A message from the publisher
Bob Covey and I started discussing the future of community media in the spring of 2019.
I reached out to Bob in his capacity as a successful entrepreneur in the challenging business of community media. We discovered that we share a passion for quality journalism and for keeping community media viable.
At the time, I was working on the launch of a new model for digital-only community media for Torstar, owners of 80+ community newspapers and The Toronto Star. Community newspapers across Canada are fighting for their existence. Since 2008, 344 community newspapers across Canada have closed and only 65 have opened, for a net loss of 279. The growth in online community news has not offset this trend, with a net gain of only 62 new digital news outlets. Service reductions have hit many of the remaining community newspapers. The result: a decline in responsible coverage of our communities; loss of community-centered communications channels; and a greater fallback to social media, which is not filling the gaps.
Let me be clear: the loss of community media is a crisis for small towns across Canada.
Jasper has been served by several community newspapers over the decades. In 2013 The Jasper Local was launched.
Now, after a brief hiatus, we are thrilled to announce the re-launch of The Jasper Local in an all-digital format, delivered through app and web. Our technology partner, Innocode, has extensive experience in community media in the Nordic countries, with over 150 media outlets running on their platform.
Some parts of The Jasper Local will be the same. Coverage of local and regional issues remains unchanged, except that our stories can now be published more frequently, instead of every two weeks.
Useful new features include a comprehensive events calendar, local classifieds, personal announcements, updates from community groups, special offers from local businesses, and quick links to information to help plan your day.
We are community media and not social media. There are no algorithms deciding what you see. You personalize your own experience, by deciding to follow specific event organizers or community groups. When groups you follow post an update, you will be notified. You can change these settings at any time: follow every group or none.
Unlike social media, our goal is not to have you spend all of your time on our App. The Jasper Local aims to inform you about local news, to increase connection within the community and to be a useful tool for organizing, informing and enjoying life in Jasper. Find out what you need to know, quickly and efficiently, so that you can get back to your life.
The Jasper Local is your forum. Create an account for your local organization and post articles about the good work you are doing. Wish your sister happy birthday! Sell those skis you don’t need to someone in town. Visit a local business when they offer a new product or a daily special.
And, above all, tell us what you think. What would you like to see added to our quick links? Do we need another category in classifieds? How can we make it easier to use?
Welcome back to The Jasper Local!
Andrea Ziegler // andrea@ravencommunitymedia.com
