By Mark DaCosta- The impending closure of Stabroek News has evoked a mix of emotions across our nation, amplifying reflections on its historical impact and the shifting political landscape. While many lament the loss of one of our oldest independent newspapers, there’s an undercurrent of sentiment suggesting that Stabroek News played a role in facilitating the rise of the current administration — only to be forsaken once its utility waned. With the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) firmly in power, critiques emerge that suggest the newspaper has been cast aside by those it once supported, prompting some to argue that “Stabroek News deserves what they get.”
Stabroek News recently announced that it will cease operations after nearly four decades of service to the public. This news broke from a heartfelt statement posted on the newspaper’s official channels, voiced by the founder’s children, who expressed that the decision to close has been “extraordinarily difficult and painful.” The publication has been a significant player in our media landscape, representing a bastion of independent journalism in an environment that has historically been hostile to diverse voices.
The journey of Stabroek News began amidst a media monopoly in the mid-1980s, when it became one of the few independent voices against a backdrop dominated by state-controlled media. This newspaper filled a critical void, providing a platform for discussion and discourse in a society where “public discourse was reduced to the level of a whisper.” Founded by the late David de Caires, the publication fostered a commitment to upholding freedom of expression, often at considerable personal and professional cost to its editors and staff. The sacrifices endured by those at the helm, including the health and well-being of its founding members, underscore the immense dedication required to sustain independent media in a challenging environment.
Nevertheless, the economic realities of publishing in our nation have presented ongoing challenges. The statement identified that, despite an unyielding commitment to the principles of independent journalism, financial viability had become increasingly precarious. Revenues from advertisements — especially from state-owned enterprises — have dwindled, leaving a staggering debt of over G$80 million owed to Stabroek News from the state-run Department of Public Information. This situation has raised questions not only about the viability of the newspaper but also about the broader implications for press freedom in our country. The continuous withholding of advertisements seems less an issue of fiscal management and more an insidious effort to undermine a free press through financial strangulation.
The landscape for news consumption has shifted dramatically, with many turning to digital platforms for their daily updates. This evolution has left traditional newspapers grappling to compete, as the model for journalism favoured by Stabroek News appears increasingly out of sync with the “algorithmic formulae that now control the circulation of news online.” Balanced reporting, a hallmark of the publication, often fails to attract the click-bait audience that now dominates media engagement. This shift has notably contributed to the newspaper’s struggles in adapting to modern readership expectations.
As discussions surrounding the closure continue, opinions diverge on the legacy of Stabroek News. For many, this moment represents the end of an era, the loss of a voice that once championed the values of democracy and transparency within our society. Yet others approach the newspaper’s demise with a degree of detachment, suggesting that its previous alignment with the PPP during its tenure may have led to a disillusionment that contributed to its downfall. The perception is growing that once the PPP regained power, it had little incentive to continue supporting a publication that had aided its ascent. This perspective is encapsulated in the poignant observation: “It will be for others to take the full measure of this newspaper’s contribution to the democratic process in Guyana.”
The closure of Stabroek News marks not just the shuttering of a publication but a significant turning point in the narrative of press freedom in our nation. It prompts critical reflections on the fragility of independent journalism in the face of political power shifts. The legacy of the newspaper lies not only in the stories it told but in the impact it had on generations of readers, writers, and thinkers seeking to engage with their society in meaningful ways.
In its farewell, Stabroek News leaves behind a poignant history of resilience against adversity, a testament to the enduring power of independent thought and inquiry in promoting democratic ideals. Yet one must wonder: as the echoes of its pages fade into silence, what message is being sent to the remaining independent voices in our country? Will they be similarly abandoned once their utility has ceased? The fate of Stabroek News serves as a cautionary tale of the delicate balance between power and journalism, and the enduring importance of vigilance in safeguarding the principles of free speech.
