The editor of the Georgia Straight, Charlie Smith talks to Joseph Planta about the weekly paper, the Winter Olympics, HST, the state of media and journalism in the country, and more.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

Charlie Smith is the editor of the Georgia Straight. He has been at the helm of the paper for nearly five years now, but he’s been there since 1994. The Straight which comes out Thursdays is ‘Canada’s largest weekly’ with a weekly audience of nearly 700,000 readers. It has had a long tradition in this city first as a rambunctious alternative in the 1960s, to becoming an award-winning publication with an audience highly coveted by advertisers. We’ll discuss the paper and its place in today’s media market—the market what it is of course, as well as the Olympic Games around us, and whatever else is on his radar. The Straight has a special place in my heart, as I spent a week there on a career placement back in high school. It was neat place, and we’ll check in again now. I’m pleased to welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Charlie Smith; Good morning, Mr. Smith.

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