Pat Reiter was appointed as the publisher of The Stettler Independent, Castor Advance, and Regional Weekender, and started her tenure on Monday, July 24.
Reiter is not new to the world of community papers, having worked at various weekly news publications over the years, one of her longest stints being at the Westlock-Barrhead-Athabasca chain.
“The good thing about community newspapers in small towns like Westlock and Athabasca then was the focus on what’s happening in the community, and that has not changed. And I’m sure that’s true for publications like Stettler Independent and Castor Advance as well,” Reiter said. “I think residents want to know what’s happening in town, and which sports teams are playing the home teams in the weekends.”
According to Reiter, there’s a lot of difference between the content of the urban dailies compared to the weekly community newspapers.
“Community papers are an integral part of residents’ lives, and they look forward to reading the news, and what’s happening to all the people they know, or have grown up with,” Reiter added.
What Reiter brings to the community is a fresh perspective, and a keen insight into how community newspapers work.
“One of my first impressions of Stettler was when I visited this lovely town two years back with the Camrose Horticutural Society,” Reiter recalled. “And I remember going, what a neat, little town this is. And I know it has won some Communities in Bloom awards as well, which is a reflection of the drive that the people here have, the volunteer pool, and the hands-on attitude.”
Reiter’s love for newspapers started when she was in high school, and that’s when she decided to be a part of the publishing industry.
“I started my career at Westlock News, and worked my way up through the chain,” Reiter said. “And it is my honour to be a part of one of the largest media companies specializing in community newspapers.”
Reiter will be working to ensure that the three weekly publications based out of Stettler continue to excel in serving the residents and community members of Stettler and neighbouring areas.