The Ottawa Sportspage is thrilled to welcome a rising star in the sports media world as the new editor of our not-for-profit local amateur sport publication.
Carleton University journalism grad Charlie Pinkerton joins the Sportspage after gaining work experience with several Postmedia newspapers – the Sault Star, the London Free Press and his hometown Kingston Whig-Standard – as well as U Sports and OUA.tv.
Locally, he’s volunteered for a number of organizations, including Rogers TV, the Ottawa Sports Awards and, of course, the Sportspage.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Charlie in recent years, and I’ve been so impressed by his skills as a journalist, his abilities to organize and execute projects, and perhaps most of all, his dedication to our local sports community,” says outgoing Sportspage editor Dan Plouffe, currently enjoying time with his young family while on parental leave. “I know anyone who’s worked with Charlie comes away with that same impression. I’m very excited about what his addition will mean for our organization, as well as the Ottawa amateur sports scene.”
Charlie grew up playing every sport under the sun, which fueled his appreciation for what sport has to offer beyond the trophies and triumphs. It also helped build his interest in pursuing a career that involves sports.
“Since before I can remember, sports have been a mainstay in my life,” notes Charlie, who can often be found shooting hoops at many gyms downtown. “I believe sport should be a part of everyone’s life, whether that’s at a basic, recreational level, or the highest level of international competition.
“I know that in my life, participation and involvement in sports and competition were integral to my personal development. The traits I developed and the lessons I learned that tested my perseverance, teamwork and hard work, couldn’t be found anywhere else.”
It’s that type of philosophy that Charlie brings to storytelling – to go beyond the wins and losses to tell athletes’ life stories through sport. He says he’s been exceptionally impressed with the people he’s met from the local sports community.
“Since I first became involved with the Ottawa Sportspage as well as the Ottawa Sports Awards, I’ve realized how many truly top-notch athletes we have in this city, and the amount of high-level competition there is here,” Charlie adds. “And I’ve also experienced as a young journalist how much gets lost in today’s media landscape. For how much is available at our fingertips online, so much goes unreported on and unrecognized.
“The attention we provide is deserved, if not necessary.”
Charlie says a big attraction to the Sportspage was indeed the opportunity to provide a spotlight for local high school, university, community club and elite amateur sport that seldom receive attention from other media outlets.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to serve as editor,” Charlie underlines. “I just hope that I’ll make the local sports community proud and be able to continue to share their great stories.”
Charlie Pinkerton can be reached at 613-929-3681 & editor@sportsottawa.com.