The curtain has officially fallen on a titan of Trinidadian media. Following more than three decades of public service, Newsday has formally closed its doors and ended an era for the nation’s press.
After weeks of growing uncertainty and a High Court ruling, the company conducted its final staff meeting this week to confirm an immediate shutdown. For the journalists, photographers, and support staff who viewed the Pembroke Street office as a second home, the day was filled with sombre farewells and bittersweet reflections.
The Liquidator Steps In
This closure follows a January 23rd decision by High Court Judge Marissa Robertson. The judge approved an application by Daily News Ltd, which is the parent company of Newsday, to wind up operations. Managing Director Grant Taylor explained that the move was necessitated by a “perfect storm” of financial challenges.
On Wednesday, the newly appointed liquidator, Maria Daniel, met with employees to formally announce that the company had stopped all operations. Staff members were informed that they no longer needed to report for work. However, they will remain on the payroll until the end of the month while the winding-up process commences. Daniel confirmed that she is currently assessing the company’s assets to settle any outstanding debts.
A Legacy of Independence
A group of journalists led by the legendary Therese Mills founded Newsday in 1993. The paper carved out a unique space in the local market because it was a stand-alone entity. Since it was not tied to a larger media conglomerate, it gained a reputation for its unwavering independence.
That same independence eventually left the paper vulnerable. Unlike its competitors, Newsday lacked a parent corporation to help absorb the heavy losses currently affecting the print industry. The company reported a 75% drop in print advertising revenue over the last decade. This decline was worsened by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the skyrocketing costs of raw materials such as newsprint.
Even a modest price increase from $2 to $3 a few years ago proved fatal. Approximately 40% of the readership chose to stop purchasing the paper rather than pay the extra dollar.
Devastating Farewells
The human cost of the closure was evident this week as staff returned to the office one last time to collect their personal belongings.
Paula Lindo is a former senior reporter who spent six years at the paper, and she described the experience as devastating. While speaking to Guardian Media, she expressed how painful it was to see years of dedication reduced to mere numbers during the asset evaluation. Despite the sadness, Lindo mentioned a sense of relief that the period of speculation had finally concluded. She noted that while she was sad to see it end, she was glad to finally have a definitive answer.
Sean Douglas joined Newsday in 1996 as a specialist reporter. He echoed these sentiments and stated that the reality of the closure had not yet fully sunk in. Like many of his colleagues, Douglas expressed hope that the extensive archives of the paper would be preserved. He believes these archives should serve as a resource for future generations of journalists to study deep and well-researched reporting.
What Lies Ahead
As the liquidation process moves forward, the media fraternity must grapple with the loss of a vital democratic voice. The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) has called for transparency and fair compensation for all affected workers. This includes both freelancers and temporary staff.
The physical newsroom may be silent now, but the impact Newsday had on the lives of Trinbagonians remains a proud part of national history. The paper was known for giving a voice to the voiceless and educating the population. For the staff moving on to new chapters and the readers who began their mornings with the paper, this marks the end of a storied chapter in Caribbean journalism.
