J-Source

Community newspapers: We’re doing just fine, thanks

Community newspapers are not experiencing the same calamitous upheaval that North American dailies are struggling with. In fact, local papers such as those owned by Metroland and Black Press are in the midst of a transformation and Suburban Newspapers of America is going to document the statistics to prove it.  Community newspapers in North America…

Community newspapers are not experiencing the same calamitous upheaval that North American dailies are struggling with. In fact, local papers such as those owned by Metroland and Black Press are in the midst of a transformation and Suburban Newspapers of America is going to document the statistics to prove it. 

Community newspapers in North America are not experiencing the calamitous upheaval that’s dogging daily newspapers, according to the Suburban Newspapers of America (SNA) trade association, which represents community newspaper owners, including Canada’s Metroland Media Group and Black Press. “Our newspapers are not suffering from massive layoffs, double digit declines and loss of market share,” SNA chairman Jack Robb is quoted as saying in a recent press release. “In fact, we are in the midst of the most exciting transformation in our history. We need to get that story out there.” In an effort to create an investment and advertising climate for its members that’s distinct from the daily side of the industry, the SNA says it has started compiling industry-wide statistics on community newspapers and will report the results quarterly.

[node:ad]