The End of an Era: Baguio’s Historic Newspaper Shuts Down
Baguio City, one of the Philippines’ most well known cities, has recently witnessed the closure of its oldest newspaper after 77 years of operation. This significant event marks the end of an era for the local community, as the newspaper has been a reliable source of news and information for generations.
Historical Significance of the Newspaper
Founded in 1944, The Baguio Midland Courier has chronicled the evolution of Baguio City from a war-torn region during World War II to a bustling urban center. It has provided extensive coverage of local events, politics, societal changes, and cultural developments, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping the public discourse.
Reasons Behind the Closure
The decision to cease publication was influenced by multiple factors, including financial difficulties exacerbated by the global pandemic, a decline in print readership, and the rising costs of production. These challenges have made it increasingly unsustainable for the newspaper to continue its operations.
Financial Challenges
The financial landscape for print media has drastically changed in recent years. Advertising revenue, a primary source of income for newspapers, has significantly dwindled as businesses shift their marketing strategies towards digital platforms. Additionally, the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic further strained the newspaper’s financial stability.
Decline in Readership
The advent of digital media has transformed how people consume news. The preference for instant, online news has led to a steady decline in print readership. This trend has been particularly challenging for traditional newspapers that rely heavily on subscriptions and single-copy sales for revenue.
History of the Paper
The Baguio Midland Courier began circulation on April 28, 1947, with 200 copies.
It was founded by Sinai and Oseo Hamada who were the Japanese-Filipino sons of Josefa Cariño, one of the daughters of Mateo Cariño. Mateo was an Ibaloi chieftain who owned the land that was to become Baguio.
The Courier was Sinai’s brainchild two years after the war ended, but it was Oseo who handled its day-to-day business
Oseo, father of the newspaper’s current publisher, served as the business manager of the Courier, while Oseo’s sister, Cecile Okubo Afable, served as its editor in chief until she died in 2012 at the age of 95.
A message sent to readers was signed by the publisher:
Impact on the Community
The closure of Baguio’s oldest newspaper is a significant loss for the local community. For many residents, the newspaper was more than just a source of news; it was a historical record, a community voice, and a cultural touchstone.
Loss of Historical Archive
The newspaper’s archives are a valuable repository of the city’s history. The closure means that future generations may lose access to these historical records, which document the city’s development and the lives of its residents over the decades.
Community Voice Silenced
Midland Courier was a Sunday routine for many Baguio old-timers. Local newspapers play an essential role in providing a platform for community voices and issues that may not be covered by larger, national media outlets. The cessation of this publication leaves a gap in local journalism, that would hopefully be filled by social media outlets.
The end of Baguio’s oldest newspaper raises questions about the future of local journalism in the city. While the closure is a setback, it also presents an opportunity for innovation and adaptation to the digital age.
Embracing Digital Platforms
Local journalists and media organizations can leverage digital platforms to continue delivering news to the community. Online news portals, social media, and mobile applications offer new avenues for reaching audiences and sustaining local journalism.
Conclusion
The closure of Baguio’s oldest newspaper signifies a poignant moment in the city’s history. While it reflects broader challenges faced by traditional print media, it also highlights the resilience and adaptability of local journalism. By embracing digital innovations and alternative revenue models, the spirit of local journalism in Baguio can continue to thrive and serve the community in new and meaningful ways.
