Despite a challenging start to the year in 2016, publications across the country are spreading the word about the enduring strength of Canadian newspapers. Publications large and small are adapting, evolving and demonstrating constant resilience and relevance in an ever-changing media landscape.
“Newspapers are the foundation of news dissemination in this country, and community newspapers are the grassroots of the news business,” writes editor Stephen Vance in an opinion piece for the Meaford Independent. And as technologies innovate and delivery platforms shift, newspapers – in all their forms – continue to be an integral source of information for Canadians. “Newspapers, especially hyper-local weeklies, are still an important part of a reader’s news diet,” asserts a recent editorial in the Oakville Beaver.
Newspaper advertising also continues to be a valuable resource for readers, especially when it comes to government notices and advertising. During a recent city council meeting in Maple Ridge, B.C., councilor Craig Speirs questioned the viability of advertising in community newspapers. The Maple Ridge News responded with a thoughtful editorial highlighting the fact that community newspapers are a reliable and effective vehicle for government messaging. Citing Newspapers Canada’s research on the subject, the article notes that newspaper ads are among the most trusted forms of advertising. “Newspapers remain the primary source for much of the information we consume about our cities, and advertisements display a community’s economic vitality.”
Finally, the editorial staff at the Waterloo Region Record praised the film Spotlight, a newspaper drama that earned Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards. The film demonstrates the important need for balanced and thorough investigative journalism in today’s modern world. “People still crave information. People still see the need for vigorous news media to keep them informed and help them make vital decisions,” the editorial reads. “Much of the most meaningful investigative journalism is done at the local level by local journalists.”
Are you hungry for more discussion about the industry’s ongoing challenges and opportunities? Join us this spring as newspaper executives and staffers from across the country come together in Edmonton to connect industry leaders and publishing peers at Newspapers Canada’s Annual Conference. The inspiring event is an excellent opportunity for daily and community newspapers to hear the latest innovative newsroom strategies and celebrate the best in community and daily publishing. To learn more about conference programming, speakers, awards galas, networking events, trade show opportunities and more, visit the main Conference webpage.
