Frederick M. Fenety Paintings

Frederick M. Fenety, born in 1814, was a colonial printer and journalist in what is now Canada. He is historically notable for his role in the development of the newspaper industry in New Brunswick. Fenety began his career in printing as an apprentice in Halifax before moving to New Brunswick, where he would make his most significant contributions to the trade.

In 1834, Fenety moved to Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, and purchased the 'New Brunswick Reporter and Fredericton Advertiser,' which he managed and edited. He was an active participant in the public life of the colony and often used his publication as a platform to voice his political opinions and advocate for social reforms. Fenety's involvement in politics did not end there; he was also politically active outside of his journalistic endeavors and at one point served as the Queen's Printer for New Brunswick.

One of Fenety's most notable achievements was his innovation in the field of printing technology. He is credited with introducing the first steam-powered printing press to the Maritimes in 1842, significantly enhancing the efficiency of newspaper production in the region. This technological advancement allowed for the quicker dissemination of news and information, contributing to the growth of the newspaper as an essential medium for communication and public discourse in the colonies.

Despite facing several challenges, including financial difficulties and fires that destroyed his business premises, Fenety continued to be a prominent figure in the printing industry until his death in 1892. His contributions helped shape the early landscape of Canadian journalism, and he remains a significant figure in the history of New Brunswick's print media.