As a small-town Alberta newspaper shuts down, others fight to stay alive
The East Central Alberta Review, a longstanding newspaper covering elections and issues in Coronation, Alta., for over a century, released its final edition last week. Established in 1911, the paper started circulating months before Coronation was officially incorporated into a town.
Throughout its 114 years of operation, the East Central Alberta Review reached 26,000 households across more than 90 communities east of Red Deer. Publisher and owner Joyce Webster, who has been with the newspaper for 44 years, expressed sadness over the closure, acknowledging the void it will leave in her life and the community. She mentioned that residents will no longer have access to local news, including updates on council meetings and crime reports.
Webster made efforts to sell the newspaper but was unsuccessful in finding a buyer. The decline in advertising revenue, largely due to the shift towards social media platforms, contributed to the publication’s financial challenges. Additionally, a change in Canada Post’s advertising mail policy further impacted the newspaper’s viability. The decision to stop delivering newspapers with commercial inserts to consumers who opted out of receiving advertising mail led to a significant loss in revenue for the East Central Alberta Review.
The closure of the East Central Alberta Review is part of a larger trend affecting local news outlets in Alberta. According to the Local News Research Project, 62 news organizations shut down in the province between 2008 and last month, while only 23 new outlets emerged during the same period. Across Canada, 529 local news outlets closed in 351 communities, reflecting the industry’s ongoing struggles.
Journalism instructor Tyler Nagel emphasized the importance of professional local news coverage, likening it to local fire departments that respond to emergencies. He highlighted the role of journalists in providing objective information and countering misinformation, particularly in times of crisis or controversy.
In the face of these challenges, newspapers like the Three Hills Capital and the Claresholm Local Press have persevered. Both publications, with roots dating back to the early 1900s, have adapted to the evolving media landscape. While they have encountered difficulties in generating advertising revenue and competing with social media, they remain committed to serving their communities.
Despite the closure of the East Central Alberta Review, the Three Hills Capital and the Claresholm Local Press are determined to continue publishing and serving their readers. These newspapers have weathered various crises in the past, demonstrating resilience and dedication to providing local news coverage. As the media landscape evolves, these publications remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering relevant and reliable information to their communities.
