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Lunch & Lecture: Paul MacNeill – Newspapers
September 8, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Small town media play an essential role in the life and development of the communities they serve. In many
cases the local radio station or community newspaper is the only media solely dedicated to covering local
news and events.
In the past decade hundreds of papers in Canada have closed or been consolidated. Most, but not all, are
corporately owned. Many corporate decisions are made in the best interest of the corporation, not the
community. When a paper stops publishing, democratic oversight is reduced, and community stories and
events go uncovered. Social media is no replacement.
In the last 20 years Amazon has changed every Main Street in Canada. Facebook and Google control 80 per
cent of the $14 billion total annual digital ad spend in this country. The business of news is changing. The
importance of local news is more important than ever. How we ensure the sustainability of local news is an
evolving question.
The Eastern Graphic is one of the most honoured community newspapers in Canada. Our print and e-edition
circulation are at an historic high. But we are not immune to challenges facing local outlets, including a lack of
public trust in ‘media.’
This chat will offer a brief history of The Graphic and its unique position in Prince Edward Island, as well as
into the business of local news, thoughts on where we are headed and why it should matter to every resident
of this province.
Bio: Paul MacNeill is co-owner and publisher of Island Press Limited in Montague. Founded in 1963, Island
Press publishes Eastern Graphic, West Prince Graphic, Island Farmer and Atlantic Post Calls. MacNeill is an
award-winning political commentator and reporter whose work has earned more than 60 regional, national and
international awards. In 2023 The Graphic was a finalist for the Michener Award for Meritorious Public Service
Journalism for its groundbreaking series Through the Cracks that examined mental health and addiction on
PEI. The Michener is Canada’s equivalent to the Pulitzer Prize.
For reservations, please email macphailhomestead@gmail.com or book online on Zeffy.