Robert Washburn is a journalist with 40 years of experience as a journalist in newspapers, magazines, and radio. Washburn is currently the host of Consider This Northumberland, a current affairs radio show on Northumberland 89.7 FM.
Washburn instructs in the Journalism program at Loyalist College, where he teaches the uses of new and emerging technologies and journalism. He also teaches social media marketing, digital marketing strategy in the Business program and delivers a technology in society course in the General Arts and Science program.
He is the first post-secondary educator in Canada to teach in Second Life.
Washburn has trained journalists across Canada in computer-assisted reporting and Internet research skills.
He served for four years on the board of directors for the Canadian Association of Journalists, with one year as chairman.
Washburn received the Educational Technology Committee 2007 award for Innovative Teaching With Technology, and he won the Canadian New Media Award for Educator of the Year in 2007.
Washburn recently completed his Master’s degree on the future of online journalism at the York-Ryerson joint program in Communications and Culture.
Really enjoyed your article “Conservatives’ disdain for voters, news media is blatant” in June 20th issue of Northumberland Today. I would like to think that the points you made would bring people to realize the depth of changes this conservative government is making under the guise of the economy and fiscal management. You mentioned a small band of residents calling themselves the ‘Northumberland-Quinte Democracy Coalition’. Would you have any contact information for this group? This sounds as though it could be a movement for positive change to the present undemocratic system
Hello Mr. Washburn,
A friend from Port Hope sent me a copy of your article: How Long Will Northumberland Residents Put Up With Being Frustrated, Ignored?
I did not leave Port Hope due to being attacked by the “elite, governments and corporations”. Their actions had no impact on my decision to move to Alberta. I can assure you that I caused them far greater stress than I absorbed.
I left because of the cowardice of Port Hope residents and the fact that I was being shunned by both sides in the debate. By the time I left, there was only a handful of people who would be seen in public with me.
There was only one person (19 years old) who offered to help on my campaign during the 2006 municipal election. I had 4 people offer $99 donations to my campaign, which precludes having to name them.
After eight years of intense activism, I’ve learned there are three reasons residents don’t come forward and speak out: cowardice, laziness and apathy.
The elites weren’t the problem; the residents of Port Hope we were trying to protect were. If even one out of a hundred would have stood beside us, current conditions in the community would be far different.
I did leave with a bad taste in my mouth, but spewing venom would serve no purpose. I’m still involved in some capacities opposing nuclear issues in Port Hope. However, it’s out of a sense of loyalty to the handful of people who had the courage to stand up and be counted rather than for the community itself.
I commend you for raising the issues you do. Please don’t stop “barking” as there’s not many of us around.
Take Care,
Pat McNamara