Advertiser publisher elected chair of News Media Canada

FERGUS – Wellington Advertiser publisher Dave Adsett has been named chair of News Media Canada.

Adsett was elected on July 11 by the board of directors of the organization, which represents hundreds of print and digital media outlets across the country, serves as an advocate for public policy and helps raise awareness for the industry.

“Journalism is vital to Canadian democracy and to keeping citizens and communities connected,” he said upon his election.

“This position grants a front-row seat to the future of media in Canada.”

He added, “Fortunately the Advertiser is staffed with a capable team with plenty of experience, allowing me time to get involved.

“I truly believe this to be a period of incredible change and upheaval not just for this industry, but the country as well.”

Adsett took over as publisher of the Advertiser from his father Bill in the 1990s, and as owner in 2011.

He is a former Guelph/Eramosa councillor and mayor, warden of Wellington County and chair of the county’s Police Services Board.

Adsett has served on the board of directors of the Ontario Community Newspapers Association since 2012, and as president in 2017.

He said his main priorities as chair of News Media Canada will be improving the Canadian Journalism Labour Tax Credit, renewing the Local Journalism Initiative, and “ensuring regulations related to the Online News Act (Bill C-18) are fair to both news publishers and online platforms.”