Despite a local fundraising campaign launched this month, the Whitehorse Star newspaper will cease publication on May 17, as announced by its owners, Michelle and Melanie Pearce. The owners have made clear that they are not interested in potential buyers, stating, ‘It is what it is. We hung on as long as we could. And it’s time,’ according to Michelle.
The decision sparked a passionate local effort to save the paper, including an online fundraising campaign. However, Max Fraser, a former employee of the Star, stated that those efforts have been paused as they transition to ‘plan B,’ which involves creating a new newspaper to fill the void left by the Star.
Fraser expressed disappointment at not being able to speak directly with the owners, who have requested communications to be handled through lawyers. He noted that the message received was clear, and their decision and request for privacy must be respected.
As of Monday, donations to the campaign had reached approximately $17,000. Fraser indicated that he will not receive the funds until 15 days after the campaign ends, at which point he will return the money if ‘plan B’ does not proceed.
Melanie Pearce highlighted the significant challenges facing the paper, primarily the scarcity of advertising income, making it financially unsustainable. All five shareholders are reportedly in agreement about the closure.
The owners emphasized that they had no involvement in the fundraising efforts and stated, ‘We never asked to be saved.’ Their message to those желающих to save the paper was straightforward: ‘Move on. Leave us alone.’
They are preparing to vacate the building, including removing the printing press and typesetter, with the property scheduled to be sold and emptied by the end of June.
While Fraser remains hopeful about the potential for a new newspaper, he acknowledged that nothing is guaranteed at this time. He expressed concern about the community’s loss if a replacement paper does not emerge.
