Daily and community newspaper associations to merge

The Canadian Community Newspapers Association and the Canadian Newspaper Association will gradually merge their operations over the next two years, according to a story in Media in Canada. The two associations represent over 830 daily, weekly and community newspapers in every province and territory in Canada.

"We believe an integrated association will better reflect the reality of the Canadian newspaper industry and create one strong industry voice for newspapers in Canada," explains CAN board chairman Alan Allnutt.

The reality of the merger is, at least in part, the need to save money. There has been a huge amount of consolidation of newspaper ownership and major impacts on household penetration and revenue, largely because of the internet. The two organizations will "co-locate" their offices and management teams -- something that will likely lead to a rationalization of jobs.