For over 50 years, Gerald Tracey has been the driving force behind the Eganville Leader, handling everything from writing articles to mowing the lawn. Now, he’s ready to hand over control.
This weekly community newspaper, serving Renfrew County since 1944, has been a part of his family for decades. After dealing with some health challenges, Tracey revealed last year that the Leader would shut down this month unless a buyer could be found.
“It’s been like a year-long wake,” Tracey said. “People were really, really devastated about the pending closure and they were mourning the loss of the paper … not just to the Eganville community, but the wider Renfrew County community.”
After months filled with uncertainty and potential buyers backing out, readers saw on Wednesday’s front page: “The Leader is sold!”
The newspaper will now be run by two companies from southwestern Ontario – London Publishing Inc. and the Aylmer Express, who will share ownership equally. Tracey mentioned he’s previously collaborated with both companies.
“Our strategy is to change nothing; it is one of the best weekly newspapers in Canada and we hope that it stays that way for years to come,” said Ray Stanton, owner of London Publishing Inc., in an email to CBC.
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The front page of this week’s Eganville Leader announced the news in bold red type. (The Eganville Leader)
Tracey noted that people reacted quickly upon hearing this news. He even received calls and emails from places as far away as Australia and Ireland. (The Leader publishes an online edition as well as its printed version.)
“It’s their weekly letter from home; it’s their connection to the Ottawa Valley. It’s heart-warming to hear that, so for that reason I’m very glad that it’s going to continue because there would not have been any way of keeping people connected,” Tracey told CBC on Wednesday.
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124-year tradition
According to Tracey, most readers of the Leader tend to be older folks who prefer getting their local news through traditional means rather than social media. Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy expressed her happiness regarding the new ownership of the Leader. “For those that like to get their Eganville Leader in paper form every week, those people are going to be so happy about it. It’s been a great day so far; the excitement is palpable,” she told CBC on Wednesday. “In a small town environment, we have personal relationships with the staff and I’m just so pleased that they are going to continue doing the work that they love to do.” Since its start in 1902, this publication has won numerous awards in community journalism. It currently boasts around 3,600 paid subscribers along with several hundred online subscribers according to Tracey. The remaining copies are available at newsstands. Tracey stated that now begins their mission to grow and renew their subscriber base knowing full well that Eganville Leader will carry on.Source link
