Saskatchewan Party leadership hopeful Ken Cheveldayoff says the province should look at advertising in local newspapers more extensively.
In a release issued Monday Cheveldayoff said having travelled to over 100 communities during the leadership campaign he has witnessed first-hand the enormous contribution and value of community newspapers across the province. He stated he recognizes that “community papers not only serve the community by providing information, but, they also create an important sense of connection and belonging.” For many people in rural and small-town Saskatchewan, their community newspaper is their only source of easily accessible and reliable local news.
That said Cheveldayoff said it is also a case where, like other print media today, community newspapers across the province are struggling, with many being forced to close.
Often, advertising revenues are the key factor in determining whether a newspaper survives or not, noted the release.
Cheveldayoff said he is committed to supporting community newspapers through increased advertising. If elected as Saskatchewan Party Leader, he said he will encourage all Government Ministries, Agencies, Departments, Crowns, and Commissions to increase newspaper advertising, as appropriate, particularly in the form of Paid Public Notices. These notices will be viewed as vital information pieces, which in some cases may only be accessed through the local newspaper.
Cheveldayoff told Yorkton This Week the revenue from such advertising would be a huge help to the newspaper business.
“Traveling around the province talking to newspaper they really feel that lack of revenue (from government ads),” he said, adding he believes purchasing such ads would provide “good bang for the buck” for the government.
Cheveldayoff said he recognizes local newspapers are well read, and that means people seeing government advertising.
“When I go to someone’s home in rural Saskatchewan, if I look around their kitchen or living room I’ll find the local newspaper,” he said.
With Saskatchewan newspapers reaching over 500,000 readers across Saskatchewan (according to the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association) this will ensure much greater access to crucial information. Advance notice of important events, such as planned power outages or flu shot clinics, will allow residents to make more informed decisions to improve their lives.
Not only will this initiative greatly assist community newspapers, and their readers, but it will support and strengthen communities themselves. Local newspapers provide jobs, and support other businesses by purchasing local goods and services. In addition, these papers can become important historical keepsakes for their communities.
