Ribble inducted into Ontario newspaper Hall of Fame

With Southpoint Sun editor Mark Ribble on vacation this week, we wanted to turn the tables and share some news about him. 

After nearly 40 years working in the  community newspaper industry, Southpoint Sun editor Mark Ribble has been recognized for his hard work and dedication by being inducted into the Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s Hall of Fame. 

Mark’s community newspaper career began in 1985 at the Leamington Post where he worked for 27  years. He was initially hired to work as a pressman/compositor and, over the years, Mark’s role with the Post shifted to working in sales and eventually reporting.

While reporting for the Leamington Post, Mark’s photos and stories were frequently picked up on the newswire and featured in a number of other publications throughout the province and nationwide. 

After the Leamington Post closed in 2012, Mark ended up staying in the newspaper industry working in the circulation department at the Windsor Star before coming back to his roots in 2015 to work for the Southpoint Sun in his hometown of Leamington. 

Mark’s initial job with the Sun was mostly in advertising sales, however, he also contributed to the editorial department by writing his popular column “Rib’s Ramblings” and by helping out with reporting as needed.

In March 2020, when then-editor Sheila McBrayne decided to leave the newspaper business, Mark was appointed to his current role as Editor of the Southpoint Sun. 

In true community newspaper fashion, Mark’s role isn’t limited to just being the editor as he also still handles a select number of advertising clients and he also performs production tasks including laying out the ads and editorial in the paper each week, and providing ad design support as needed.

The OCNA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made exemplary contributions to Ontario’s community newspapers.

A virtual presentation was held earlier this year announcing the 2024 inductees and the formal awards presentation will take place this fall.