Nelson Star editor Bob Hall is leaving the newspaper and the industry but not the community. Hall, who has been with the Star for three years, has accepted a position with Selkirk College as community liaison/alumni co-ordinator.
“It allows me to continue to stay engaged in the area and help build interest in what is a very important educational and economic driver,” he said. “I’m not leaving town. I’m just changing it up a bit.”
In his new role, Hall will work with community leaders and the media to promote the college, including social media and outreach beyond the Kootenays.
Hall, 45, spent 19 years in local journalism. He began freelancing for the Daily News in 1994 soon after moving to Nelson from Calgary. He was hired as a full-time reporter/photographer the following year and named editor in 2002, a position he held until the paper folded in 2010. He joined the Star immediately afterward.
Hall said his stint at the paper was memorable for major spot news stories such as the Redfish Grill fire, which occurred days after he started.
“Since that time we have had other fires, landslides, floods and tragic deaths. Even though we are a twice-a-week newspaper, our ability to cover those stories has not been jeopardized and the main reason is our website,” he said. “We’ve provided just as much timely news because of that tool which has made this job as exciting as ever.”
Hall added he has no idea what the newspaper industry will look like in 10 years, “but I know there will always be a place for community journalism like we provide at the Nelson Star.”
Black Press regional publisher Chuck Bennett said he was “thrilled” for Hall and his family, but sad to see him go.
“Bob has been a dynamic part of our team and I think journalism in Nelson is taking a hit with him leaving,” said Bennett. “I’m really proud of the paper we are and Bob can take a lot of the credit.”
Hall’s last day at the Star is September 20. His replacement has not been named.