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Ron
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Ron
Thornton COMMUNICATIONS EXPERIENCE -Freelance writer of opinion articles (2001 - ), published on a variety of Internet sites and in the print media, as well as NASCAR-related articles (2004 - ), including a weekly radio feature on an ESPN station in Texas (2004). -Communications Director, on a professional basis, for a candidate in the 2004 Alberta election. Responsible for speech writing, newspaper advertisement layouts, media contact, and working with the candidate on delivery and other aspects of the campaign. -Speech-writer, Communications Advisor, and Press Secretary for political candidates in the 2001 Alberta campaign; the 2000, 1997, and 1993 federal elections and others seeking party nominations for the 2004 federal campaign. Entrusted with producing media releases, providing research, and advising on media relations and policy. -National Spokesman, Writer, Researcher, and Publicist for Grassroots United Against Reform’s Demise, or GUARD (1998-2000). Produced position papers, news releases, magazine articles, as well as provided interviews through a number of national and regional magazines, newspapers, television and radio programs. -Researcher and Publicist for Mike Jorgensen, an Emmy award winning television producer (1995-1999). Articles were published both regionally and nationally. -Actor on CBC's nationally televised Rough Cutz program (1995-1997), appearing on intros, bridges, and extros on various episodes, and presented a segment on the program as a columnist. -Sports Director for CKRD Television (1984-1993) in Red Deer, Alberta. Established the television department independent of its then radio sister station, served as television anchor. Also broadcasted special events, including curling, chuckwagon racing, and professional boxing, as well as guest open-line host for radio sister station. -Sports Director for CKSA Radio and Television (1980-1984) in Lloydminster, Alberta, reporting directly to the General Manager. Anchored a daily television broadcast, seven radio broadcasts, and produced 104-episodes of the weekly half-hour Sports Insight television program. Produced two seasons of the Lloydminster Lancers (1982-1984) hockey broadcasts, involved in all facets of production. Was the "voice" of the SAJHL Lancers (1982-84) and the senior Border Kings (1980-1982). -Sports Director/Newscaster/Reporter/Announcer with CKKR Radio (1976-1980) in Rosetown, Saskatchewan. Co-hosted open-line interview and public affairs program, created, produced, and hosted the public affairs program, Wide West Forum, interviewing the likes of John Diefenbaker, Allan Blakeney, Grant Devine, Ray Hnatyshyn, and Col. Harland Saunders, and was the play-by-play announcer of the senior hockey Rosetown Red Wings and area teams in the Saskatchewan Major Baseball League. OTHER ACTIVITIES -Manager, Little League Baseball; Coach of city champions (2005) -Chairman of the John Paul I School Council and President
of its
fund-raising association (2003-2005), serving on the Board since 1999. -Researcher providing the budget expenditures under the area of special events, hospitality and promotion for the Red Deer 1994 Brier Bid Committee (1992-93). -Public Speaker throughout his career, attaining his CTM Certificate in Public Speaking from Toastmasters International (1992) -Teacher of a summer course as an Introduction to Journalism to young students at Red Deer College (1991). -Feature columnist for the Red Deer Advisor (1989-90) weekly newspaper. -President of CKRD Staff Association, writing its constitution and initial contract proposal (1989-90). -Media spokesman for an auto parts dealership (1985-86) and a car dealership (1983-85). -Director of the Lloydminster Lancers (1984) Junior "A" Hockey Club of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. -Credited with playing an instrumental role in bringing Junior "A" hockey to Lloydminster (1982) -Director of the Lloydminster Border Kings (1980) Intermediate "A" Hockey Club. -Feature columnist for the Rosetown Eagle (1978-80) weekly newspaper. -Director of the Rosetown Red Wings (1978 - 1980) Intermediate "B" Hockey Club.
EDUCATION -Journalism Student at Edmonton’s Grant MacEwan Community College (1974 - 1976). During this time, hosted a local cable-television open-line program (1976), reported for the Strathcona County News (1975 - 1976) and edited the Edmonton Oilers Booster Club newsletter (1974 - 1975). -Graduate with a matriculation diploma from Ardrossan High School (1974), competing as a participant on three occasions on CBC’s Reach for the Top program (1973).
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