Fred Heidman

Publisher & General Manager

Parry Sound North Star & Beacon Star

 

Fred Heidman got his start at the Parry Sound North Star as an 18-year-old printer’s devil in 1960. And while the early part of his career focused on typesetting and ad creation, he did almost every job (except reporting) the paper had to offer.

In 1974, Fred became the paper’s general manager, a position he would hold until he retired in 2008. Along the way, he helped launch new products like Fun in the Sun, Fun in the Snow, a large print phone book and Sideroads Magazine. After the North Star’s owner bought the Georgian Bay Beacon, Fred was instrumental in merging the two operations which led to the creation of the Beacon Star, which published along side the North Star.

Fred served on both the OCNA and CCNA boards of directors, including as OCNA’s president in 2002. During his time on the provincial board, he helped rewrite the bylaws to allow for the membership of papers that publish in languages other than English or French, recognizing that they were every bit as much community newspapers as OCNA’s existing members. He also helped to organize a conference with Hebdos Quebec that brought together all the provincial and regional associations together for the first time. He received a Silver Quill in 1996.

Fred was also an early adopter of new technology, being among the first weekly newspapers to have a news website. If there was a local event, fundraiser or an initiative that needed attention, you could count on Fred to either be there connect you with someone who could help. He has been a member of numerous boards and committees, including the West Parry Sound Health Centre Board, Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Fred not only built his community and his papers, but the men and women who worked for him. “I regularly hear Fred’s past advice resonating, insisting on fairness, accuracy and hard work,” wrote former employee Jack Tynan. “I’m sure many in our industry have heard, and still adhere, to that advice today – all part of Fred’s legacy in the news media landscape, and beyond.”

This is why the Ontario Community Newspapers Association is thrilled to announce Fred Heidman as an inductee of the OCNA Hall of Fame.

The OCNA Hall of Fame Award recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made exemplary contributions to Ontario’s community newspapers. Inductees are respected community news professionals who have remained passionate about the industry throughout challenges, opportunities, and changes. They are leaders who have helped community newspapers adapt and grow.