It’s a wild week in the Ontario newspaper industry.
The presses have stopped for 71 community newspapers in Ontario following Metroland Media Group’s announcement last Friday that it is seeking bankruptcy protection. The move includes over 600 layoffs and the move to digital-only production for most of its newspapers, with only six newspapers continuing a print edition.
As laid out on our front page this week, Haldimand’s oldest newspaper, The Sachem, is among those who saw its final print edition last week. While The Haldimand Press has always naturally had a rivalry with The Sachem – vying for the community’s support and to beat them to the scoop – a historic paper closing its doors is not something we ever wish to witness.
To add salt to the wound, independently owned Glengarry News completely ceased production last week in an unrelated decision after over 130 years of coverage.
These closures have significant impacts on the communities they served.
First there’s the hundreds of people who have found themselves not only without work, but without even a severance payment to help hold them over while they get back on their feet. From delivery people to journalists to ad sales reps, in their first year or nearing retirement, a sudden layoff is always a shock. I feel for those who may have just bought a new home, had a baby, or other major life moments that they felt were securely financed by their work.
Then there’s the printers who have just as suddenly lost a major source of revenue. Our own printer is busy trying to find a way for his flyer customers to distribute their content on schedule, and eventually will have to sit down and see what impact these changes have to his bottom line. We await those calculations with bated breath to see how much of it will fall on our shoulders in the next printing rate adjustment.
Perhaps worst of all, if you can quantify it that way, is the permanent loss to local news across the province. Because I believe in the people who were laid off to find their way again, as difficult as this period will be for them. And I believe that the printers will adjust, like any business does to industry changes.
But when a smalltown loses its newspaper, there’s no making up for that. Community papers act as a physical, historical record. They act as a method of communication for local businesses, non-profits, and others to get the word out about upcoming events and recent happenings. They keep residents informed about the things that matter to them, from local politics to fundraisers and everything in between.
Sure, Metroland’s papers will continue to post articles online, but we all know that will never be the same. The Sachem’s work has long been tied up into its big brother’s website at The Spec, drowning stories important to Haldimand residents under dominant Hamilton news – and that says nothing for senior and rural residents with limited internet capabilities.
This turn with Metroland Media Group speaks to a need for independent newspapers. Maybe not all of those 71 papers would have survived as long as they did without a conglomerate taking the reins and streamlining processes for them, but some of them would still be alive today if they were given the choice. And, for those that would have closed anyways, perhaps they could have done it with a little more notice, a little more dignity, and with a moment to say goodbye to their readers.
At a time like this, The Haldimand Press is grateful to be locally owned and operated. Jillian and I answer to no one besides each other – and you, our readers.
Our paper’s mission is straight forward: to build and support the Haldimand community through excellent coverage of events and news in our local region. The importance of this mission has only been strengthened for us in the wake of this recent news.
We want to be clear – we remain here to serve our community. Whether you’re a resident looking to see what’s happening this week near home, or a business looking to reach our community, we’re ready to assist.
Thank you to every subscriber and advertiser who has continued to support The Haldimand Press and ensure our ongoing success in bringing our community the news that matters.
