The End of Estevan Mercury: A Loss for Local Journalism

The closure of Estevan Mercury marks the end of 122 years of dedicated local journalism in Estevan, Saskatchewan. As one of the longest-running newspapers in the region, Estevan Mercury was a trusted source of news, community updates, and historical records.

Editor David Willberg announced its final edition, No. 1228, marking a significant shift in how local news will be consumed. While the print edition is ending, articles from Estevan will still be available on SaskToday,ca, ensuring that the town’s stories continue to be told.

The closure reflects the challenges faced by traditional newspapers as digital platforms reshape the media landscape. With the loss of Estevan Mercury, Estevan loses not just a newspaper, but a vital piece of its history and identity.

1. End of an Era: The Closure of Estevan
Mercury and Its Impact on Local News
The Announcement
The closure of Estevan Mercury has left the community in mourning, as one of Estevan’s
longest-running newspapers publishes its final edition, marked as No. 1228. This marks the
end of an institution that has been a cornerstone of local journalism for over a century. Editor
David Willberg shared the news via social media, confirming that the newspaper would no
longer be in circulation. While print editions will cease, readers can still access articles from
Estevan on SaskToday.ca, ensuring that local stories continue to be shared in a digital
format.
A Century of Service: The Mercury’s Enduring Legacy
For more than 122 years, Estevan Mercury was more than just a newspaper—it was a
trusted source of news, information, and community updates for the residents of Estevan,
Saskatchewan. Established in the early 1900s, it chronicled the town’s growth, covered
major events, and served as a platform for local voices. Generations of Estevan residents
relied on it for coverage of politics, sports, business, and community affairs. Its closure
represents not just the end of a publication, but the loss of a historical record and a trusted
voice in local journalism.
More Than Just a Newspaper
Beyond delivering news, Estevan Mercury played a vital role in shaping the identity of the
community. It covered everything from municipal decisions and local elections to human
interest stories and high school sports. The newspaper provided a platform for local
businesses to advertise and reach customers, strengthening the local economy. For many,
flipping through its pages was a weekly ritual, offering a sense of connection to the town’s
events and its people.

2. With its closure, there is concern about the future of local journalism in Estevan. While online
platforms like SaskToday.ca continue to share news, many residents, especially older
generations, valued the tangible experience of reading a print newspaper. The transition to
digital may leave some community members feeling disconnected, highlighting the broader
challenges faced by local journalism in the digital age.
Job Losses and Industry Impact
The newspaper’s shutdown is not just a loss for readers—it also means job losses for its
dedicated staff. Journalists, editors, photographers, and other employees who worked
tirelessly to keep the community informed now face an uncertain future. The decline of print
media has been a growing issue, with many local newspapers struggling to compete with
online news sources and social media platforms.
Estevan’s situation reflects a nationwide trend. Across Canada, traditional newspapers have
been forced to cut staff, reduce publication frequency, or shut down entirely due to declining
advertising revenue and readership. The closure of Estevan Mercury serves as a stark
reminder of the financial struggles that local media outlets face in today’s rapidly changing
media landscape.
A Pillar of Estevan
For over a century, Estevan Mercury was a pillar of the community, shaping public opinion
and keeping residents informed about important issues. It was a trusted source of
information during times of crisis, from natural disasters to political changes. The paper also
played a role in celebrating local achievements, whether highlighting the success of a local
athlete or recognizing the contributions of community leaders.
With its closure, Estevan loses more than just a newspaper—it loses a key institution that
helped preserve its history and culture. Many longtime readers and former employees have
expressed sadness over its demise, reflecting on how Estevan Mercury was an integral part
of their lives.
Glacier Media’s Decision
The decision to shut down Estevan Mercury was made by Glacier Media, the company that
owns the publication. While specific reasons were not detailed, financial struggles, declining
print readership, and shifts in advertising revenue are likely contributing factors. Like many
media companies, Glacier Media has had to make difficult choices to stay afloat in an era
where digital news consumption is dominant.
While Estevan residents can still access news through online platforms, the absence of a
dedicated local print newspaper creates a gap in how community stories are told and
preserved. It also raises concerns about the future of independent journalism in smaller
towns, where newspapers have traditionally played a vital role in keeping citizens informed
and engaged.
Conclusion
The closure of Estevan Mercury marks the end of an era for local journalism in Estevan. As
the town’s oldest newspaper, it served as a trusted source of news and information for

3. generations. While online platforms will continue to share local stories, the loss of a printed
edition means a shift in how the community consumes news. The impact of this closure
extends beyond just readers—it affects journalists, businesses, and the historical record of
Estevan itself.
In an age where digital media dominates, the challenge remains: how can small
communities preserve their local journalism? The legacy of Estevan Mercury will not be
forgotten, but its absence will certainly be felt by those who depended on it for years.