Long-time arts editor Melissa Fryer was named the new editor of the Nanaimo News Bulletin Tuesday.
Fryer started her career in the Comox Valley, after earning a degree in journalism from the University College of the Cariboo (now Thompson Rivers University) in 2002. Two years later, she joined the News Bulletin as a junior reporter, taking on the role as arts editor in 2006.
Behind the scenes, Fryer took on some editing and layout duties, contributed to the paper’s editorial board and spearheaded the annual Pennies for Presents fundraiser.
Fryer replaces Mitch Wright, who left the Bulletin earlier this month for a new role in communications at the University of Victoria.
Arts, sports and community news will still find a home alongside the harder news items, Fryer said.
Readers will probably notice little difference as Fryer takes the lead of an editorial team that won provincial and national awards for its reporting.
Fryer, who was born and raised in the West Kootenay smelter town of Trail, said she loves the outdoor recreation opportunities like camping, hiking and kayaking that Vancouver Island offers. She also started a new hobby of adventure racing, participating in Warrior Dash earlier this year.
Fryer can be reached at the News Bulletin by e-mail at editor@nanaimobulletin.com or by phone at 250-734-4621.