List of Vancouver Island Free Daily Journalists and Reporters

1. Alistair Taylor

Designation Editor Author Bio I have been the editor of the Campbell River Mirror since 1989 and have seen many changes come and go in the news industry – as well as in the city. We take great pride in serving our community and acknowledge the vital service the newspaper and our website provides to our readers and advertisers. Away from the office, I consider myself an avid outdoors person and music lover and enjoy volunteering my time with Special Olympics, Scouts Canada and Rivercity Players.
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @alstrt (1.1K Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

2. Sarah Simpson

Designation Author Author Bio After graduating from SFU, with a BA and Certificate of Liberal Arts, I went on to get my journalism certificate at Langara College. After graduation I joined Black Press Media as an intern at papers in Comox and Campbell River, in the summer of 2004. I joined the Citizen that winter. The technology has changed in my 20 years as a reporter, but my love of telling this community’s stories has never wavered.
Gender Female Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @citizensimpson Get Email Contact

3. Wolf Depner

Designation Multi Media Journalist Author Bio I had previously reported for the Saanich News in Greater Victoria from October 2016 to September 2019. My time with Black Press Media also includes six years at the Penticton Western News (2002-2008) and summer internships in the region. Before rejoining Black Press Media on Vancouver Island, I had studied and taught at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus and I recently served as associate faculty at Royal Roads University.
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @wolfgangdepner LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

4. Chris Campbell

Designation Author Author Bio I joined the Victoria News hub as an editor in 2023, bringing with me over 30 years of experience from community newspapers in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. I graduated from Langara Journalism School and my career has taken me to various places, from Vancouver – where I worked for a commuter daily – to Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack. My affection for community newspapers developed early due to their hyper-local focus and strong connections to the communities they serve. In my eyes, there's no such thing as a story that's too small to be told. ...As a father to a grown-up daughter, this perspective resonates deeply with me. Having recently moved to Vancouver Island, I'm excited about this new chapter and the opportunity to explore and uncover all that this beautiful place has to ****@blackpress.camore
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

5. Bailey Moreton

Designation Multimedia Journalist Author Bio journalist at @pressjournal in Inverness just be a rock ???? #YNWA
Gender Male Twitter @moreton_bailey (415 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

6. Lauren Collins

Designation Author Author Bio I joined Black Press Media at 19 years old, starting with an internship and freelance work with the Surrey Leader and the Cloverdale Reporter before making the move to the Parksville Qualicum Beach News. It was through that work that I became inspired by community journalism and the need for local news. In 2018, I made the move back to the Surrey Now-Leader, covering crime, education, homelessness and data reporting before moving into my provincial reporting role in 2023.
Gender Female Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @laurenpcollins1 LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

7. Brendan Mayer

Designation Author Author Bio I spent my upbringing in Saskatoon, and in 2021, I made the move to Vancouver Island. My interests span music, outdoor adventures, and sports. You'll often find me either at a concert venue soaking in the tunes or at a rec centre getting involved in sports activities. If your volleyball team needs a substitute player, count me in – I'm your guy. Passionate about reconciliation, storytelling, and community involvement, I've been a reporter for over six years. Currently, I'm based at the Black Press Media Victoria news hub. My aim is to contribute to meaningful stories and make a positive... impact within my community. Feel free to connect with me anytime!more
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Twitter @brendanmayer (506 Followers) Get Email Contact

8. Robert Barron

Author Bio I have been in the newspaper business on and off since I was hired to be a reporter at a small weekly in northern Newfoundland, called the nor’wester, in 1987. I spent four years working alone in a satellite office in a mining and fishing community for that paper before deciding to throw the dice and head to British Columbia. I took a break from writing and worked a number of jobs on Vancouver Island before I was hired as a reporter at the Nanaimo Daily News in 2000, where I worked for 16 years. I was then transferred to the Cowichan Valley Citizen in 2016 and have had the pleasure of w...orking with our dedicated staff and community here ever since.more
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

9. Christine Van Reeuwyk

Designation Editor Author Bio In 2002, I graduated from Langara College, and I found myself returning to Vancouver Island to launch my career. Since then, my path has taken me through newsrooms spanning from Victoria to Port Hardy and back again. Along the way, I've had the privilege of receiving numerous awards at both the provincial and national levels for my work. I've taken on the role of editor for various Black Press papers across Greater Victoria, and currently, I'm dedicated to serving the community of Oak Bay as a senior journalist. When I'm not out and about, covering stories on The Avenue, you might find me enj...oying a spirited game of rec ice hockey or exploring my passion for food and culinary experiences.more
Gender Female Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @van_reeuwyk (167 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

10. Edward Hitchins

Designation Reporter/photographer Author Bio Multimedia Journalist/Uncle/Older Brother/Father Figure/Fight Fanatic. Tweets are my own. story ideas? email ****@campbellrivermirror.com
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Twitter @theronincometh (78 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

11. Jacqueline Gelineau

Designation Journalist Author Bio I'm a reporter in the beginning stages of my career. I joined the team at Capital News in November 2021 after relocating to Kelowna from Saskatoon. I'm particularly passionate about writing about crime, controversy, science, and animals. In fact, my dog Ranger often accompanies me on my adventures! When I'm not busy chasing a story, you can find me hitting the trails around Kelowna, running and biking.
Gender Female Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @rangers_mom (123 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

12. John Arendt

Designation Journalist Author Bio John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Ryerson University) in Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University of Winnipeg. He has been at the Summerland Review since 1994. In his spare time, he writes creatively and has had some of his short fiction published in British Columbia and internationally.
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Get Email Contact

13. Justin Samanski-langille

Designation Reporter Author Bio I moved coast-to-coast to discover and share the stories of the West Shore, joining Black Press in 2021 after four years as a reporter in New Brunswick. Graduating from my hometown Carleton University in 2017 I’ve also spent time as a reporter and photojournalist in Ottawa, Toronto and Winnipeg in my quest to explore as much of the country as possible. My sense of adventure and curiosity developed during my youth spent travelling and living around the globe, including Australia and Jordan. When I’m not on the job, you’re likely to find me mountain biking, hiking, skiing or ju...st enjoying everything Vancouver Island has to offer.more
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Twitter @jsamanski (150 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

14. Peter Mccully

Designation Podcast Producer Author Bio Peter has been a broadcaster and publisher on both of Canada’s coasts and has owned a small newspaper and run an advertising agency along the way. In addition to the VI Free Daily, he oversees business operations for three Black Press Island community newspapers, their websites and a handful of specialty publications.
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

15. Karl Yu

Author Bio After interning at Vancouver Metro free daily newspaper, I joined Black Press in 2010, working in the southern interior of B.C. and transferring to Vancouver Island in 2013. Court, education, and regional district government are among my news beats. I am a Ma Murray and Canadian Community Newspaper award winner.
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @karlyubulletin (1.1K Followers) Get Email Contact

16. Rick Stiebel

Designation Author Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Get Email Contact

17. Jake Romphf

Designation Author Author Bio I'm Jake, a proud graduate of Carleton University. In early 2021, I made the move from the Great Lakes to Greater Victoria with the aim of experiencing more of the country I report on. My upbringing was in a small town that was surrounded by petrochemical refineries and industrial plants. This background ignited a strong passion within me for addressing environmental concerns, sustainability, and wildlife conservation. Alongside my environmental interests, I'm also enthusiastic about covering sports, politics, and diving into anything new or obscure that catches my attention. My goal as a jou...rnalist is to bring attention to a wide array of topics that matter, and I'm excited to continue this journey in Greater Victoria.more
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @jakeromphf_ (380 Followers) Get Email Contact

18. Don Bodger

Designation Author Author Bio I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle. Eventually, I was brought on permanently part-time to also handle Chemainus community pages. After a brief stint pursuing a radio career at CKAY Radio in Duncan, I returned to newspapers in 1983, this time at the Cowichan Leader in Duncan. My roles there included reporting on sports and community features. Over the years, the publication transformed into the Cowichan News Leader and Cowichan News Leader Pictorial. I remained dedicated to the newspaper ...until April 2015. Following a year of freelancing, I took on the role of news editor for a group of community-owned papers, which consisted of the Chemainus Valley Courier, South Cowichan Echo, and Duncan Free Press. In 2017, Black Press Media acquired the papers, and I transitioned to the position of editor for the Chemainus Valley Courier, the sole publication from the trio that was retained. Since then, I've embraced the role of editor and have continued to contribute to delivering meaningful news and stories to the community.more
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Get Email Contact

19. Jen Zielinski

Designation Journalist Author Bio I graduated from the broadcast journalism program at BCIT. I also hold a bachelor of arts degree in political science and sociology from Thompson Rivers University. Before joining my current position, I was the senior video journalist for Castanet News, based in Kelowna. I'm extremely passionate about online journalism and I enjoy volunteering with local organizations, such as the BC SPCA.
Gender Female Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @jen_zee (909 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

20. Monique Tamminga

Designation Editor Author Bio Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times, a Black Press newspaper on the Coast. Monique has won several national, provincial and local media awards for investigative journalism, best hard news story and best opinion pieces, to name a few. She sees the role of a reporter as a privilege and each person's story should be treated with respect. She made the life-changing move to Penticton with her husband, son and very... old black lab in 2018. She is also a certified education assistant and worked full-time in a local elementary school, as well as a substitute teacher throughout SD67 before that. It had been a fulfilling role and reinforced her love for children. But, reporting is in her blood and she appreciates the opportunity to tell Penticton's stories. 'In my opinion, being a journalist is one of the most exciting jobs a person can have because we get to meet fascinating people, tell their stories, celebrate community successes, help bring issues to the forefront and give a voice to the unheard. And sometimes, if we are lucky, we get to help make a change for the better.' Monique is loving life in Penticton. Where else can you live where there is not one, but two gorgeous lakes, kilometres of public beaches and warm and swimmable water? It's also home to a vibrant arts community, a compassionate charity base, talented athletes and an exciting culinary scene. It's also home to the best wines and craft beer in the world. Not to mention, there is no rush hour here and you can get from lake to lake in 10 minutes, no matter what time of day. Why didn't I move here sooner?more
Gender Female Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Twitter @moniquetamminga (378 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

21. Chadd Cawson

Designation Author Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

22. Susie Quinn

Designation News Editor Author Bio I proudly serve as the Alberni Valley News editor. My journey as a journalist began in 1987, and I've been with Black Press since 1995, contributing to communities in the Comox Valley, Nanaimo, and the Alberni Valley. Throughout my career, I've been honored to receive awards on regional, provincial, and national platforms, recognizing both my writing and photography skills. Some of the additional journalism awards I've been fortunate to achieve include the 2016 BCYCNA (Ma Murray) award for sports photography (under 25,000 circ.), the 2013/14 CCNA Silver Quill Award for 25 years of community j...ournalism, and the 2014 Peter Gzowski Life Literacy Fellowship. These recognitions motivate me to continuously grow and contribute to the field I'm passionate about.more
Gender Female Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @journosusie (415 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

23. Ashley Wadhwani

Designation Journalist Author Bio I began my journalistic journey at Black Press Media as a community reporter in my hometown of Maple Ridge, B.C. I've had the opportunity, to which I feel great gratitude for, to cover important topics that hit home to Canadians, including the ongoing toxic drug crisis, wildfires and major breaking news events. Today, I serve as editorial director, focusing on amplifying the words of our journalists across Canada and helping build community through our storytelling.
Gender Female Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Twitter @ashwadhwani (1.8K Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

24. Chris Bush

Designation Photographer/reporter Author Bio As a photographer/reporter with the Nanaimo News Bulletin since 1998, I've been fortunate to write about and photograph an endless variety of stories and events, especially those involving science and technology and the people who make positive contributions to our world. Telling their stories is just one of many important roles of community news. I've even been privileged to win a few regional, provincial, and national awards along the way. My spare time is divided between cycling, photography, music, reading, family, and road trip adventures, short or long, by bike or by car.
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @chrisbushphotog (661 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

25. Jake Courtepatte

Designation Journalist Author Bio I've been serving as the editor of Kelowna Capital News & West K News since February 2022. I relocated to Kelowna for this position, and I've loved every moment of living in this vibrant city. I moved out west in December of 2019, and during the pandemic years, I served as the editor of the Merritt Herald. After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University, I spent the majority of my career working in the Toronto area as both a sports reporter and a general reporter. In my free time, I love to hike and explore the great outdoors. Go Leafs go!
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @jakec_16 (302 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

26. Lachlan Labere

Author Bio I'm the editor of the Salmon Arm Observer, Shuswap Market, and Eagle Valley News. My journey with Black Press Media started back in 2004 when I worked as a reporter for the 100 Mile House Free Press. The next year, I moved to the Shuswap and joined the team at the Observer, where I've been ever since. As an editor, I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to keep our readers informed and engaged. I love photographing community events and have won numerous newspaper photography awards for my work. Outside of work, I'm an avid outdoor enthusiast and make frequent use of the area's recreation...al opportunities, hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.more
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Get Email Contact

27. Gary Barnes

Designation Multimedia Journalist Author Bio I recently joined Kelowna Capital News and WestK News as a multimedia journalist in January 2022. With almost 30 years of experience in news reporting and radio broadcasting, I've had the opportunity to work in newsrooms in Castlegar, Vernon, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Vancouver, and Merritt. I returned to the Okanagan in 2018 and have been loving every minute of it. Additionally, I spent eight years as the assistant manager for Canadian Forces Radio Europe based in the Netherlands and Germany. During that time, I created and managed an internet radio station for several First Nations in the Nico...la Valley, which was an incredibly rewarding experience.more
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Get Email Contact

28. Brendan Shykora

Designation Media Reporter Author Bio I started my career with the Morning Star at the age of eight as a carrier. Over time, I pursued my passion for writing and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UBC Okanagan, majoring in English. In 2019, I graduated from the Master of Journalism program at Carleton University. During my time in the capital, I wrote feature articles about star amateur athletes for the Ottawa Sportspage, as I'm an avid sports fan. Whenever I have spare time, I enjoy reading and I like to play golf during the spring, although it's a cruel and unforgiving sport.
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @brendanshykora (320 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

29. Michael Briones

Author Bio In April of 2017, I had the privilege of rejoining The NEWS team from the Comox Valley Echo. My earlier experience with The NEWS dates back to 1997, when I covered sports for the publication. My journey in the newspaper industry began in 1981 as a proofreader for the English-language Standard in Hong Kong. Since then, I've embarked on diverse roles in various newspapers, covering everything from police and government to sports and general assignments. My career has taken me to different corners of the country, from Ontario to Northern B.C. and now, back to Mid-Vancouver Island, where I contin...ue to contribute to the field I'm passionate about.more
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

30. Brennan Phillips

Designation Journalist Author Bio Brennan Phillips may not have been born in the Okanagan, but he was raised here, and is thankful every day that he gets to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Beginning with an internship at the Penticton Western in 2018, Brennan has worked his way up from covering weekends and special events, to a full-time reporter with the community newspaper. He is excited to continue to cover all of the community goings-on and looks forward to being back out among the people to hear their stories.
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @brennanphilli11 (13 Followers) Get Email Contact

31. Marc Kitteringham

Designation Reporter And Editor Author Bio I have been working here in Campbell River since early 2020, writing about the environment, housing, emergency services, and local government – among other topics that pique my interest. I made my way to this region from Salt Spring Island, where I worked as a reporter. Together with my wife, we relocated from Alberta to the Island and have cherished every moment of our new life here. My education includes a BA in Journalism from MacEwan University in Edmonton. Beyond my writing endeavours, you're likely to find me peddling up a mountain on my bike, foraging for mushrooms, or working wi...th my wife in the garden.more
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

32. Elena Rardon

Designation Journalist Author Bio I have worked with the Alberni Valley News since 2016. During this time, I've most recently garnered the 2023 BCYCNA (Ma Murray) award for arts & culture writing.
Gender Female Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @elenarardon (171 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

33. Bowen Assman

Designation Reporter Author Bio I joined The Morning Star team in January 2023 as a reporter. Before that, I spent 10 months covering sports in Kelowna. I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, and earned my business degree from StFX University in Nova Scotia. Later, I obtained a post-grad certificate in Sports Journalism from Centennial College in Toronto. When I am not playing tennis or refereeing basketball, I love to share stories about my travels.
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @b0b0assman (464 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

34. Jordy Cunningham

Designation Author Author Bio ????‍????Multimedia Journalist @kelownacapnews ???? Former: @VanCanadians Media Relations ????@ubcoheat????TRU Journalism ‘18/Baseball Alumni ⚾️
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes Twitter @cunninghamjordy (908 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

35. Olivier Laurin

Author Bio I'm a bilingual multimedia journalist from Montréal, Québec. My curiosity drives me to explore the intricate relationships between people and their communities. I'm particularly drawn to stories that expose social injustices, advocate for animal welfare, highlights captivating individuals. Beyond journalism, I'm a passionate traveler, music aficionado, devoted movie enthusiast and an unapologetic food lover. You might spot me wandering through nearby forests, as I'm currently training for an ultramarathon that my friends convinced me to tackle.
Gender Male Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Instagram @ahumaneproject Get Email Contact

36. Ella Matte

Designation Author Author Bio @VictoriaNews & @SAIT alumni Got a story idea?-Email me at ****@blackpress.ca
Gender Female Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Twitter @ellamatte2 (116 Followers) LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact

37. Jennifer Smith

Designation Author Author Bio I was born and raised in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. I graduated from Kwantlen University College with a degree in Journalism, and I'm also a proud VSS '01 alumni. Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004. During my time here, I've covered a diverse range of stories, from shootings to shot put events. When I'm not working, I love to participate in my daughter's school activities. In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, hiking, camping, paddle boarding, and other water sports, as well as spending quality time with my family and friends.
Gender Female Author Profile vancouverislandfreedaily.com Phone Number yes LinkedIn Profile Link Get Email Contact