The Omega Returns: Gala to Celebrate the Power of Student Voices

The Omega relaunch gala will honor the Omega’s history and resilience, featuring student speakers, awards, and a night of dancing.

Kamloops, BC – February 12, 2025 – The  Kamloops Thompson Rivers University campus will host the Omega Relaunch Gala on April 10, 2025, in the Campus Activities Centre’s Mountain Room from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This event will celebrate the success and impact of The Omega, TRU’s student-run magazine, as it marks its 9th edition since its revival after COVID-19 forced operations to shut down. 

The relaunch gala will feature speeches from Sean Brady, Omega’s Manager, and Robert McAllister, Editor-in-Chief, who will reflect on the magazine’s journey and its evolving role at TRU. Following these insights, student editors will share their experiences and discuss the importance of student journalism in shaping campus culture. Several Omega editors and writers will be recognized with awards, celebrating their dedication and contributions to student journalism. Following the formal program, guests will enjoy a celebration with a DJ spinning top 40 hits and a cash bar, encouraging attendees to come together and celebrate the power of student storytelling. 

This event is a must-attend for students interested in journalism, storytelling, and campus media. Whether you want to contribute, network with editors and writers, or simply celebrate student journalism, the Omega Relaunch Gala is the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of a lasting legacy. Attendees will gain behind-the-scenes insight into the creative process and the impact of student-run media on campus life.

Printing 500 to 1,000 issues per month, The Omega has transformed from a hard-news-focused publication catering to an older audience into a dynamic magazine covering arts, culture, sports, wellness, community, and politics. With a dedicated team of three staff editors, three staff writers, six contributors, and two photographers, the magazine continues to amplify student voices through professor spotlights, local political interviews, TRU Senate and TRUSU coverage, and major sports stories, including the Anaheim Ducks. While embracing the accessibility of online media, The Omega remains committed to both print and digital formats, valuing the tangible experience of physical journalism. The magazine’s bold, eye-catching covers and unique design make it an iconic presence on the TRU campus, drawing attention wherever it’s displayed. The Omega serves as a platform for student creativity and a testament to the impact of student-run journalism in shaping campus culture.

Contact Information:

For more information, visit The Omega’s office in Room 2768 or email us at editor@truomega.ca.

Distribution Plan for The Omega Relaunch Gala Press Release

To ensure broad reach and engagement for The Omega Relaunch Gala, the press release will be distributed using a multi-channel approach targeting key groups such as students, faculty, local media, and the wider Kamloops community. This will help maximize attendance and media coverage for the event.

1. Local Media Outlets: Reaching local newspapers, radio, and TV stations is essential for extending the press release beyond the TRU campus and engaging the general public in Kamloops.
   • Interior News (newstips@interior-news.com) – Local newspaper covering community events.
   • The Wren News (editor@thewrennews.ca) – Kamloops publication that can help promote the event.
   • Kamloops.Me (250-571-9733) – A regional blog covering local news, events, and happenings.
   • Kamloops CKRV-FM (radio@thex.ca) – Local radio station promoting community events.
   • Kamloops 610 AM Radio (nlnews@radionl.com) – Another local radio outlet to inform the community.
   • CFJC Today (kamloops-newsroom@pattisonmedia.com) – Local TV news station with wide regional reach.
   • Downtown Kamloops (communications@downtownkamloops.com) – Local website covering downtown Kamloops events.
2. TRU Platforms: Key channels within the TRU community, such as official websites, social media accounts, and newsletters, are vital for engaging students, faculty, and staff.
   • TRU Events Page (https://inside.tru.ca/events/) – Submitting to TRU’s event calendar ensures visibility across campus.
   • TRUSU Calendar (https://trusu.ca/events/) – Targeting students through the student union’s event listings.
   • TRU Student Life Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/trustudentlife/) – Directly engaging students through social media.
   • TRU World Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/truworld/) – Reaching an international student audience.
   • Thompson Rivers University Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thompsonriversu/) – General TRU Instagram for broader exposure.
3. Faculty and Internal TRU Contacts: Engaging faculty members, departments, and student-focused offices is important to ensure the event is promoted within relevant circles.
   • Karen Hetherington (khetherington@tru.ca) – Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Faculty of Arts, to inform students within the arts department.
   • Kate Morford (kmorford@tru.ca) – Project Manager, Business Engagement, to reach business students and faculty.
4. Email and Social Media Campaigns: Utilizing targeted social media and email campaigns will engage the student body and encourage faculty participation.
   • Instagram (Student engagement through the platforms listed above)
   • Email Campaign: Email invitations will be sent to faculty, students, and media contacts, providing event details and personalized invitations to attend or contribute.

Target Contacts:

1. Interior News – news tips contact for local coverage.
2. Kamloops.Me – Blog editor for event exposure.
3. Kamloops CKRV-FM – Radio station contact for local announcements.
4. Kamloops 610 AM Radio – News team contact for local coverage.
5. CFJC Today – Newsroom for regional TV coverage.
6. Downtown Kamloops – Communications team for event promotion.
7. TRU Events Page – Event listing for campus-wide exposure.
8. TRUSU Calendar – Event listing on student union calendar.
9. TRU Student Life Instagram – Social media exposure.
10. TRU World Instagram – Social media exposure targeting international students.
11. Thompson Rivers University Instagram – Social media exposure targeting general audience.
12. Karen Hetherington – Arts faculty assistant to promote within the arts department.
13. The Wren News – Editor to promote in the student-run publication.
14. Kate Morford – Project manager to reach business students.
15. TRU Campus Radio CFBX – Local campus radio to promote the event.

By utilizing these platforms and contacts, the press release will have a significant presence both on campus and within the broader Kamloops community, generating excitement and engagement for the gala.