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News welcomes new publisher and editor

The Oak Bay News welcomes publisher Janet Gairdner and editor Jennifer Blyth

The Oak Bay News welcomed two new faces this week with the arrival of publisher Janet Gairdner and editor Jennifer Blyth.

Gairdner, who first joined Black Press and the Oak Bay News in 2009, returns to Oak Bay from her most recent position as advertising director for Boulevard Magazine and Monday Magazine.

Gairdner is keen to embark on her new role as publisher of both the News and Tweed magazine. “I’m excited to be back in Oak Bay and to reconnect with the business people and organizations of this vibrant community,” Gairdner says. “The Oak Bay News has a long history in the municipality and I look forward to building upon that tradition.”

Active in the community, Gairdner has volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Victoria, the Royal McPherson Society and the Boys and Girls Club.

With former Oak Bay editor Dan Ebenal moving to sister paper the Saanich News, Blyth also brings a long history in newspaper and magazine publishing to the Oak Bay News.

First joining Black Press as a reporter with the Saanich News in 1990, Blyth has since worked in a variety of newsrooms on the Island.

Most recently Blyth was editor of many Black Press magazines and specialty publications, including WHERE Victoria, Island Visitor Magazine and Essential Magazine. She has also been a regular contributor to Boulevard and Tweed.

In the community, Blyth coached youth baseball for many years and has volunteered with Saanich Minor Hockey, the Greater Victoria Baseball Association and Victoria Eagles Baseball.

“I’m thrilled to be back working in community newspapers, and especially here in Oak Bay,” Blyth says. “I’d love to hear from readers about the stories happening in their neighbourhoods, and the people making a difference right here in Oak Bay.”

 

Contact Janet Gairdner at 250-480-3251 or jgairdner@blackpress.ca. Contact Jennifer Blyth at 250-480-3239 or editor@oakbaynews.com.