Baguio Midland Courier to cease operations after 77 years

Weekly newspaper Baguio Midland Courier is shutting down after 77 years.

The publication announced on Facebook that its operations will cease on July 22, 2024.

"The decision to cease publication was a difficult one and the management deeply regrets any impact this may have on our esteemed readers, newsboys, supporters, contributors, and advertisers," its statement read.

The paper shared that it is closing due to the challenges faced by newspapers.

"The mission of its founding editors has always been to uphold the tenets of Baguio Midland Courier which is to be fair, fearless, friendly and free while delivering trustworthy and relevant news and information in this northern part of the country and far-away lands reached by its online platforms."

"But your Baguio Midland Courier is not spared from the worldwide trend that newspapers are facing unprecedented challenges, leading to closure of venerable publications," it added.

Three more issues of the weekly paper will be released before it shuts down.

While the print edition will no longer be in circulation, the Baguio Midland Courier still has a website and social media pages its readers can access. They are also exploring options to preserve an archive and are "hopeful" for new opportunities to arise.

The Baguio Midland Courier was founded by journalist-lawyer Sinai Hamada in April 1947.

In the comments section of Baguio Midland Courier's statement, Filipinos offered their thanks and lauded the publication.

"This newspaper had a significant impact on my professional and personal life. Thank you for allowing and publishing some of my articles in the Opinion column parts of Animated Me and Speaking Out. Through their Classified Ads, I was able to work with my three former employers," one user wrote.

"Still remember those days when I would go out early morning on Sundays just to get hold of a copy of our favorite newspaper! hope you continue your online presence," added another.

"I feel sad to know this. I grew up in Baguio and I remember Sundays weren’t complete without buying and reading a copy of Baguio Midland Courier. This newspaper will always have a special place in my heart!" said another user.