The end of the print editions of the Daily Examiner, the Richmond River Express-Examiner, Coastal Views, and the Tweed Daily News, among others, has been described as “disappointing” by local NSW Nationals MPs.
The loss of these mastheads that have delivered news across the region for many, many years is very disappointing, according to Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis, who said it was also a timely reminder to celebrate the newspapers that have been serving locals for such a long time.
“The Daily Examiner, in particular, has been a fearless fighter for the Clarence Valley since its inception as the Clarence and Richmond Examiner in 1859,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“The ‘DEX‘ is known for its public campaigns, notably for a second Grafton bridge crossing, an ambulance station and health clinic in Yamba, a speed camera at Ulmarra and improvements to the Pacific Highway, all of which the Nationals have been able to convince the Government to deliver, in no small measure because of the newspaper’s loud and bold influence.
“And for a first in mainstream media, the DEX published an all-indigenous masthead edition ‘The Deadly Examiner‘ celebrating the Clarence Valley’s three Indigenous nations during Reconciliation Week and only yesterday produced a second edition.
“It is disappointing and perhaps short-sighted that the corporate owners have pulled the plug at a time when the Clarence Valley is growing and becoming more prosperous despite the coronavirus crisis.”
Mr Gulaptis also regretted the demise of the Richmond River Express-Examiner which he said provided vital home-delivered news to so many families in the Richmond Valley.
“I especially want to acknowledge its editor Susanna Freymark who has done a terrific job pulling together the weekly edition with professionalism and pride”, Mr Gulaptis said.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the reported end of the print edition of the Tweed Daily News was a sad occasion.
“Like all local politicians, I’ve copped my share of bad press in the Daily News, but I could never accuse it of not being fair and balanced and, like me, 100 per cent for the Tweed,” Mr Provest said.
Mr Provest said the newspaper had punched well above its weight since it was formed as the Tweed and Brunswick Advocate back in 1888.
“It became a daily newspaper in 1914, an extraordinary feat for a small rural business at the time,” Mr Provest said.
“It was also only the second daily newspaper in Australia to install an offset printing press back in 1970.
“I want to salute all the people who have worked at the paper over the decades, particularly now editor and former sports editor Bob Anthony who had dedicated most of his professional life to serving the Tweed community through the newspaper.
“I encourage readers and advertisers to support the digital edition and I also encourage local businesses to follow my lead and advertise in the independent Tweed Valley Weekly.”
Federal Nationals Member for Page Kevin Hogan said he was “very saddened” by the decision to cease printing local papers.
“There are people in our community who still rely on print to receive their news,” Mr Hogan said.
“I am also concerned about the job losses on our regional community.
“Thank you to all the staff at our local papers. Journalists, photographers, editors and advertising staff continue to play an important role in our community.”
