About Constellation

Constellation Media is a non-profit media publisher focused on creating mission-drive, digital-first local news in communities across British Columbia.

Original, factual, local journalism is a critical part of a healthy media landscape. We seek to create sustainable local media outlets that put the concerns of residents and community members first.

Constellation believes that at its best, journalism should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. That’s why we adhere to the Atkinson Principles and the principle that progressive media should contribute to the advancement of society through pursuit of social, economic and political reforms.

Board of Directors

Will Whittaker

Director

James Coccola

Chairperson

James Coccola is the Chairperson of Constellation Media Society. He believes in the power of investigative, factual reporting to help strengthen our communities.

Over the past decade, he has worked for student, environmental, and community advocacy organizations. Currently, he is an Executive Vice President of the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU). James resides in Victoria.

Jen Hassum

Vice-Chairperson

Jen Hassum is the Publisher of PressProgress, overseeing its growth into a national news organization that breaks major news stories and is widely read by millions of Canadians every year. Her role focuses on audience acquisition, reader engagement, business development and other strategic initiatives. 

Hassum has over ten years of experience as a senior-level strategic communicator working at the municipal, provincial and national levels. She is recognized as a leading innovator in building online community and mobilizing users to real-world action. Over the years, her work has contributed to historic electoral victories, set new precedents at the Ontario Labour Relations Board and helped win important gains for working-class people.

Meghan Sali

Director

Meghan is a law student at the University of Ottawa focussing her research at the intersection of law, technology and media. Before attending law school, Meghan worked in the nonprofit sector leading campaigns in the areas of consumer advocacy and digital rights. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University.

Matthew DiMera

Director

Matthew DiMera is an award-winning editor and journalist currently living in Toronto, and is the Founder of The Resolve.

Most recently he was the Managing Editor at Xtra, and the Acting Editor-in-Chief at rabble.ca. Born and raised in Vancouver, Matthew wanted to be a reporter from a very young age, and self-published his first newspaper when he was 10.

He is a strong advocate for the importance and power of social justice and community reporting.