To paraphrase a colleague of mine (a community newspaper/website Editor-in-Chief), it’s time to get positive. He recently circulated an article published in Convergence Magazine, produced by the Humber School of Media Studies magazine, highlighting the “good stuff” about community publishing. Needless to say, it was inspiring.

Lately, it seems each and every day I read (ironically, online) at least one doom and gloom opinion on the death of print newspapers. The frequency is increasing … and, particularly over the last couple of weeks or so, I’ve noticed one idea that has begun to creep into the conversation … that “online” is to blame.

Now just hang on a minute. Everyone … just … remain … calm.

These kinds of “online is to blame” claims really get to me; not all newspapers are created, nor operate, equal and shouldn’t be brushed with the same stroke.

Yes, there is an enormous amount of free content available online; but that doesn’t necessarily mean the death of print …not yet anyway. I know many people, both younger and older than myself, who enjoy the ritual and physicality of reading their morning newspaper(s).

The fact is, many of the oh-so-depressing laments on the death of the print newspaper is quite often within the context of the big major dailies. Mainstream dailies have failed at trying to be all things to all people, and that’s the rub.

There are millions of Canadians who get their news via community newspapers; they enjoy it, the content is extremely relevant to them, and they know what they’re reading isn’t being aggregated everywhere ad nauseam – including online. So, the following top ten list is more for those community-based and diversity publishers – but the big boys may be able to pick up a thing or two.

Top 10 Reasons why Community Publishers can remain calm …

(ok, relatively calm)

1. Your industry has experienced circulation growth over the last 2 years

2. Your coverage is local – stay the course

3. For the most part, Canadians choose their community newspaper over their “daily newspaper (in Ontario, it’s 69% to 44%)

4. Your coverage is unique – stay the course

5. Your free distribution model, if you have one, isn’t always affected by national declines

6. You know your community and your coverage is relevant to them (they know it!) – stay the course

7. You are in a position to grow because national/regional media is losing

8. Contrary to economic downturns, advertisers still use local/community publications

9. Weekly frequency, if you have one, isn’t necessarily a bad thing

10. You are a steward in your community – stay the course.

Now, the above isn’t meant to give local/community print publishers an automatic pass, let alone  permission to rest on their laurels. You need to figure out your online business model just like everyone else.

It’s still a fiercely competitive marketplace; and, sooner or later, the “big boys” may arrive at some sort of “local local local” solution.

But, never forget what separates you from the big boys … you are the ultimate “nouveau niche” … you have irresistible content that, for the most part, your readers cannot find anywhere else, including online.

And, never forget the added bonus you provide your readers: that you are a reflection of their community, and are in the community and truly accessible and not hidden by layers-upon-layers of bureaucracy and faceless editors.