By Janet Jarrell
At a time where information is more accessible than ever, the reality of local journalism tells a different story. Newsrooms are shrinking, essential programs are disappearing, and major social media platforms are suppressing the very content that keeps communities informed. As the landscape of local news continues to shift, we must ask ourselves: Who is telling our local stories, and what can we do to ensure they continue to be told?
One of the most significant losses to our region’s journalistic integrity is the closure of the Photojournalism program at Loyalist College. For decades, this program was a beacon for aspiring photojournalists, producing award-winning graduates who captured the heart and soul of our communities. Its closure is not just an educational loss—it is a cultural one. Without institutions dedicated to training the next generation of journalists, the future of local storytelling becomes uncertain.
At the same time, the Belleville Intelligencer, once a robust source of regional news, has experienced a dramatic decline in staff. Like many local newspapers, it has faced financial challenges, corporate restructuring, and diminishing resources. Fewer reporters mean fewer in-depth stories, less investigative journalism, and ultimately, a community less informed about the issues that directly impact them. A strong local press is essential for holding power to account, sharing the achievements of local citizens, and preserving the history of a place as it unfolds. Without it, critical voices and narratives risk being lost.
“The decline of local journalism is a detriment to our society; it has created “news deserts” throughout our country, leaving many in rural areas uninformed.” says Tim Meeks of the Belleville intelligencer. “We live in a global society in terms of trade and military alliances; however, the majority of us live in small, tight-knit communities. We do our shopping within a
seven-km radius of our homes, so local journalism is imperative to sharing information pertaining to that community. It encourages civic engagement, covers important and relevant regional news, promotes local culture, and provides a strong sense of community.”
Adding to the challenge, major social media platforms such as Meta and Google have restricted access to local news, further silencing community voices. Many residents relied on these platforms to stay up to date with regional happenings, but algorithm changes and policy shifts have made it harder for local news to reach audiences. When these digital spaces no longer amplify the stories that matter most to our communities, we must actively seek out alternative ways to stay informed.
So, where do you go to get your news? Do you subscribe to a local paper, listen to independent radio stations, or support community-based publications like Umbrella? Do you attend town hall meetings, follow local blogs, or engage with grassroots journalism initiatives? Ensuring the survival of local journalism requires action, whether that means paying for a subscription, sharing news directly with friends and family, or advocating for policies that support independent media.
The future of our local stories is in our hands. Without dedicated journalists and engaged readers, we risk losing the narratives that define our community. Essentially, we must support the voices that keep us connected, informed, and empowered.
“The number of local news outlets has been in significant decline in Canada, leaving suburban residents in particular “starving” for local coverage, a new report found — and creating gaps for misinformation to take hold.
The report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found that almost 2.5 million Canadians live in a postal code with either one or zero local news outlets, double the proportion from 2008.
Put bluntly, “local news is dying,” said David Macdonald, report co-author and CCPA senior economist.”
Independent Radio Stations:
91X FM (CJLX): Based in Belleville, 91X FM is a campus-based community radio station offering a diverse range of programming, including local news, music, and cultural content. 91XFM CJLX
99.3 County FM (CJPE): Serving Prince Edward County, this community radio station focuses on local news, events, and a variety of music genres, emphasizing content relevant to the local community. 99.3 County FM
Rock 107 (CJTN): Located in Trenton, Rock 107 delivers classic rock music alongside local news updates and community event information. Rock 107
CJBQ 800 AM: Operating out of Belleville, CJBQ offers a full-service format that includes country music, local news, and talk shows, catering to a broad audience in the Quinte area. CJBQ 800 am
Cool 100.1 FM (CHCQ): This Belleville-based station specializes in today’s best country music and has been recognized multiple times by the Canadian Country Music Association. Starboard Communications LTD
Local Blogs and Grassroots Journalism:
Quinte Arts Council Blog: Hosted on the Quinte Arts Council, this blog features articles about local arts, culture and heritage. QAC Blog
Bay of Quinte Blog: Hosted on the Bay of Quinte tourism website, this blog features stories about local events, outdoor activities, and profiles of communities within the region, including Belleville, Quinte West, and Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Bay of Quinte Region
Quinte Field Naturalists Newsletter: Affiliated with Ontario Nature, this newsletter provides insights into local environmental issues, conservation efforts, and nature education specific to the Quinte area. naturestuff.net
Local Newspapers:
The Belleville Intelligencer: Serving Belleville and the surrounding area, this newspaper offers coverage on local news, sports, and community events. Belleville Intelligencer
The Trenton Trentonian: A weekly newspaper published in Quinte West, focusing on community news and events. Trentonian
The Picton Gazette: Established in 1830, it is Canada’s oldest weekly newspaper, providing news and information for Prince Edward County. Picton Gazette
The Community Press: Serving the Quinte region, this publication covers local news, events, and community stories. Community Press
County Weekly News: Focused on Prince Edward County, this newspaper delivers local news and community updates. County Live
Television Stations:
YourTV Quinte: A community television station offering local programming, including news, sports, and cultural events. Available to Cogeco subscribers on channel 4 and in HD on channel 700. YourTV Quinte
CICO-DT-53 (TVOntario): A publicly funded educational television station serving the Belleville area, offering a range of educational and cultural programming. TVO-News
Online Media:
Quinte News: An online news portal providing up-to-date coverage on local news, weather, sports, and events in the Quinte region. Quinte News
InQuinte.ca: Offers news, sports, entertainment, and community information relevant to the Quinte area. InQuinte
Countylive.ca: Focuses on news and events in Prince Edward County, providing timely updates and community stories. County Live
This article was previously published in the Summer 2025 Vol. 34 No. 2 issue of Umbrella.
Illustration by Arlo Newman
