Horizon weekly

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HORIZON WEEKLY

Horizon beginnings

Canada's Horizon Armenian Weekly was first published in 1979, sharing its birthday with one of our most cherished national holidays, Armeniaÿs first Independence Day, May 28th. Born as the official political organ of Canadaÿs Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Central Committee, Horizon was first conceived during ARF Canadaþs first regional meeting conducted in 1977. During its first two years, until March 1981, Horizon was run by different editorial boards. In March 1981, a three-member editorial board is established with Vrej-Armen Artinian, Antranik Bedrossian and Levon Benguian. A couple of years later, Vrej-Armen Artinian becomes the first editor-in-chief and holds the title for a decade. Giro Manoyan followed in Artinianÿs footsteps, becoming Horizonÿs second editor-in-chief until his move to Armenia in 1999. Vahakn Karakashian, then the editor-in-chief of Bostonþs Hairenik Weekly, is invited to Montreal, and has since been at the helm of the newspaper.

Horizon in the 21st Century

Horizon Weekly publishes several supplements, including the only Armenian monthly literary publication in the Diaspora. Edited by Vrej-Armen Artinian, this supplement brings together the works of talented writers across the Diaspora. The literary supplement has an editorial committee. Other Horizon supplements include a youth page, reborn in May 2000, thanks to the contributions from Canadaÿs regional committee of the Armenian Relief Society and its local chapters, who saw the importance of publishing such an educational, yet diverting tool. More than 200 youths actively participate in the monthly brainteasers, whereas more than 600 copies of the youth supplement are freely distributed in Armenian schools in Toronto and Montreal. All winners are awarded prizes from the weekly. Between 2000 and 2006, more than 50 thematic supplements have been published, covering a wide array of topics, such as, Artsakh, Shoushi, Javakhk, The Armenian Genocide, the first Republic of Armenia, the 1700th anniversary of Armenian Christianity, Nakhichevan and so forth. Horizon's assistant editor is Sossy Chakmakjian and the manager is Sylva Ehramdjian.

The Volunteer Force

Horizon Weekly has many volunteers who have contributed their time, even across long distances and include Franceÿs former Radio AYP director Hagop Balian, Horizon local columnist Soliné Shamlian, long-time contributor Krikor Hotoyan and Sako Ghazarian from Toronto, AIM magazineÿs former caricaturist Etig Palayan (2001-2002) from Los Angeles, Journalist Karin Saghdedjian from Toronto, New Yorkÿs Associated Press Photo Director of the Middle-Eastern division Harry Koundakjian and political analyst Khachig Der Ghougassian from Argentina. There are also many local contributors, including the force behind the re-born youth supplement Chaghig Torikian-Boyajian (June 2000 to April 2002) and since, Zepur Assadourian. The French and English sections are not an exception and include the following contributors, Apo Niziblian, Tina Soulahian, Varant Yessayan, Lalai Manjikian and Lory Hovsepian. Horizon Weekly also has other contributors in different communities and includes the Horizon editorial board of Toronto and all the writers of the literary supplement, as well as the French and English sections of Horizon Patsarig (Tina Soulahian, Varant Yessayan, Lalai Manjikian, Lory Hovsepian).

Horizon special issue

The publication of Horizonÿs Special issue 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 editions was quite an experience for its editorial board and contributors.

Horizon Among the Best Canadian Ethnic Newspapers

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Ethnic Press Council, the Council had organized an Ethnic Press Day in Toronto on September 1, 2002. During this event, the Council honoured eight ethnic newspapers from across Canada, including Horizon Weekly, which was the only Quebec publication to take home the title. The eight newspapers were chosen from more than 800 ethnic publications in 125 languages. The award was presented to Vahakn Karakachian by Canadaÿs former Heritage Minister Sheila Copps Horizon Weekly is currently a member of the Ethnic Press Council of Canada and participates in Council meetings through its representative in Toronto.

Website and Other Mediums

Horizon Weekly was the first Armenian publication on the international scene to have its own website during the 90s. However, during the first three years of the 21st century, the weekly could no longer be found on the Internet. Than no longer is the case. In 2003, after long deliberations, the Central Committee presented a detailed report regarding Horizonÿs site. Accordingly, www.horizonweekly.ca was launched in May 2004.