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OPINION: Please support Squamish journalism

A message from our publisher

The past six weeks have seen unprecedented change.

And like the vast majority of businesses in Squamish, we continue to struggle as our advertising revenues have maintained their free-fall.

We find ourselves in the most unusual situation where our product is in high demand (our page views hit 654,000 in the past 30 days and the number of minutes spent reading our print edition has gone up as people have more time with their newspaper delivered straight to their doorstep) and our journalists are busier than ever, but the advertising that we rely on to run our business falls far short of our costs.

A couple of weeks ago we spoke directly to our readers and asked them to pledge their support. The Squamish Chief went from a paid subscription newspaper to a free distribution just a few months ago, and with 100% of its income now coming from advertising, we can no longer operate sustainably; it’s not possible with many businesses closed and impacted financially. We’ve turned to the consumers of our award-winning journalism to contribute directly.

We are eternally grateful to all of the advertisers who have stayed with us and we hope you too show your gratitude by supporting those who support community journalism, in good times and tough times.

The businesses that are the backbone of our community deserve your support. They pay taxes locally, they employ our friends, neighbours and kids, and they sponsor the many, many events that go on throughout the year in our town.

They are struggling terribly right now and need the support of all of us. The slogan, “Shop Local,” means more now than ever.

Hundreds of individuals have pledged amounts anywhere from $5 to several hundred dollars at support.squamishchief.com or by joining our membership club at membership.squamishchief.com. If you’re unable to contribute online please call us at 604-892-9161 to make arrangements.

Funds raised stay right here in Squamish to support local journalism.

This past weekend The Squamish Chief won best newspaper in its circulation class at the BC & Yukon Community NewsMedia Awards.

We endeavour to be leaders in local journalism always, and look forward to continuing to serve Squamish for years to come.

We know there are brighter days ahead, and we’ll be working side by side with our community through it all. Stay safe.

Sarah Strother

The Squamish Chief publisher


 

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