Eli J. Ridder

Background

About Eli J. Ridder

Journalism is who I am. While pursuing post-secondary education, I started a student publication that crucially informed students about a labour strike that impacted their education. At the outset of the pandemic, I volunteered to freelance for the local paper. I was the key driver behind a rebrand of my journalism program’s student lab paper — for which I was also a news editor and senior reporter. I jumped right into a career of local journalism in 2022. After widespread layoffs in 2023, I ventured west for a new opportunity. I wanted to learn more about another part of Canada and expand my skillset and experience by working at a local television station. In 2025, I had the amazing opportunity to start working for Canada’s public broadcaster, reporting on Medicine Hat for a wide audience. I continue to hone my skills. I work hard daily to find the next scoop, the next person of interest, the next in-your-backyard story that matters — in the pursuit of journalism.