Postmedia has announced its decision to discontinue print editions of six northern Ontario newspapers by the end of October. The affected newspapers include the Sudbury Star, North Bay Nugget, the Sault Star, the Timmins Daily Press, the Elliot Lake Standard, and Espanola’s Mid-North Monitor. These publications will transition to digital-only formats. Additionally, the Cochrane Times-Post will cease publication completely. Postmedia will also close its printing press in North Bay, impacting around 11 employees at that location.
Steve Serviss, Postmedia’s vice-president of news for medium and regional markets, confirmed these changes in a message to readers published in the Timmins Daily Press. He mentioned the introduction of a new weekly print publication called Northern News This Week, which will be delivered to subscribers via mail. This publication will feature local reporting from various regions, including Timmins, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Kirkland Lake, Elliot Lake, and Espanola.
The company assured that no editorial positions would be lost during the shift away from print. Postmedia also plans to enhance the digital editions of its northern Ontario publications with an updated web presence. Sudbury Star reporter Harold Carmichael expressed little surprise at the news, citing low print circulation numbers and the preference of loyal readers for daily newspapers.
Retired Sudbury Star reporter Bob Vaillancourt expressed sadness over the end of the newspaper’s print edition, attributing the decision to a corporate pursuit of profits. Vaillancourt recalled the newspaper’s significant staff numbers in the past compared to the current small team of reporters working remotely. John Miller, a journalism professor, highlighted the potential impact of ending print editions on readership and civic engagement.
Postmedia’s move away from print editions leaves smaller independent publications like the Enterprise in Iroquois Falls, the Temiskaming Speaker, and the Manitoulin Expositor as the main sources of physical newspapers in the region. Alicia McCutcheon, publisher of the Manitoulin Expositor, expressed disappointment at Postmedia’s decision and emphasized the historical importance of community newspapers in preserving local records.
