Great West: A History of Community Journalism in Alberta
The landscape of local news in Alberta has been significantly shaped by Great West, a media entity born from a blend of family-run dedication and corporate partnership. From its roots in a single community newspaper to managing a network of weekly publications, the company's trajectory reflects the evolving nature of the Canadian printing and publishing industry.
The Foundations of Great West
Great West was established in 1995 as a strategic partnership between Southam Inc. and the Jamison family. The Jamisons brought a deep legacy to the venture, having owned the St. Albert Gazette since 1966. While the Gazette was founded in 1961 and operated as a family business, it maintained a high standard of professional journalism. A notable milestone in the paper's early history was the production of a daily newspaper specifically for the 1978 Commonwealth Games held in Edmonton.
The relationship between the Jamisons and Southam began well before the formal creation of Great West. In 1988, the Gazette partnered with Southam to print suburban editions of Neighbours—a publication of the Southam-owned Edmonton Journal—alongside television inserts and color comics for both the Journal and the Calgary Herald.
Expansion and Corporate Evolution
Over the subsequent 15 years, Great West aggressively expanded its portfolio, eventually growing its holdings to include 20 weekly newspapers across Alberta. This growth occurred amidst a shifting corporate landscape; for instance, Southam was acquired by Hollinger Inc. in 1997.
A major structural shift occurred in 2005 when Jamison Newspapers bought out its original partner. Simultaneously, the company sold a 50% stake in Great West to Glacier Media. To support its growing operations, the company invested $25 million into a modern office and printing plant located in Campbell Business Park.
Strategic Shifts and Market Consolidation
The company frequently adjusted its holdings to optimize market position. In 2010, Great West engaged in a newspaper swap with Black Press. As part of a larger deal involving Glacier selling several British Columbia newspapers to Black, Great West acquired the Rocky Mountain Outlook in Canmore and divested the Red Deer Express, which had been competing with Black's daily Red Deer Advocate.
During this same period, Glacier Media operated a competing award-winning weekly in St. Albert called the Saint City News. Great West purchased the publication in 2010 but ultimately closed it in 2011, citing a decline in advertising revenue.
By 2012, Great West expanded its role in the industry beyond publishing into large-scale printing services. In August of that year, the company announced a deal with Postmedia to print the Edmonton Journal, with production moving to the Great West facility in late spring 2013.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1995 as a partnership between Southam Inc. and the Jamison family.
- Core Asset: The St. Albert Gazette (founded 1961, Jamison-owned since 1966).
- Peak Reach: Expanded to 20 weekly newspapers across Alberta.
- Infrastructure: Invested $25 million in a Campbell Business Park printing plant.
- Major Partnerships: 50% ownership stake held by Glacier Media since 2005; printing contract with Postmedia starting in 2013.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | St. Albert Gazette founded | Origin of the primary family asset. |
| 1988 | Southam Partnership | Began printing suburban editions and inserts. |
| 1995 | Great West founded | Formal partnership between Jamisons and Southam. |
| 2005 | Glacier Media Entry | Jamisons bought out Southam; sold 50% stake to Glacier. |
| 2010 | Black Press Swap | Acquired Rocky Mountain Outlook; sold Red Deer Express. |
| 2013 | Postmedia Contract | Edmonton Journal printing moved to Great West facility. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Great West founded?
Great West was founded in 1995 as a partnership between the Jamison family and Southam Inc.
What is the history of the St. Albert Gazette?
The Gazette was founded in 1961 and has been owned by the Jamison family since 1966. It is known for professional journalism, including producing a daily paper for the 1978 Commonwealth Games.
How did Great West's ownership change over time?
Originally a partnership with Southam, Jamison Newspapers bought out Southam in 2005 and subsequently sold a 50% stake in Great West to Glacier Media.
Why was the Saint City News closed?
After being purchased by Great West from Glacier in 2010, the Saint City News was closed in 2011 due to a decline in advertising revenue.
What printing services does Great West provide for other publications?
In 2012, Great West struck a deal with Postmedia to print the Edmonton Journal, with operations beginning in the late spring of 2013 at their Campbell Business Park facility.