The growth of community papers over the years

Just wanted to single out for a moment, the Langley Advance, one of our member papers. This past Tuesday, Editor Bob Groeneveld wrote a column regarding the growth of community papers over the years, as the Advance celebrated its 78th anniversary. In comparison to the life expectancy of humans in Canada, Groeneveld comments how the Advance is doing quite well: “I expect the Advance will be here as long as Langley is. We just keep changing, growing with the community that gave us birth.”

And growing it is.

The history of the Langley Advance is quite similar to many of the BCYCNA member newspapers. Over the years community newspapers have evolved from news that was somewhat verbose in nature with little if any staff, to larger news conglomerates with relevant stories and advertising for communities, such as the community classifieds.

Groeneveld adds, “Business and community trends continue to shape the Advance’s destiny. Today’s big challenge is in the Internet.”

As technology moves forward, the trend in the industry has been online media as it can give the reader the most up-to-date news coverage. Many publications use their community newspaper website as an appendage to the print edition. As Groeneveld alludes to, it may be the print edition, which becomes the appendage to the online edition. In any case, may all the community newspapers continue to have success and growth in the future.

To read Groeneveld’s full story click HERE.