The Whitehorse Star says goodbye after over a century of publication

Monday, 8 April 2024 10:01

The Whitehorse Star office and press on 2nd Avenue in downtown Whitehorse (Photo: S. Bonell

One of the last locally owned newspapers in Canada is closing its doors after 124 years of serving Yukoners; thanks staff, advertisers, and readers for being part of its rich history.

After 124 years, a staple publication in the Yukon is saying goodbye.

In an article published in its April 5 edition, the Whitehorse Star announced that it would stop publication and operations next month. According to the article, the newspaper had been working with a group of local residents looking to buy the business for several weeks, but could not come to an agreement.

The article describes challenges to the newspaper industry, including a decline in circulation, increasing difficulty in sustaining operations, and advertisers opting for online and social media opportunities over print.

The Star wasn’t alone in its challenges in the territory. The Yukon News’ parent company, Black Press Media, was sold in March after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year.

The Star’s article announced its final edition, which will be published on Friday, May 17, and feature highlights from 124 years of publications, tributes to its staff, and submissions from past editors. The article also thanks staff, distributors, advertisers, and readers for being a part of the paper’s deep history in the territory.

The article signs off with the mock Latin phrase that has served as the paper’s motto for decades: Illegitimus non carborundum. The motto translates to “don’t let the bastards grind you down.”

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