In an age where the publishing industry is having to reassess where it is going and adapt to more and more readers accessing their information in an online format, the industry is having to either adapt or face the reality of extinction.
In an article printed by the Newspapers Community Association for British Columbia and the Yukon (BCYCNA), Warren Buffett states that the loyalty that community newspapers experience from their readership will allow these newspapers to stay strong well into the future.
This is good news for a community paper such as the Lake Cowichan Gazette. Even so, small papers such as this one still must make use of Facebook and other social mediums to engage readers and keep them informed, which in itself is a task now added to the daily workings of any newspaper.
The article, found on the BCYCNA website, states that national newspapers are losing sales and are cutting editorial costs in an effort to increase revenue, while local newspapers are beefing up editorial which retains newspaper readership.
Local newspapers enjoy this loyalty from their readership because a local paper reflects the communities in which they reside. If it were not for local events, community initiatives, committees, schools, and other such organizations and events, a local paper would be moot.
However, with cutbacks and consolidations happening across North America, the resources any media outlet has to cover the news and events of any community are dwindling, just look at the CBC for example. Since budget cuts for the company were announced, many of the CBC’s programs have been cut and long-time radio personalities and reporters have been let go.
This means that media outlets, especially those in smaller communities, are relying on the public to bring them their news in an effort to keep the public at large informed, and keep their readers engaged.
As well, this local input and story sourcing allows publishers, editors, and other staff to more effectively juggle the many hats they must now wear.
We here at the Gazette appreciate the effort made by Cowichan Lake residents to keep us informed, so we can keep the public informed. If you have a newsworthy story, an event, or know of an individual that should be highlighted as contributing to the community in some way, don’t hesitate to send us an email at editor@lakecowichangazette.com, or phone us at 250-749-4383.
