Don Keith

CJNU Web Master

When I volunteered to do the CJNU web site, my work life had in some ways come full circle, once again working for a radio station. I began my career in 1960 as a copy writer at CJOB radio. Later I moved on to several other stations, the CBC in Winnipeg and CKX radio/television in Brandon.

My direct employment in broadcasting ended in 1965 when I became creative director for a national advertising agency. After just over three years in that position, I moved to the job I worked in for more years than any other. I was a communications officer for over 22 years with Manitoba Natural Resources, although the exact name of the department changed more times through the years than I can remember.

Throughout the time I was with Natural Resources, my primary job was doing a weekly radio program that included three interviews each week covering a wide range of topics related to natural resources and conservation. I was also involved in producing magazines and newsletters, and participated in the production of a dozen 16mm films, primarily for use in schools, and wrote and designed a number of brochures on resource related topics. When the situation required, such as during a severe forest fire or flood situation, I was also the department's media spokesman.

In 1990 when the government was on one of it's periodic "trim the civil service" drives, I became concerned about the possibility of being laid off. When I heard about an opening in the labour movement for a person with my type of skills, I decided it was an opportune time to make a move. A key part of that job was writing stories, taking photos, and doing the layout and design of a bi-monthly 24-page colour magazine. I also did numerous newsletters, news releases, and again served as a media spokesperson. In the mid-1990s, when the World Wide Web was just starting to grow, I developed a labour web site which won a number of national and international awards.

I retired in 2003, but have continued to do some freelance work, primarily on web sites, but also newsletters, brochures and the writing and direction of a promotional video.