Article content
Regina’s Prairie Dog and Saskatoon’s Planet S alternative magazines are slated to fold at the end of September due to persistent financial struggles.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
- Get exclusive access to the Regina Leader-Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
- Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
- Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
- Get exclusive access to the Regina Leader-Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
- Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
- Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
“We’re shutting down because running a news website costs money and, unfortunately, many local organizations, businesses and entertainment and music venues can’t afford advertising,” Stephen Whitworth, editor of both publications, said in a message to the Regina Leader-Post on Monday.
Article content
Article content
Article content
“Reader support was good. It beat my personal expectation. Sadly, that isn’t a realistic revenue model for a local media outlet in a small city in a small province.”
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Prairie Dog launched in 1993 while Planet S debuted almost 10 years later in 2002. Both publications are owned by Hullabaloo Publishing Workers Co-operative Ltd.
Article content
The biweekly publications had a combined 17 staff members at their peak in the 2000s, said Whitworth, noting they began 2025 with three staff members and one contractor across the two magazines.
Article content
Article content
Whitworth said it wasn’t just one thing that led to the shutdown. The loss of advertising from Crown corporations in 2008 was one of the biggest hits to the business and the COVID-19 pandemic was another “devastating” blow.
Article content
Hullabaloo Publishing tried to cut costs in other ways, too, with Prairie Dog closing its office in 2019. Planet S closed its office in December 2023.
Article content
Article content
Whitworth hasn’t been shy about the need for additional funding to keep the business running. Prairie Dog asked for sponsorship and advertising support in a Facebook post on June 27, aiming to reach a goal of $33,000 before Sept. 1.
Article content
Article content
“We’ve just had another spring season where our advertising revenues — still the lifeblood of text-based media — are in the dumpster. And that’s put us in a position where we’re having trouble paying our bills, let alone commission stories, hire reporters and all that stuff that’s so important to the community,” the post said.
Article content
The call for support sought 25 advertisers over a 10-week campaign in each location. Only three pledges came in for both markets, according to the editor.
Article content
Whitworth said the business faces “substantial shutdown expenses” and that any final donations would be of help.
Article content
“There is no sustainable revenue model for local media outlets,” Whitworth added in a text message. “It’s an industry-wide problem.”