this industry, I have finally reached a point where I can focus on what I love most, the work itself. For years I have juggled publishing, reporting, council, travel and advocacy for local journalism. Now, with a bit more time to breathe, I have turned my attention to growing and modernizing the Crowsnest Pass Herald in every possible way.
The first step in that journey launches today with our brand new website, debuting alongside this week’s paper. We have been working on this project since summer, and I could not be more proud of what we have built. When it came time to choose someone to help bring the Herald into the modern digital world, I decided to do what I always encourage others to do, shop local. That led me to Norja at Colour Infusion, who describes herself as a brand and design ninja, and she truly is.
I have always believed we have the talent and creativity right here in our own community. There is no reason to look elsewhere when the Crowsnest Pass is full of professionals who can make any dream a reality. Working with Norja has been wonderful. She took my scattered ideas and busy travel schedule and turned it all into something beautiful and functional.
The new Pass Herald website is clean, modern and easy to navigate. You will find our contact information, advertising options and a new way to connect with us. Each week we will feature the top three stories from our paper, well, part of them, because the Pass Herald remains a subscription based newspaper. We believe quality journalism has value, and we are proud to offer a product worth paying for.
Along with our updated look, we are introducing website advertising to complement our print options. This gives local businesses more ways to reach readers across multiple platforms and enhances the advertiser experience.
On Dec. 1 we will launch our new e-edition through Local Ink. It is a fully interactive digital newspaper that looks and reads just like the print version, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning at eight. You will be able to flip through pages, zoom in on stories and enjoy the feel of a real newspaper online. We now offer three subscription choices, a print edition, an e-edition or a combo package for those who want both. It gives readers flexibility while keeping our small town paper relevant in a changing media landscape.
Innovation does not stop there. I am also working with local creator Brian Dobek on a podcast called Pass the Popcorn. We will talk about local stories, provincial and federal issues and the news behind the headlines. Anyone who knows me knows I have an opinion, and I rarely keep it to myself, so why not share it live? It is another way to bring the Herald into the new age of news consumption.
Beyond the Pass, I continue to serve as president of the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association, advocating for small publishers across the province. The $4 billion lawsuit against Google is progressing, likely heading to court in 2026, and I remain deeply involved in ensuring local news gets its fair share of the digital advertising pie. I am also collaborating with Mount Royal University to create student reporting co ops here at the paper, and with Concordia University in Montreal, along with SAIT, on a project called Documenters, where we train residents to take professional notes at local meetings that our reporters turn into stories.
It is an exciting time for the Pass Herald, for my industry and for me personally. I feel invigorated, optimistic and grateful for the opportunity to keep evolving. This paper has been part of my life since childhood, and I am proud to see it adapting to a new era while staying true to its roots. For now, I am thrilled to welcome you to the next chapter of the Crowsnest Pass Herald.