I sent a slightly edited version of the following around to a few friends yesterday …
I’m pleased to let you know that I’ll be starting a new job on Monday. I’ll be doing many of the same things that I was doing for CTV National News – that is, reporting on the activities of the federal government – but I’ll be doing it on‘multiple platforms’, as we say in the media biz, for a different organization, Canwest Global Communications Corp.
Canwest is a Canadian media powerhouse. Every day, more than 1.5 million Canadians read one its major metropolitan dailies which include The Vancouver Sun, the Calgary Herald, the Ottawa Citizen, the Montreal Gazette and many others. Canwest is also the publisher of National Post, which, this October, will celebrate its 10th year of publication. This will be a special moment for me as I was a member of the Post’s inaugural staff back in 1998 and I remember what an exciting time it was to build and launch a national newspaper. As the new National Affairs Correspondent for Canwest News Service (CNS), I will be part of a terrific team of Canwest reporters covering the activities of the federal government for these and other newspapers.
And while I’m excited to return to my roots in the world of print journalism, I’m going to continue with my involvement on television by joining Global National’s Kevin Newman in his new Ottawa digs to offer some analysis and context in their coverage of business and economic policy. Global National is now Canada’s most-watched national newscast. [You can get the free podcast via iTunes, I might add. Just search for 'Global National' within the iTunes store.] With an average of 963,000 viewers a night, it has eclipsed my old friends at CTV National News and beats the folks at CBC’s The National by more than 300,000 viewers a day. (Source: independent media monitors BBM Nielsen) Newman, you may also know, is the only anchor of a national newscast who reports from the nation’s capital. So look for me on Global National as well as on other Global Television programs throughout the country.
And, of course, I expect you’ll find my Canwest work on the Web at Canada.com.
I hope you’ll stay in touch with me and let me know what you’re up to. You can never send me too many story ideas, gossip tips, complaints or compliments.
My most recent contact info will be, as always, at www.davidakin.com
Congratulations on your new opportunity! I'm sure you'll have great success!
As I said earlier, I'm happy to see you move on to a place you love, although I'll miss you on CTV. Congrats on the change, and I hope things continue well for you.
Glad to hear from you after your short absence.
As menitoned by others I will miss you on CTV reporting on all the political events.
Best of luck in your new venture.
Hi David,
I saw you in the press gallery last week and was wondering what was up with you. I am very glad to hear you are still here in the capital covering the national beat. I always appreciate your thoughtful analysis.
Richard over at NHOP