It’s a week that is being recognized by the industry, but hopefully it’s one that can stay alive for years and can resonate with newspaper readers across Canada.
National Newspaper Week is Oct. 4-10 — and it comes at a most difficult time for the industry.
Social media, the hit on the economy and changing times have impacted newspapers across the country.
Some have called it a sunset industry — it’s best days are behind them, like Shane riding off into the sunset at the close of the classic western.
However, newspapers continue to be of importance in communities, especially smaller communities.
Often, representatives of a community paper are the lone people in the gallery at town council, school board or other public meetings.
The newspapers are a key cog in providing, hopefully, objective, informative stories for the readers to make insightful decisions within the community.
However, the newspaper goes beyond reporting on board meetings and other official goings-on.
It also has to capture the spirit of the community.
Okotoks is more than just town council approving bylaws or setting taxes.
It’s also about a small community pulling together to ensure a turkey dinner tradition continues; it’s about young athletes making a national team and of students painting rocks to make their town’s residents feel a little happier.
All these stories deserve to be captured in a the community newspaper.
So, this Thanksgiving, sit back, enjoy your family and friends in a safe atmosphere and maybe read the newspaper.
Hopefully, that is a tradition that will continue for years to come.
Happy Thanksgiving.
