The Kamloops Daily News: A History of Local Journalism in British Columbia
For decades, The Kamloops Daily News served as a primary source of information for the residents of Kamloops, British Columbia. As a daily broadsheet—a large-format newspaper typically associated with comprehensive news coverage—it documented the growth and evolution of the region from the early 20th century until its eventual closure.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1931 as the Kamloops Shopper.
- Final Publication Date: January 11, 2014.
- Peak Circulation: 12,000 daily copies.
- Final Owner: Glacier Media.
- Headquarters: 393 Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC.
The Evolution of a Local Publication
The journey of the publication began in 1931 when George Duncan Brown established it as the Kamloops Shopper. The paper underwent several ownership and branding changes in its early years, transitioning to the Kamloops Advertiser in 1937 under the leadership of George Dawson and Watt Francis.
Throughout the 1960s, the publication expanded its scope. In 1963, it began integrating news items into its content, moving beyond simple advertisements. This shift led to a series of name changes: it became the North Kamloops News Advertiser in 1965, and shortly after, the Kamloops News Advertiser in 1966.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Growth and Frequency
The publication's frequency increased steadily to meet growing demand. By 1968, it moved to a twice-weekly schedule, which increased to three times a week just two months later. In 1973, the word "Advertiser" was officially removed from the title. By 1982, the paper was published Monday through Friday, and by 1986, it achieved a six-day-a-week publication cycle, officially adopting the name The Kamloops Daily News.
The final major operational shift occurred in 1995, when the newspaper transitioned to morning delivery for the residents of Kamloops.
Ownership and Corporate Transitions
The Kamloops Daily News was part of a larger corporate landscape. For a significant period, it was one of the final Canadian properties owned by Hollinger Inc., a media conglomerate led by Conrad Black. In 2006, Hollinger sold its remaining Canadian assets to the Vancouver-based Glacier Ventures International, which later became known as Glacier Media.
Under Glacier Media, the paper continued its operations with Tim Shoults as publisher and Mel Rothenburger as editor.
The End of an Era
Despite its long history, the newspaper succumbed to the economic pressures facing the print media industry. On January 6, 2014, the Daily News announced it would close within 60 days, citing economic reasons. The final edition was published on January 11, 2014.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Broadsheet |
| Language | English |
| Daily Circulation | 12,000 |
| Final Publisher | Tim Shoults |
| Final Editor | Mel Rothenburger |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Kamloops Daily News founded?
The publication was founded in 1931, originally operating under the name Kamloops Shopper.
Who owned the newspaper before Glacier Media?
Before being acquired by Glacier Media in 2006, the paper was owned by the media conglomerate Hollinger Inc., owned by Conrad Black.
What was the daily circulation of the paper?
The newspaper had a daily circulation of 12,000 copies.
Why did The Kamloops Daily News cease publication?
The newspaper announced its closure on January 6, 2014, citing economic reasons as the primary cause.
What were the previous names of the newspaper?
The paper was known as the Kamloops Shopper, the Kamloops Advertiser, the North Kamloops News Advertiser, and the Kamloops News Advertiser before becoming The Kamloops Daily News.