Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Omega Returns: A Bold Comeback with New Storytelling at TRU
Kamloops, BC – February 16, 2025 – The Omega, Thompson Rivers University’s (TRU) official student newspaper, is celebrating its relaunch with a special event on April 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Den, located at 1055 University Dr, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8. This achievement marks a major transformation, featuring a fresh design, expanded digital presence, and a renewed focus on student engagement.
The event will present speeches from The Omega’s Manager, Sean Brady, and Editor-in-Chief, Robert McAlaster, who will discuss the publication’s evolution, its impact on TRU’s student body, and its vision moving forward. Attendees can also enjoy a performance by the Black Dog String Quartet, one of Vancouver’s top musical groups, as well as networking opportunities with the editorial team.
“For years, The Omega focused on a more traditional audience, but we knew we had to evolve to better reflect student interests,” says Robert McAlaster, who has been with The Omega for seven years and served as Editor-in-Chief for two. “This relaunch isn’t just about a new look—it’s about making student voices the heart of our publication.”
Since its soft relaunch in September 2023, The Omega has undergone a complete redesign, introduced new content categories, and strengthened its social media presence to reach more students online. It prints between 500 and 1,000 copies per month and holds weekly pitch meetings every Wednesday at 5:00 PM in OM 2622 at TRU. The editorial team, currently with three editors and three writers, is focused on making the paper more engaging and relevant to student life.
“This paper has been a part of TRU for decades, and we want it to be something students today—and in the future—are proud of,” McAlaster adds. “We’re shifting toward stories that matter to students, from campus events to broader social issues, while keeping strong ethical journalism at our heart.”
A New Chapter for Student Journalism
As the way students consume media continues to change, The Omega is evolving to keep up. The team is introducing fresh storytelling approaches, including multimedia content, student-led opinion pieces, and in-depth features on campus life. The goal is to make the newspaper more engaging, relevant, and reflective of student voices.
Beyond expanding its digital reach, The Omega has given its website a complete refresh. Now, students can easily find stories, submit article ideas, and stay informed about campus happenings. More than just a news source, the paper aims to be a platform where students feel represented and encouraged to share their perspectives on issues that matter to them.
With fewer students turning to traditional news sources, The Omega is adapting by focusing on firsthand reporting, well-researched stories, and a more dynamic approach to journalism. By making the most of social media, digital content, and interactive events, the team is ensuring that their stories don’t just inform—they encourage conversations and connect with the student body in meaningful ways.
Get Involved & Celebrate the Relaunch
Aside from celebrating the relaunch, the event serves as an open call for student contributors. Writers, photographers, designers, and anyone interested in student journalism are encouraged to attend and learn how they can be part of The Omega’s next chapter.
TRU students, faculty, and members of the Kamloops community are invited to join the celebration and explore the new and improved Omega. For event details and updates, visit theomega.news.
Media Contact:
Carolina Proenca
312-765-5804
carolinaproenca@truomeganews.ca
Distribution Plan & Target Media List
To spread the word about The Omega’s relaunch, this press release will be shared across TRU platforms, local media, and student and community organizations. The goal is to boost student readership, bring in new contributors, and reinforce The Omega’s presence on campus.
It will be published on the TRU website, included in student newsletters, and posted on the university’s official social media pages to ensure students, faculty, and staff stay informed. Local media outlets like Castanet Kamloops, CBC Kamloops, Radio NL, and CFJC Today will also be contacted to help reach a wider audience beyond the university.
Key Recipients:
1. TRU Communications Department – For inclusion in university-wide newsletters.
2. TRU Social Media Team – To promote the relaunch through official TRU social channels.
3. TRU Student Life Office – To spread awareness among the student body.
4. TRU Journalism & Communications Faculty – To encourage student involvement.
5. TRU Clubs and Societies Coordinator – To engage TRU’s various student groups.
6. Castanet Kamloops – A widely read local community news site.
7. CBC Kamloops – A regional news outlet (radio format) for broader exposure.
8. Radio NL 610 AM – A key radio station in Kamloops.
9. CFJC Today – A Kamloops-based TV and online news station.
10. The Omega’s Editorial Team – To ensure website and social media promotion.
11. TRU Students’ Union (TRUSU) – A central student organization that can promote the event.
12. Kamloops Chamber of Commerce – To inform the broader business and professional community.
13. Kamloops Public Library – To share public event details.
14. TRU Alumni Association – To connect with past TRU students who may have been involved.
15. TRU Career Services – To reach students interested in media and journalism careers.
By distributing the press release through these key channels, The Omega will maximize attendance at the relaunch event and reinforce its presence within TRU and the wider Kamloops community.