Changes at Yellowknifer
Founder Jack 'Sig' Sigvaldason regains 100 per cent ownership of Northern News Services, Canarctic Graphics
Northern News Services
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A change in ownership and management has come to Yellowknifer, the Northern News Services family of newspapers and Canarctic Graphics.
Jack 'Sig' Sigvaldason: Acquired 100 per cent ownership of Northern News Services and Canarctic Graphics.
Bruce Valpy: Prepared to take the reins of leadership |
Jack 'Sig' Sigvaldason, founder and president of Northern News Services, acquired 100 per cent ownership effective June 30. General manager Mike Scott retired on the same day, having served in that role for 35 years.
The change in management sees longtime managing editor Bruce Valpy become publisher and CEO of Northern News Services and Canarctic Graphics while Judy Triffo, with many years in administration, has been named chief financial officer for the company. Mike W. Bryant assumes the role of managing editor.
Sigvaldason and partner Jack Adderley published their first newspaper, Yellowknifer, on March 22, 1972. Adderley sold his share in the newspaper three years later.
The publishing company grew to include News of the North in 1979, Inuvik Drum was added in 1988, followed by Canarctic Graphics a year later.
Kivalliq News was founded in 1995, Nunavut News/North was launched in 1998, and Hay River Hub was brought on board in 2011.
Deh Cho Drum was launched in 1994 but ceased operations earlier this year due to declining revenue.
Sigvaldason said he acquired full ownership because he strongly believes in the company, which is behind his decision to invest heavily in its future.
"I think advertisers and readers will be pleased with the new management team, most of whom have years of experience with Northern News Services and demonstrated expertise," said Sigvaldason.
Valpy said he is prepared to take the reins of leadership on a path pioneered by Sigvaldason and Scott.
"Sig and Mike Scott have built an incredible pan-territorial business with seven newspapers serving 60 communities in two territories," said Valpy. "Canarctic Graphics has the only large press in the two territories and state of the art color presses. The two businesses with a combined staff of almost 80 are well placed to move much further into the digital space, opening up new avenues for advertisers and readers alike. It's really an exciting time for us all."
Bryant said he is excited to be heading up Northern News Services' talented team of journalists, editors and contributors.
"Our goal is to tell Northerners' stories week in, week out while keeping readers informed on the issues of the day," said Bryant. "There is never a dull day in this business. That will never change and that's what makes the job so enjoyable."
