Source: j-source.ca
By Kelly Toughill, Business of Journalism editor
Canadian newspapers gave readers a sharp reminder this week that advertisers – not subscribers – still rule the show in print.
Four Postmedia newspapers and the Globe and Mail cancelled Labour Day publication because of low ad sales, theCanadian Press reported. Globe and Mail advertisers found out weeks ago about the change, but readers only learned Tuesday that they will not have a paper at the door Monday morning. Globe and Mail publisher and CEO Phillip Crawley said a few readers have complained about the cancellation – and the reason for it.
“Some (readers) have said, ‘Hey, what’s this about you saying it’s lack of advertising?’” Crawley said. “Well I think a dose of reality is not a bad thing. That’s the truth of the situation, so let’s not pretend it’s any other.”