Recently, a reader stopped me on the street and asked – why does ODN rely on news from other media outlets. Good question.

The answer is simple but I will be make it complex so I can get more words on the page.

1. At 3am in the morning – something big happens in Oliver – ODN is there – phone calls start coming in from Global Okanagan and Castanet (that was then and now is today – I made a deal) – take my pictures and basic story info and use it. AND that’s why I can utilize the services of other quality and respected journalists.

Some other media sources in Penticton will actually quote ODN with a breaking news story – unsure if it is really true. Once proven they never say – “wow he was right”. To me the story tells it all – you don’t give me any credit.

2. ODN is really small potatoes in the real media world – somehow the news papers survive. Oliver/Osoyoos have three reporters to serve the readers. Penticton Herald has two, Penticton Western 4 or more and they are not a daily.

Castanet has 3 reporters in Penticton. Global has 1 that is devoted to the area.

3. Oliver Daily News is small but can move fast. It really does not have the advertising revenue to hire full time staff – maybe the rates are too low. Many many businesses do not advertise or know the benefit of doing so.

4. That being said – I think the people of Osoyoos and Oliver are getting a bang up job done well for FREE.