Fairfax Decision Will Damage Rural Communities

(Pictured Above: National President Fiona Gower) 

 RWNZ have responded to the recent news that Stuff is to close or sell 28 regional, provincial and rural newspapers.

Please read the media response as follows.

FAIRFAX DECISION WILL DAMAGE RURAL COMMUNITIES

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is shocked to hear that Fairfax is considering closing, or selling 28 regional, provincial and rural newspapers.

“The announcement today from Fairfax that 28 of their mastheads will be closing or sold to instead concentrate on digital revenue is short-sighted and irresponsible at best,” says National President, Fiona Gower.

“Rural, regional, and provincial newspapers and magazines are the lifeblood of New Zealand’s rural communities – many of which have little or no internet access.

“To rationalise rural and smaller community newspapers to deliver additional EBITDA by driving digital revenue shows a complete lack of understanding in the vital role of print in our rural communities.

“This decision by Fairfax means that the elderly and those without internet capability who rely on newspapers for news, public notices and other information, will miss out.

“This significant loss will result in further isolation for those living in rural areas.

“The last thing we need is to starve the rural sector of oxygen by shutting down newspapers, especially since everyday access to internet is not a reality for many of those who live in our rural communities.

“We are already seeing a decline in local and rural coverage, and today’s announcement by Fairfax is yet another lost opportunity to celebrate rural businesses and the rural women who contribute so much to their local community and economy.

“With this devastating news, I can’t help but ponder – what were they thinking?”, says Ms Gower.

Ends

To find the article to which we have responded, follow this link.

For more information, please contact:

National Office

Rural Women New Zealand

[email protected]