‘The way stories are told, and the way people consume news are all changing rapidly,’ bishop says
By Agnieszka Krawczynski
The B.C. Catholic
One of The B.C. Catholic’s sister newspapers has just announced it will close.
The Western Catholic Reporter, based in the Archdiocese of Edmonton, will publish its last issue Sept. 26. Archbishop Richard Smith said he made the decision to close the WCR after “careful consideration and prayer” and with the changing media landscape in mind.
“The current media environment, the way stories are told, and the way people consume news are all changing rapidly,” he explained in a letter dated Sept. 12.
“In order that Christ be proclaimed, the Church must be fully conversant with this evolving environment and effectively present in the midst of it.”
The WCR has been printing biweekly, instead of weekly, since 2014. After Sept. 26 it won’t be available in its print or digital forms at all. Instead, users will have access to an online news portal with links to websites, social media, and newsletters.
The communications office will also say goodbye to longtime editor Glen Argan.
Archbishop Smith pointed out that the WCR was founded in the wake of the Second Vatican Council and has “developed a rich and respected legacy in Catholic journalism,” but “It is now time to turn the page.”
