Rick MacLean is talking about the announcement on Thursday that SaltWire Network Inc. purchased 28 newspapers in Atlantic Canada, including The Guardian and Summerside’s Journal-Pioneer.
MacLean said he didn’t feel as though TC Media, The Guardian’s former owner, was as committed to journalism as it should have been.
“I wasn’t seeing the level of investment from the previous owner that you would expect for ongoing operations and that’s usually a sign that people are gathering up whatever profits they can get their hands on and heading out the door,’’ MacLean said. “The real issue for me is if you want to sell someone a product and your product is news then you have to make it as good as you possibly can. I never understood the logic which was the way to make newspapers prosperous is to cut in the face of declining revenue.’’
Rosanne Macdonald, former editorial writer with The Guardian, said SaltWire is going to enjoy having The Guardian among its list of businesses.
“The Guardian has always had such an enduring presence on the Island and in the Island community,’’ Macdonald said. “It has been such a prominent player in matters of public issues and reporting on those of which are of interest to Islanders.’’
Macdonald referred to The Guardian’s recent special edition, The Price of Poverty, as proof of the influence it can have on the community.
“I certainly hope the owners recognize the gem that they have.’’
Penny Walsh McGuire, executive director of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, said the media play an integral role for the business community.
“They’re great partners in how we share our message and share the value of business in the community,’’ Walsh McGuire said, adding that the chamber welcomes SaltWire to the community.
“(Media) are a communication channel but they’re also a way of keeping us informed and keeping our members informed.’’
Charlottetown Deputy Mayor Mike Duffy said he’s happy to hear it will be business as usual at The Guardian.
“We are pleased that The Guardian will continue operation as usual in downtown Charlottetown and believe that Atlantic Canadian ownership (SaltWire) will enhance connections with our neighbouring provinces,’’ Duffy said.
Patti Devine, a long-time reader, said she looks for the byline on the story. If it’s local she’s interested, if not she ignores it.
Devine said she wants local news about issues and events in her community and how they impact her life, her family’s life and her neighbours.
“I can’t overestimate the importance of newspapers in informing and shaping public opinion about issues that matter, especially in the era of 140 characters and emojis,’’ Devine said. “The recent poverty issue is a case in point. Being informed through balanced, in-depth reporting allows a community to take action, to help when help is needed and to have a measure of influence over the type of community we live in.’’
