What was once a staple at the breakfast table – a doorstep-delivered link to the outside world – is now often considered to be a relic of simpler times.
Many speculated that the arrival of the internet would see a complete end to print journalism. Who would care to read a 24-page paper about their own community when they could go online and access endless information from across the world? And even though print papers have suffered, they have not dissappeared.
There are still hardworking journalists across Canada who cover local politics, sports, weather and art. They bring you the faces, places and events that make a municipality a real community.
From a kitten rescue mission or a beaver crossing to a quarry proposal or a farm fire, your paper isn’t just writing for the community, it’s a part of it.
This week – Oct. 1-7, we celebrate National Newspaper Week, an initiative intended to remind readers, community members and even journalists themselves why the work of local newspaper is important. Newspaper journalism – local, provincial and national – is critical to democracy, to communities and to the future. Now, more than ever, news media needs support.
Join the movement. Go on Twitter or Facebook and let the world know why newspaper matter with the hashtag, #NowMoreThanEver.
P.S. October 1 is International Coffee Day. Coincidence? We think not.
–Nina Grossman, the Observer editor/reporter
Related: Newspapers matter, now more than ever
In honour of National Newspaper Week, the Observer asked readers why they love their local newspaper:
Sometimes its just nice to sit quietly with a warm coffee and read the newspaper, it seems more relaxing than the computer. no one to beep and send u a message and disturb you. Nice to read what is going on in the local community. What there is to do that week and whats coming up. Who passed and who was born. Any spicy gossip or interesting events. I live in Rosedale, and am a fan of Agassiz area.
–Elizabeth Gorman
Our local paper has been an excellent medium for informing residents in both Kent and Harrison of the proposed quarry permit application on Hot Springs Rd. It was a small notice in an edition which led myself to investigate further. [The Observer’s] coverage of the ongoing issue and the strategies of ‘Friends of Agassiz & Harrison Hot Springs’ has been well covered.
–Michie Vidal
Studies have been done that [people] retain more information when it’s read via book, newspaper etc, versus reading online. I enjoy actually turning pages and like the scent of newsprint. Community newspapers keep people in touch with others in their community, current events and general interest stories. Having worked for a small town newspaper, I love everything about having a local newspaper. Thanks for providing the community a voice and information!
–Andrea Chapman
A good cup of coffee with the newspaper is where you catch up on community events. I prefer paper to online but maybe that tells more as to which age bracket I fit into. There are those that don’t do computers or online so they don’t have opportunity to read or hear local news. Newspapers have been where I’ve found a class I wanted to take, a support group, a funeral announcement, or other important information that otherwise would have been missed.
–Doris Trelenberg
I’m always surprised when people say ‘they didn’t know about some local event or happening’. I say, ‘oh it was in The Observer’….usual reply…’I don’t bother reading that.’ I’ve been a local newspaper reader my whole life and it’s been and had, it’s ups and downs for local news. A prime example are municipal and Village informational events that people miss out on and then complain that ‘no one told them, or what’s happening or why is that happening’. Right now, you are making this an excellent source of local happenings and what is going on in our corner of the Valley. I would highly recommend the reading of The Observer either on paper or on line on a weekly basis. Thanks for the effort put in by you and the local newsgroup staff.
–Helen E. Eddy
I love to get the Observer - it is my main/only way to get local news, and the advertising inserts are very helpful to find the items I may want and the prices. Thanks for all you hard work in making the Observer a newspaper worth reading. Thank you.
–Mary-Anne Affleck
I look forward to seeing our local newspaper to see what’s happening locally. Also I moved to this town 2009, I would not have found things to do without the Community Corner!
–Bobbie Snowden
I love community Newspapers. In fact, I know that they are read because I ask how people hear about our Home and Garden Expos on a ballot to win some prizes. The choices include FB, Radio, Friends, TV and Newspaper…the 95% goes to Newspapers.
–Jo-Ann Whitman
I’ve been reading the Agassiz Advance weekly since 1960, when John Green was the editor. Before then I just looked at the pictures!
–Arthur Green
Reading a local paper is being informed about where you live, about your surroundings, about people you know and people you may need to know. The paper can give you insights to what you may want to pursue, what events [are on] as well. You will find out what your taxes might be doing for your community, why they might be on the increase, and valuable meetings you should attend. It may tell you where the garage sales will be held on Saturday, so one can map a route on your way around junk heaven. Bargains await!
–Dave Brooks
Thanks for all the great comments! The Observer is happy to serve such a great community with so many loyal readers.