Friday 18 February 2011

Independent to close its doors

: Financial difficulties have caused the closure of the Mossman & Beaches Independent.

by Mat Churchill

The Mossman & Beaches Independent newspaper has printed its last issue.

Formerly the FNQ Independent before pulling out of Port Douglas to concentrate on the northern region just a few weeks ago, publisher Mark Bousen confirmed the paper would close due to financial difficulties.

"These are tough times. It's just been decided that it can no longer continue operate. It's simply just not paying its way," Mr Bousen said.

"We've had quite a few calls from people who thought we've done a great job and we've tried very hard, but at the end of the day if it's not paying its way it can't continue to operate."

Mr Bousen paid tribute to Stretch Noonan and Giembra Busmer, founders of the FNQ Independent who joined Regional & Remote Newspapers last year.

"This decision just wasn't based on a whim, it has been discussed for some weeks and we've included Stretch and Giembra as the part owners. . . and it's with great sadness we've had to make this decision.

"We sincerely appreciate the wonderful support we've had from the community and business houses from advertisers and contributors, readers, and we're grateful for their support.

"We also appreciate the very kind messages we've had. There has been no formal announcement, the decision was made after this week's paper was printed. . .You can't keep news quiet and we're very appreciative of the messages of support we've had from people who are as equally as disappointed as we are.

Mr Bousen said recent weather events including the floods and Cyclone Yasi have contributed to the financial hardship of the community, which in turn caused the closure of the paper.

The Mossman & Beaches Independent employed four full time staff who will be given the opportunity to work on Regional & Remote Newspapers' four other publications which include the Torres News, Western Cape Bulletin, Cooktown Local News, and Arafura TImes.

"None of the local people will lose their jobs. We will be redeploying their skills to work on other papers," Mr Bousen said.

Stretch and Giembra run the Western Cape Bulletin in Weipa which, according to Stretch, is doing well.

"We're going to stay in Weipa now. It (the paper) is going from strength to strength."

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Vivienne Ruffles, 22-02-11 10:41:

I'm very sorry to hear that The Independent is closing. You have been incredibly supportive of the various commumity groups, giving them all a wonderful opportunity to have their photos, activities, events, volunteers and staff in your columns. It's always great to have commercial competition, a different view printed and everyday residents of the area photograhed. Thanks for your independence and good luck with the other productions

Val Schier, 21-02-11 13:54:

Disappointing to see the Independent has had to close its doors. It was a brave venture and Stretch and Giembra are to be commendedon their initiative.

Deanne Kalda, 19-02-11 00:06:

I'm really sorry to see you close. Thank you for supporting my business with regards to advertising & articles that I submitted. I wish you all well in the future. Deanne Kalda, Tranquillity Zone Mobile Massage & Day Spa.

Rod Davis Davis, 18-02-11 20:00:

hey, its was fun whilst it lasted.
All those readers of my 'NOT ROD For MAYOR COLUMN' can seek conselling and compensation at shrink@sink.my.sorrows.com.
The News is once again Limited.

Ebony McCartney, 18-02-11 19:32:

Wow what a great comment, real supportive. Being such a small area it would of been hard to get 100% totally different stories, it was nice to have a refreshing tone to the stories and the independent columns, compared to other publications. Going up against a massive corporation is never easy and I congratulate them both for a great try! However you wont have to move over on the failures bench, they are both doing a great job of running the Western Cape Bulletin.

philip dalziel, 18-02-11 16:51:

very sad to see a any small business fold but with such a small demograpic how did you ever expect to compete with Murdoch and all the stories were the same as the gazette anyway ,come join me on the failures of Port Douglas bench ,would buy you beer but cant afford it.