The human tragedy of shutting down a community newspaper

ARMCHAIR MAYOR SAYS — I heard Kamloops Daily News reporter Michele Young and columnist Jack Knox being interviewed by Shelley Joyce on CBC this morning about the closure of the paper.

Shelley asked both of them what possibilities there are for the Daily News reporters and editors who must now seek other employment. It wasn’t an easy question to answer.

This is one of the tragedies of this shutdown. The KDN newsroom has a lot of very experienced journalists, plus some newer talents. They all know a lot about what they do. They’re really good at it.

Newsroom jobs are a specialty. Most other jobs in the paper are portable. A good sales rep can sell ice cubes in Alaska or space heaters in the desert. Those who design and produce ads and look after the technical end of the operation have a good shot at being able to apply their skills in other jobs here in town. Those who keep the books, likewise. It won’t be easy for them, of course, and I don’t under-estimate what they must be feeling right now.

When the paper shut down its press and exported its printing to Vernon, it was tough for the press guys. Most found work elsewhere but some had to leave town.

The news folks have a similar challenge. They could, theoretically, go back to school or somehow transform themselves to new skill sets and start whole new careers. They don’t want to. They love what they do. They live and breathe it. They arrive at work every day with adrenalin pumping and ready to go.

I’ve never known a journalist who was in it for the money. You can make a decent living as a reporter or editor these days, but you definitely don’t get rich.

So what do they do now? A very few might find work in one of the other local media but it’s tight everywhere. Some will be in demand for their editing and design skills at much bigger newspapers in bigger cities. Some will probably find work at smaller, weekly newspapers, or maybe at online publications. I’m quite certain Glacier Media will look for such opportunities for them, just as it did for the press crew.

Some could go to what we call “the dark side” — corporate or public communications. Or, they could freelance.

There’s so much talent and experience there I’m positive they’ll find other employment. Anybody who has lost a job knows how it feels. But the crew in the Daily News newsroom has an extra burden. They committed themselves to Kamloops, and they committed themselves, heart, soul and body to The Daily News. Not just to any newspaper. To that one. Not just any city. Ours.

That’s what they face losing. Their loss is ours. It is a tragedy, for them and for the community.