Ideas Why a small town newspaper is thriving in a declining industry
Mar 26, 2025
Philip Coulter, a producer and the creative mind behind "The Song of Inverness," dives into the heart of small-town journalism. He highlights how The Inverness Oran thrives by focusing on local stories that foster community ties. With a rich history spanning nearly 50 years, the paper is a lifeline for residents, preserving their cultural identity. Coulter discusses the resilience of Inverness in the face of economic challenges and the unique ability of community newspapers to cover essential narratives often neglected by larger outlets.
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Inverness in 1976
- Inverness was a dying town in 1976 when the coal mines closed, leading to unemployment and emigration.
- The founders of the Inverness Oran, a local newspaper, aimed to revitalize the community.
Role of Small-Town Newspapers
- Small-town newspapers hold communities together by reporting on local events and giving a voice to the people.
- Their role is crucial for articulating and sustaining shared values.
April's First Assignment
- April MacDonald's first assignment, interviewing a woman about pandas, changed her career path from law to journalism.
- This reflects the Oran's credo: if a story matters to the community, it matters to them.