Six Rivers and the Terrible Two’s
Today is our birthday. Six Rivers News is now two years old, with Six Rivers Radio just one year younger.
The idea for an on-line newspaper stems from the demise of the Oxford Journal, not to mention the doom that lies ahead for the newspaper industry.
Two years ago, the churches of Pugwash were meeting monthly to plan a variety of events to serve the community. There wasn’t a day went by when somebody didn't say how they missed the Journal and that it was difficult to promote things in the community.
With a near lifetime of experience in radio and newspaper, I said, “The newspaper is not coming back. In fact, if you want to promote community activities, you’ll have to look to the internet.”
That led to a discussion about FaceBook and a number of websites that compiled community events.
My view was more about building an on-line version of a community newspaper. A number of people said they would help with such an initiative and we were off and running.
It started with a page for community news on the Pugwash Baptist Church website, www.hopecentre.ca, but it wasn’t long before the stand alone site was born.
Six Rivers New, Radio, and TV was born. The newspaper came first, radio followed a year later, and the concept of a community based television offering is still being developed.
With that in mind, we are setting up two not-for-profit societies to make Six Rivers News a true community based enterprise. The Six Rivers News Society will be incorporated to run the news operation, while Hope Centre Ministries will house the offices and studios. Together, the two societies will offer space for community activities, and a small venue for public performances and town hall type meetings with newsmakers.
The operation needs help. With a few exceptions, news gathering has been a one man effort, with great help from Larry Duchesne who has served as our beat reporter covering the Oxford area, while sharing half of the Cumberland Municipal news coverage. Unfortunately, Larry will soon be leaving as he seeks election as the NDP candidate in the expected by-election in Cumberland South.
Volunteers would be greatly appreciated to ensure the area has a voice in promoting and covering events throughout the widespread, rural region.
Writers are needed for opinion and feature articles. Reporters are needed to cover council and community activities. And, announcers are needed to expand the news and musical offerings of Six Rivers Radio.
If you imagine yourself on radio or picture your byline atop a news story, contact us by email at bill@sixrivers.ca.
Meanwhile, thanks for the birthday wishes as we go through the terrible two’s.