Charlotte County Queen: Where International Experience Meets Local Influence

Vicki Hogarth never intended to become the voice of a region but, by fearlessly pursuing stories that matter, and breathing new life into a beloved local newspaper, she has become the champion her community didn't know it was waiting for. 

Now serving as the news director at CHCO-TV and The Courier newspaper in the postcard-perfect town of Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Hogarth has become a trusted presence in Atlantic Canada's media, respected for her clarity, compassion and ability to get to the heart of a story, whether she's covering breaking news or celebrating local heroes. 

A Non-Traditional Path to Storytelling

But her path to becoming one of New Brunswick's most vital storytellers was anything but traditional. Before returning home to the Maritimes, she built a remarkable career on a national and international stage, working with some of the biggest names in entertainment journalism. A sharp-eyed observer with a deep love of narrative, she has quickly risen through the editorial ranks at several of Canada's most prestigious publications. Her resume includes senior editorial roles at HELLO! Canada, FLARE, and Loulou, along with a high-profile tenure as entertainment editor for AskMen.com, then the leading men's lifestyle site in North America.

Along the way, Hogarth interviewed some of the world's most exciting personalities, from Justin Timberlake and Keira Knightley to Richard Branson. Those were moments of inspiration, moments of absurdity and a few headline makers whose reputations haven't aged gracefully. "I once interviewed someone who didn't show up," she laughs, recalling her signature charming smile. "Some articles don't stand the test of time." If that weren't colourful enough, Hogarth also briefly starred in the W-Network series HELLO! EHos, which spotlighted entertainment news and celebrity culture in Canada.

"Storytelling has always been the thread. No matter the platform, I've always been drawn to the connective tissue of a good narrative — something real, something human."

A graduate of the University of New Brunswick with both a bachelor and master's degree in English literature, her academic foundation in narrative form has shaped her approach to journalism, one rooted in integrity, curiosity and empathy.

Returning Home: A New Chapter

"Although my extended family is mainly in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, my parents moved across the country for work twice, and there was something comforting about the idea of returning to this beautiful part of Canada. I felt the same way about the television shows I watched: they gave me a sense of continuity and connection."

"I debated between journalism and literature. I chose journalism because I'm a true storyteller first and a journalist second. And ironically, that's what I hope for in my job today: telling real human stories in a medium that looks at human experiences ethically."

The Big Questions

What is the best thing about your job, and what has been the worst thing about your job in the Maritimes? And what is the hardest thing?

The best part is the people, hearing their stories, earning their trust, and seeing how all the threads of their stories connect. The privilege to witness a story unfold is incredible.

The hardest part is just how much there is to do. It's a busy role with lots of moving parts, but it's also incredibly rewarding. At the end of the day, it really is a dream job.

Celebrity Interviews and Global Adventures

Vicki had the big, glossy stars: celebrity interviews, fashion weeks, meeting Anna Wintour in Milan, interviewing Keira Knightley at the Toronto International Film Festival, and interviewing Pamela Anderson and Justin Timberlake at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, spending a day with Jared Leto, flying with Richard Branson and Drake on a Virgin plane named after Drake. Wild, wonderful, surreal.

She also interviewed Condoleezza Rice and worked as editor of Lure magazine in New York. That led to deeper work, including a Flare piece that won Best Feature at the Canadian Beauty Awards — and taught her that vulnerability is a strength.

Soon after, a beauty product she was testing for a magazine triggered an infection on her scalp. She lost half her hair and came home to Saint Andrews to recover. While it grew back, so did her roots. She began doing news at CHCO-TV, and eventually joined The Courier. "I never planned to trade red carpets for council meetings and community kitchens, but this is the dream: telling stories that actually change the places I live in and love."

Reviving The Courier

While many local newspapers across the country have shut down in recent years, you helped bring The Courier back to life. What was that like?

"At first, I don't think people felt like the latest version of The Courier was the same paper. Many local newspapers have closed, most in rural communities like ours. It felt personal, like losing an old friend one issue at a time.

But when The Courier came back, the response was incredible. People didn't just welcome a newspaper; they welcomed a lifeline. It was a stand for something bigger: that local journalism still matters and, when we protect it, we protect each other."

The Power of Print in a Digital Age

What has been the most challenging part of keeping a print newspaper alive in a supposedly digital-first era?

"Surprisingly, print remains strong in our community. There's something special about holding a newspaper in your hands. That said, we've had to embrace digital too: breaking news live on our website and CHCO-TV, and keeping our social media active. We do monthly deep dives into local stories and features you won't find anywhere else."

What Local Journalism Means

You've worked in international media and now run one of Canada's longest-running small-town newspapers. What does local journalism give you that national outlets haven't?

"Everything. Local journalism is the heartbeat of community. We don't just cover events — we're embedded in the lives of our neighbours and families. Local news holds power close to home, gives voice to people who might not otherwise be heard, and creates accountability — all because the journalist asking the questions lives right down the street. That real human connection is irreplaceable."

You often say that journalism is a public service, not just a job. What philosophy guides your decisions during The Courier's coverage, particularly on sensitive issues?

"When times get tough, stepping up isn't a choice — it's what we do. Journalism isn't about power or spectacle; it's about serving and celebrating our community's good. Taking on The Courier meant saving more than a paper; it meant preserving a vital public service. Bringing it back to life is one of the proudest achievements of my career."

Three Special Places

Impossible question coming up, but you have to pick three: "Vicki's choice" locations. What are your favorite places locally?

"My top spot — no surprise to people who know me — is Ministers Island in Saint Andrews. It's a tidal island, and when the tide is out, you can drive across; my mom Peggy works there too. It has incredible history and feels magical.

I think of Saint Andrews as a living museum. The Sheriff's house, the courthouse, the old jail — they're all still there. It's where I go to sit, think and feel connected to the universe. I love living on an island within an island within an island.

On Grand Manan, I always visit Swallowtail Lighthouse, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Every time I'm there, I'm reminded of how the community comes together. The whole island feels lost in time in the most magical way. Another favourite is Chocolate Cove on Deer Island. There's a beautiful coconut cream pie at The Spouted Whale, and I love being near the ferry terminal."

Finding Purpose in the Quiet Moments

"I love when I spot whales in the deep waters when you're on the shore, or having fish & chips at the Gables, or walking through Kingsbrae Garden. But what I love most: Roosevelt Campobello International Park — the only park in the world operated jointly by two countries. It offers a powerful reminder of our shared history between New Brunswick and Maine, even in tumultuous times globally."

What is next for you?

"I'm continuing my work with director Jeff Lynch on a new docu-series for CHCO-TV called TV by the Sea. It's a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into producing news at CHCO-TV and The Courier. It's basically everything people see on TV — and everything they don't."

What do you love most about what you do?

"What I love most is the sense of purpose. Telling a story for someone who might not otherwise have a voice on an issue that matters — that's a privilege. Local journalism creates a conversation between neighbours, builds trust, and it's part of the democratic process.

And I just love being here. I love the ocean. I love the quiet moments in the newsroom. I love meeting people, hearing their stories — strangers who aren't strangers for long. I love that my life and my work are part of the same story — and that I get to keep writing it every day, one page, one broadcast, one conversation at a time."

Photography by Jeff Lively
Instagram: @jeff_lively_worth
CHCO-TV and The Courier
YouTube: @CHCO-TV