After 124 years, we’re calling it an era
It is with heavy hearts that today, we announce the impending closure of the Whitehorse Star, a trusted source of news and information in our community for 124 years.
It is with heavy hearts that today, we announce the impending closure of the Whitehorse Star, a trusted source of news and information in our community for 124 years.
Over the past several weeks, the owners of the Star have been working with a small group of local residents who were very interested in buying one of the Yukon’s oldest businesses and keeping it alive.
Unfortunately, mutually agreeable terms could not be finalized, and the owners have made the decision to cease publication and operations.
This decision has not been made lightly, but due to several overwhelming factors persistently working against us, it is necessary.
It’s no surprise to most that the newspaper industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, a decline in circulation being one.
As well, more and more clients have shifted their advertising to social media sources, and continue to do so. This trend has become virtually impossible to compete with.
Sustaining operations has become increasingly difficult. Even though we have explored several options, it is no longer feasible to carry on business operations.
The Star has been an integral part of the Yukon’s landscape since 1900.
We have covered many thousands of local events and stories with stories and photos that matter to our readers.
Our staff has worked tirelessly to provide accurate and timely information.
Most employees have been with us for more than 17 years, some 20, 35, 38 and even 44 years! We are so grateful for their years of dedication.
We express our deepest gratitude to our loyal readers, advertisers and community partners who have supported us throughout the generations.
Our final edition will be published on Friday, May 17.
It will feature highlights from our rich history, tributes to our staff, submissions from past editors, and more.
Subscribers will receive further details regarding refunds or alternative arrangements.
We extend our gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has been part of the Whitehorse Star’s illustrious history over the decades – from staff to paper carriers, to advertisers, and readers.
It’s been our honour and our pleasure serving this wonderful community and the many businesses and organizations throughout the years.
Thank you.
Illegitmus non carborundum.
Comments (48)
Up 2 Down 0
Rick S. on Apr 11, 2024 at 6:42 pm
You look for something profound to say but, all that is there is a deep hollow feeling.
Up 3 Down 1
SH on Apr 11, 2024 at 2:54 pm
Will miss seeing the dramatic arguments in the comments section!
Whitehorse Star, will your articles remain online after your closure? Or is your website being removed from the net?
Up 4 Down 2
Gus on Apr 10, 2024 at 11:08 pm
If you decide to go online only to continue publishing, then I will buy a yearly subscription.
Up 6 Down 2
CJ2 on Apr 10, 2024 at 10:20 pm
@Yukon Ted, going online doesn't seem to help other Canadian newspapers. The Globe and Mail and Toronto Star are expensive to subscribe to, while still having ads, and they're not as generous as others in allowing free access (most allow a certain number of articles).
I hope if the efforts to support the Whitehorse Star are successful, they keep print editions. I resent having to spend so much time online, and not just because data adds up and the connection isn't always great. I buy every print edition. It's a nice break from staring at screens.
Up 7 Down 3
Brian on Apr 10, 2024 at 4:58 pm
I'm sad to hear the Star is closing shop, but of course it's understandable in this day and age with the times being what they are. There are too many good things we've lost over the last few years, with the Whitehorse Star especially being one of them. I believe we all want to see it stay open so perhaps there's still a glimmer of hope. The Star does an excellent job of covering day to day news and events of Yukoners and supporting our community. I hope we can all now stand together and support them. I look forward to the physical copies of the newspapers (some of which I've kept over the years) and enjoy reading the news online too. Thank you Whitehorse Star for your service and friendship to all of us in the Yukon and afar.
Up 18 Down 7
Yukon Ted on Apr 10, 2024 at 11:04 am
Have you thought about moving to only online, getting rid of the ads and not making a print paper anymore? That could really cut costs.
I would pay for a subscription if it was $200 or less per year. Maybe there's be enough people who will do the same to make your business sustainable.
It would be a shame to lose all of the Star's news archives and great local news coverage. The other Yukon sources just don't compare.
Up 11 Down 3
James Harbic on Apr 10, 2024 at 11:02 am
As a 14 year I was the Ottawa Correspondent for the Whitehorse Star from 1964-67 with Bob Erlam as the Publisher and Flo Whyard as the editor. I was able to interview John Diefenbaker, Erik Nielsen & Judy Lamarsh among many others. it was a great experience. It is a very sad day The Star is an independent institution in The Yukon hopefully somebody can revive it on line
Up 12 Down 3
Matthew Grant on Apr 10, 2024 at 5:13 am
As a former reporter at the Whitehorse Star, I credit this paper for learnings that have helped me in my career and for contributions that have helped the community of Whitehorse as a whole.
I found that the Star under Jim Butler's editorial leadership was always fair, balanced and maintained the highest journalistic ethics and standards. I learned a lot from Jim and the Whitehorse Star.
Although I have been away from Yukon for many years now, I still consider it to be a place that I'm from and have felt sad since learning this news.
My thoughts are with the team at the paper, and with the community as a whole, which is about to loose one of its most important institutions.
Matthew Grant, Former Star Reporter
Hamilton, Ontario
Up 12 Down 4
Brian Eaton on Apr 9, 2024 at 3:28 pm
Great to see so much community response! It's proof that the Star's survival still matters to a whole lot of people . It's not too late ànd ìf we all pull together as a community with strong moral and monetary support, miracles can still happen . Do whatever you can, however you can!
Up 30 Down 8
Mike Grieco on Apr 9, 2024 at 11:17 am
The Whitehorse Star has always printed and invited public dissent. This annoucment is truly a sad day for democracy. There is always hope that this wonderful paper and staff could continue the legacy of news and information.
Best,
Up 28 Down 4
David on Apr 9, 2024 at 11:10 am
I'm sorry to hear that. Will the archive still be available? A lot of good stories there.
Up 29 Down 3
Humble Measure on Apr 9, 2024 at 10:17 am
This is an unthinkable loss to our community. I truly hope there's still a way to keep it going.
I miss the days when the neighbourhood kids would deliver the papers. It was my own first job (in another town, for another paper). I'm feeling old today...
Up 16 Down 8
Will Petricko on Apr 8, 2024 at 9:34 pm
You can bet I'll be writing a letter to the editor about this!!!
Up 19 Down 5
Michele Moon on Apr 8, 2024 at 8:23 pm
I live in Florida and heard this story on my NPR station tonight. I know I depend on my big city newspaper, so I can imagine your paper was as important to you. Hope someone will create another news and community source for you.
Up 20 Down 3
Moose101 on Apr 8, 2024 at 8:14 pm
Here are the news by Edith josey from old crow always read it The Star printed classic material .
Up 19 Down 4
Kevin C on Apr 8, 2024 at 6:08 pm
I moved out of the Whitehorse on January 1, 2000. Read the Whitehorse Star on-line every day since. Sucks to see you go.
Up 15 Down 4
Marie Simoens on Apr 8, 2024 at 5:13 pm
Thank you for many enjoyable hours of reading about important and fun issues. Very sorry that the paper will no longer be available. I will miss it very much.
Up 22 Down 4
Lobird Estates on Apr 8, 2024 at 4:04 pm
We are sad to hear this, we just renewed a 1 year online subscription. We do not want a refund either way.
Hopefully some investors in Whitehorse can keep the Whitehorse Star going.
Up 49 Down 15
bill oppen on Apr 8, 2024 at 10:22 am
What a tragedy!!! The Star has represented all things Yukon for over a century. In the late 70s I was the outdoors columnist for the Star and was proud to have been part of the Star family. I enjoyed working with the likes of Max Fraser, Jim Beebe, Jim Butler, and Flo Whyard. This is truly a sad day for all yukoners. Part of my daily routine is checking the Star online even after leaving the Yukon 23 years ago. I will miss that immensely.
Up 45 Down 15
stephen on Apr 8, 2024 at 10:12 am
Its sad because i live outside the Yukon still read the paper online. It's sad to see the star go.
Up 38 Down 17
Christine Byrne on Apr 7, 2024 at 6:05 pm
I’m very sorry to hear this. I guess it’s a consequence of the changing times. My father Tom Byrne did The Robert Service Show in Dawson City for over 30 years and the Whitehorse Star occasionally did a story about him. He lived in Dawson 6 months of the year and relied on the paper to stay informed about people and events in the Yukon. I imagine that Robert Service himself read the paper when he lived in Dawson. Robert Service and my father have now passed on and the Whitehorse Star will join them as a one of the treasured memories of the Yukon. Thank you all for your dedicated service to the Yukon and your readers.
Christine Byrne
Chilliwack, BC
Up 39 Down 18
God Dame on Apr 7, 2024 at 3:41 pm
God Damned shame
Up 37 Down 15
Gordon Schlagel on Apr 7, 2024 at 8:40 am
I’ve recently developed a real interest in the history of the Yukon and discovered your news outlet so it’s disappointing to learn of your pending shutdown. Just another historic icon from the Yukon disappearing.
Up 43 Down 16
Peter Duffy on Apr 7, 2024 at 3:44 am
The lights going out at The Star marks yet another dark day for the Canadian community. Newspapers both large and small evolved into trusted village squares where the rest of us could exchange ideas, digest opinions and make informed decisions. How lucky we were to have lived in such a remarkable age. With its passing, each person is becoming their own village square with such a growing babble that truth, reason and common sense are packing their bags and heading for the door. "The moving finger writes, and having writ, moves on..."
Up 33 Down 16
Arlene on Apr 6, 2024 at 8:23 pm
All too sad...another lost art unfolds....
Up 41 Down 22
Ernie Bourassa on Apr 6, 2024 at 5:20 pm
I am saddened to hear the news of the Stars impending closure. The Star always treated me with respect and honesty during my v terms as Mayor of the City of Whitehorse and for that I am very grateful. It will be a deep loss for our community and the Yukon in general. Thank you to the Star for all your past efforts promoting the City and the Yukon. We will miss your local news coverage dearly.
Ernie Bourassa
Up 32 Down 15
Nick Russell on Apr 6, 2024 at 4:31 pm
Very sad.
Up 30 Down 15
Carl Brouwer on Apr 6, 2024 at 3:24 pm
A sorry chapter in the publishing business. I lived in Whitehorse from 1963 to 1968, and was a loyal reader. I lived in Porter. Reel, Hillcrest, and Camp Takhini. Those 5 years were likely the happiest of my life, both my children born at Whitehorse General. I worked part time at Hougens departments store and occasionally at Tourist services. I recall Dr Jack Hubbard, delivered both our babies. I guess my children qualify as Cheechakos? The Taku, Kopper King, club 918 come to mind, as does the 3 story log cabin oh my kids loved the fish ladder, and the parrot in Carcross. So many good memories, Thanks for being there.
Up 35 Down 16
Yukon56 on Apr 6, 2024 at 1:02 pm
So Sad
Up 34 Down 15
Vern Schlimbesser on Apr 6, 2024 at 12:35 pm
Thankyou sincerely.
Up 34 Down 15
Jack Danylchuk on Apr 6, 2024 at 11:02 am
Every now and then, I take stock of the newspapers where i learned my craft and remember the men and women who shared the time and place. Most are no more: Yorkton Enterprise, Moose jaw Times Herald, The Albertan, Ottawa Journal and wonder if I will outlive the few survivors of a vanishing era...RIP Whitehorse Star.
Up 41 Down 17
Maryann Erlam on Apr 6, 2024 at 10:52 am
It makes my heart ache.
I know how challenging the past few years have been and the Star management and staff have my highest respect for trying so hard to sustain the legacy.
As for the rest of us… I’m afraid it will be a case of “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone”
Here’s hoping your future endeavours will uncover something as worthy and wonderful!
Up 38 Down 19
P. AARON on Apr 6, 2024 at 10:02 am
I CRIED WHEN I READ THIS LAST NIGHT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR MANY , MANY REMARKABLE YEARS OF GETTING THE NEWS OUT Illegitimis non carborundum. Don't let the Bastards Grind you Down.
Up 31 Down 17
Terry Brown on Apr 6, 2024 at 9:59 am
I have such fond memories of my time working for the CBC in Whitehorse and our working relationship with the paper. I remember covering many stories with Max Fraser, him doing his newspaper reporting and I was always looking for a phone to do my radio reports. There will be such a ‘News’ void left in the community. Your motto is very relevant in today’s struggling news industry.
All the best to you and the staff.
Up 40 Down 18
Christopher Wheeler on Apr 6, 2024 at 7:00 am
What a shame and a real loss to the people of Whitehorse and the Yukon! The Whitehorse Star has always been, in my estimation, a trusted source for local (Yukon and northern) news and information. The Star offered a balanced and reasonable approach to the news--doing its best to report the facts without political or philosophical bias. Losing this source for local news is a real shame.
In many ways, the end of the Whitehorse Star really is the end of an era. My thoughts are with everyone at the Star, and especially the long serving staff who, I know, really were proud of their contributions to truth telling with each and every issue printed. Newsprint is a reliable record: it is resistant to revisionism, providing a material record of the time--you can’t easily edit ink once it’s been committed to paper. Despite arguments to the contrary, the same may not be true in a world of digital media where the message can easily get lost in the mayhem. Illegitmus non carborundum indeed!
Up 37 Down 15
jack on Apr 5, 2024 at 10:30 pm
Very sad news indeed, really gonna miss the Star.
Up 35 Down 16
Rob Guzyk on Apr 5, 2024 at 8:13 pm
Sad news. Best of luck to all.
Up 36 Down 15
Bonnie McNair on Apr 5, 2024 at 7:16 pm
I am deeply disappointed.....no words!
Up 34 Down 17
John with a J on Apr 5, 2024 at 7:13 pm
Thanks for being there all those years. You will all be missed but never forgotten
Up 40 Down 17
Duncan Tipon on Apr 5, 2024 at 6:59 pm
Thank you, Star. The loss of the Whitehorse Star will affect our community more than any of us can imagine right now. It is a significant blow to keeping Whitehorse informed and our government accountable. My heart aches.
Up 40 Down 15
YT on Apr 5, 2024 at 6:18 pm
What a damn shame.
I’ve faithfully purchased the Star for the last 57 years.
It’s too bad that advertising has gone the way it has.
I recall working with many of the Stars advertising people over the years, especially prior to arrival of the net.
Whitehorse won’t be the same without the Star.
Yukoners will miss you.
Up 42 Down 18
Geoff Capp on Apr 5, 2024 at 5:29 pm
Oh my gosh... what am I going to do without you? I will no longer have a Yukon news source to look in on, one I believe I can trust, and which still allows reader opinions on a story. You will be sorely missed - I go to your website every day to see what's happening.
Up 38 Down 17
David Jamieson on Apr 5, 2024 at 5:28 pm
You have been a great part of the community for the 50 + years we have been in the Yukon. It is so sad to hear. You have done a great service and once you are gone people will realize what they are missing.
Up 37 Down 15
Bruce Beemish on Apr 5, 2024 at 5:05 pm
A sad day in Yukon history.Please print a great/super last paper.
Bruce
Up 35 Down 15
Sherry Holgerson on Apr 5, 2024 at 4:45 pm
I am sorry to hear of the closing. Delivering papers for thé Star was my first job at the age of 9 or 10. I really enjoyed working there.
Up 23 Down 22
Bruce Bark on Apr 5, 2024 at 4:27 pm
illegitmus non carborundum". I guess the bastards brought you down
Up 39 Down 17
Virginia Labelle on Apr 5, 2024 at 4:22 pm
So sorry to hear this. Thank you for all the years - you've made a difference and you will be missed.
Up 43 Down 16
Robert Austin on Apr 5, 2024 at 4:10 pm
Thank you for being a part of my life.