The Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows News is introducing a new general manager to the community.
Charlie Costa joined the local news organization in March, bringing with him a wealth of business experience.
“I’m thrilled that Charlie has joined our team," said Mary Kemmis, senior vice president and group publisher Canadian division of
Carpenter Media Group.
"His commitment to excellence and experience running a small business will benefit both our readers and our business customers."
Costa was in the telecommunications industry for 24 years, first as a regional manager with Rogers Communications, and then starting his own telecom business in 2007.
He said the move to an organization that produces local news, both in print and online at mapleridgenews.com, is an exciting change.
"I've always loved media, especially new media," he said. "There's a lot of opportunity and benefits in the digital space."
His first foray in media came at the age of 12, in Winnipeg, where he was invited to get in front of the camera for a local broadcaster's feature – a kid's take on broadcasting the news. Costa took the sports desk. His family had Winnipeg Jets season tickets, and he had met numerous players, even going for fast food with star defenceman Teppo Numminen. So the young Charlie decided to get some interviews before reading the sports. The visiting Calgary Flames had started the season slow, and the intrepid reporter put a tough question to then head coach Terry Crisp.
"Do you feel your job is in jeopardy," he boldly asked the visiting bench boss, and got a big laugh from the coach – Crisp had won a Stanley Cup championship the year prior.
That was the precognitive Costa's final opportunity presenting TV sports, and also Crisp's last season in Calgary.
Costa still enjoys sports, but now it's watching his daughter Bella, 14 play club volleyball, or his son Luke, 11, on the soccer pitch. He also has a 21-year-old son Anthony.
"I love watching my kids play," he said. "I love spending time with the kids, and I'm a huge sports fan – of the local community sports."
Costa has got his game face on at The News, with plans to be part of the community, and grow personally and professionally.
"I'm honoured for the opportunity," he said. "I know how important a newspaper is to a community, and it's a heady responsibility."
