The printed word still matters
Sadly, over the last 10 years, more than 200 newspapers have folded. Evidently, if people are still interested in the world around us, they’re increasingly getting their information from sources other than printed paper.
It was somewhat surprising, then, that when I joined the Canonsburg Borough office 14 years ago, one of my immediate assignments was to investigate the possibility of creating a daily or weekly newspaper just for the borough. A fine idea, perhaps, but not one that was sustainable without expending taxpayer money.
While there clearly was not enough advertising support in our small community to support such a daily endeavor, there was sufficient advertiser interest to develop a quarterly Canonsburg Magazine, which eventually became part of the Observer Publishing Company.
In a happy reversal of 21st-century newspaper trends, the Observer Publishing Co. has decided to expand Canonsburg Magazine from four to six editions per year. And, yes, the change truly does come about “due to popular demand.”
Advertisers increasingly prefer specialty publications to reach a targeted audience and six issues as opposed to four will provide advertisers the opportunity to reach Canonsburg residents in a more timely fashion.
Additionally, schools, businesses and organizations now provide so much information to Canonsburg Magazine that it’s become difficult to accommodate even their minimal needs on a quarterly basis.
While social media – fake news and all – has become a factor in the demise of newspapers, many people still prefer their morning coffee with, to borrow a line from a classic riddle, something that’s black and white and read all over. Catching up on the day’s news on a computer, Smartphone or iPad is still not quite the same or even acceptable for a segment of society.
Some people also still like to clip lists, such as activity schedules we publish here for the Frank Sarris Public Library or Canonsburg Town Park.
And while it’s admittedly exciting to have your photo appear on Facebook, there’s still nothing quite as impressive as seeing your name or your photo in a newspaper.
Of course, a newspaper also provides an ongoing written and/or photo history of major events such as Canonsburg’s Fourth of July and Oktoberfest celebrations, high school graduations, class reunions and continuing changes in the makeup of the downtown district and borough operation.
We hope you’ll enjoy the expanded opportunity to catch up on local news and events, and that you’ll continue to submit information on your school, organization or family.
You may submit an article to Canonsburg Magazine via email at thazlett67@gmail.com.