An Event in Our Town's Business

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "First Things First":

What do you think of the sale of the Auroran?

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I thinks it's the end of a chapter. The Auroran is very much a creation of its publisher. It was something of  a marvel which  would not have been possible thirty years ago.  It took the place of something that   literally vanished.Modern technology is the reason for its existence.

The sale is not a surprise. We knew Ron was interested in selling it. It won't change as long as he's in charge of it. Essentially, a newspaper is an advertising machine. News items are a bonus for the reader
They are also  the reason a newspaper gets past the re-cycling box  into the house.

I don't know much about what happens in other communities.If other publications like Ron's appeared or if it's unique. It's obviously not clear if the new owner's intent is to continue the paper as we know it.

After the Banner  was sold it continued and actually improved as a newspaper for a while.  Then when all other  competition  vanished , it hardly even  pretended. If another little publication popped up, it was quickly snapped up and snuffed.

So , now we have to wait and see what are  the plans of the owners.Apparently, they bought  a few other surviving small newpapers in this part of the Province.

Maybe they are planning an all -out battle with Metroland for control of the print media. Maybe its amonopoly. Maybe an oligarchy. Who knows?

It's not likely to change  as  long as its creator is in charge for another year. It will give him a chance to discover if he really wants to let go of something that has been part of his life since he was a mere boy.
Being a newspaperman is not like any other job. Creating one and making it a success  has to carry with it a special satisfaction.

Not owning it any more is an unknown quantity.

That's what I think about it.

What I feel about it is sadness. It's the end of something positive in the community.What will  emerge, if anything, remains to be seen. But not for a year yet.

I wish Ron and Patricia and all the great  family at The Auroran well in their future endeavours.

Onward  and Upward,