The fundraising campaign to save the Whitehorse Star was launched this morning on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/save-the-star/x/361857#/

Organizer Max Fraser said the fate of the 124-year-old newspaper is now is in the hands of the community.

“If we get the support, we can save the paper,” said Fraser. “One way or another.”

The Star is scheduled to cease publication on May 17. The owners made the announcement last Friday.

While the fundraising campaign is for 30 days, Fraser expects the results by May 1 will be indicative.

Response to a quick online survey that began Monday morning and closed Thursday night showed overwhelming response to Save The Star, Fraser said, with 589 people responding.

The Star’s owners and employees are not involved in the community fundraising initiative.

Fraser said his group is seeking $400,000 that would represent more than 4,000 online subscriptions at 25 cents a day – half the current cost.

“That is the foundation on which we can build,” Fraser said.

“Ad and sales revenue from the print edition and other revenue will be needed, while operating expenses need to be reduced.

“Star staff will be offered positions at competitive pay and benefits, as long as the community support is there.

“It is too important to let the Star disappear,” Fraser added. “It plays a vital role serving Yukoners, providing quality local journalism, which is vital to 
our democracy.

“So first we save it. Then we make it even better.”

A group of local investors offered to buy the paper and now are redoubling their efforts.

If the owners do not find the next offer agreeable, Plan B is to start a new media organization, the Yukon Star, “and build on the marvellous history and foundation of the Whitehorse Star,” Fraser said.

A new Yukon Star would commence online publication with daily e-newsletters after the May long weekend, and print editions soon after.

“These plans are all contingent on raising sufficient community support,” said Fraser.

If a new offer can be made and is accepted, the Star would continue in its present form in print and online, keeping all staff employed who wish to stay, then transition to a new business and editorial model.

The new owners would immediately begin recruiting new writers, advertising sales and other staff to boost the operation.