Baguio Midland Courier to cease operations after 77 years

MANILA — Northern Luzon weekly newspaper Baguio Midland Courier will cease operations next month after 77 years of community journalism, Publisher and Chief Operations Officer Gloria Antoinette Hamada announced Sunday.

Hamada, in a notice posted on the paper's Facebook page, said the Baguio Midland Courier would halt operations on July 22, 2024, as the paper was "not spared from the worldwide trend that newspapers are facing unprecedented challenges, leading to closure of venerable publications."

Media outlets worldwide struggle to keep their businesses afloat due to challenges posed by changing audience behavior and evolving business models. 

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She said the decision to stop the publication "was a difficult one," adding the management "deeply regrets any impact this may have on our esteemed readers, newsboys, supporters, contributors, and advertisers."

Hamada said the Baguio Midland Courier under the Hamada Printers & Publishers Corp. will still release 3 issues before it shuts down. She invited advertisers and supporters to be part of their July 7, 14, and 21 issues.

Despite the closure, Hamada said they are still "hopeful" that new opportunities would allow them to continue their mission "in different forms."

"At present, we are exploring options to preserve our archives for future references," she said. 

"It has been an honor to be a part of your lives and to serve the Cordillera and the rest of the world."

Baguio Midland Courier's maiden issue swept the streets in April 1947, "delivering trustworthy and relevant news and information in this northern part of the country," she said.