Guardians of local news: How QCNA champions English community newspapers in Quebec
Tashi Farmilo
The Quebec Community Newspapers Association (QCNA) is quietly spearheading a vital mission in preserving the integrity and vibrancy of local journalism. From its office in Gatineau, QCNA serves as the voice of English minority media in Quebec, dedicated to the professional and economic development of local newspapers that keep our communities informed and connected. These newspapers reach almost 325,000 readers, providing them with the news that matters most to their lives.
QCNA’s mission is particularly significant in today’s challenging media landscape. English and bilingual community newspapers in Quebec face declining subscriptions as older generations pass on and younger readers turn to digital media. Restrictive language laws make English advertising difficult, and the struggle to recruit and retain skilled journalists is ever-present. But QCNA is undeterred, employing robust advocacy and outreach to meet these challenges head-on.
“We are committed to ensuring that the voices of English-speaking communities in Quebec are heard,” says Amanda Hansen, Program Coordinator at QCNA. “Our newspapers play a crucial role in delivering local news that might otherwise go unreported.”
One of QCNA’s strategies is encouraging member newspapers to expand their digital offerings, ensuring they remain relevant and accessible to younger audiences. The association also fosters direct engagement with students in secondary and post-secondary programs, nurturing the next generation of journalists and readers.
At the federal level, QCNA is an active member of the Consortium of Official Language Community Media, advocating for the interests of minority media. Current efforts include pushing for the reinstatement of federal advertising in community media, making the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) a permanent program, and participating in discussions about distributing Google journalism funds under the federal Online News Act.
QCNA’s marketing and promotional efforts continue to support member newspapers, even as national and provincial advertising declines. The association still places ads and distributes targeted promotional inserts highlighting the quality journalism produced by its members.
Forging partnerships is another critical area where QCNA excels. After overcoming staffing issues, the association now focuses on outreach with key partners, including other official language groups, media associations, and educational programs. These partnerships enhance the support network for member newspapers, ensuring they continue to thrive.
Recent successes underscore QCNA’s impact. The 44th Annual AGM and Better Newspapers Awards Competition was a significant event, bringing together 28 delegates from publications across Quebec for strategic planning. Funded by a grant, this gathering allowed members to discuss their priorities and share insights. The LJI program, funded by Canadian Heritage, has also had a profound impact, producing over 10,000 official language civic journalism articles since 2019, enriching local communities with quality English content.
Amanda Hansen, QCNA’s Program Coordinator, plays a crucial role in these efforts. From coordinating office activities to managing the Better Newspaper Competition, her work ensures the smooth operation of QCNA’s initiatives. One of her primary responsibilities is overseeing the LJI program, which funds journalists to produce civic journalism for underserved communities, ensuring English-speaking populations in Quebec receive local news.“It is a largely fulfilling position to hold, and I am grateful to be part of a project with such scope and capacity that has made a quantifiable impact in our communities,” Hansen says.
In an era where local journalism is more critical than ever, QCNA stands as a guardian of community newspapers, ensuring they continue to inform, engage, and connect Quebec’s English-speaking and bilingual communities.
Photo caption: QCNA team members Alan Sibald, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator Intern, Ilka De Laat, QCNA General Manager, and Amanda Hansen, Program Coordinator, work tirelessly to support and advocate for English community newspapers in Quebec.
Photo credit: Andrae Lewis
