By now you’ve probably heard that this is the last issue of The Sasquatch before the publication’s indefinite suspension. After taking a hard look at our current financial situation and projections for the year, the Briarpatch staff and board of directors have come to accept that we simply cannot sustain two publications at this time.
We knew from the start that launching a new publication in such an inhospitable media climate was a risky endeavour. But the need for another independent voice in the province was strong, so we dove in anyways, setting clear targets for subscription numbers, fundraising and ad revenue.
Briarpatch Inc. has always scraped by on a shoestring budget and has developed innovative ways to sustain itself with diverse but limited revenue streams, but there have been a number of factors stacked against us in the past year that have made things particularly difficult. I probably don’t need to explain how unstable the media industry is right now – you’ve heard about CanWest’s slow implosion and cuts to local reporting in both the corporate and public spheres. There have also been cuts to federal funding for magazines, and what we see as a dangerous politicization of Canadian cultural policy: Briarpatch Magazine (The Sasquatch’s older sister) was denied grant funding from the Canada Magazine Fund for the past two years running for what we see as specious reasons. (In one case, our grant was recommended for approval by Canada Magazine Fund staff, and then rejected by the Conservative Minister of Culture!)
As the end of the The Sasquatch’s first year drew near, we found ourselves far short of the targets we’d set and facing a daunting deficit.
Letting The Sasquatch go has been difficult, particularly because the need for more diverse independent media in this province is still so acute, and The Sasquatch, though barely out of its infancy, was already punching far above its weight. The more unbalanced and divided our world becomes, the stronger the need for democratic, public-interest journalism that holds power to account and presents practical alternatives to the status quo. It is painful, then, to close down a new publication that directly addresses that need.
Thanks to all of you, who recognized the need for independent media and who supported it through your donations, subscriptions and ads, The Sasquatch had a great run. We took a big risk together. Your support and enthusiasm energized us and enabled us to produce eight kick-ass issues we should all be proud of, in which we covered an eclectic array of important topics with a clarity and depth that isn’t found in other media.
This final issue of The Sasquatch would not have been possible without the persistence, ardor and generous contributions of several key individuals. As I returned to the publisher’s desk in late January, staff writer Elecia Chrunik stepped unflinchingly into the role of managing editor for this issue. Nikko Snyder’s administrative support and exculpatory genius has been invaluable. Briarpatch editor Dave Mitchell saved my sanity with his thoughtful and level-headed optimism, and the volunteer board of directors has been steadfast with their moral support and strategic guidance throughout.
We also had an outpouring of support from the broader Briarpatch/Sasquatch community. Many of you have already responded with words of support and donations in response to my letter (I’ve snuck a couple notes that came early enough into the Letters section on the opposite page). Several advertisers booked an additional ad or upgraded their ad size for this issue, providing us with some necessary additional revenue and allowing us to expand the page count. Many of the contributors whose work graces the following pages have donated their work. We are grateful for all of your support and look forward to the opportunities that lay ahead.
Suspending publication of The Sasquatch will allow the organization to strategically re-focus resources and energy on Briarpatch Magazine in order to ensure that the magazine remains a strong voice on the leading edge of Canadian radical politics. As we make this transition, your continued support will be critical in ensuring that Briarpatch continues to build upon its 37-year legacy of stirring shit up.
In the meantime, just know that I appreciate your support thus far. It’s been a great pleasure to work for such an attentive and engaged community of readers for the past several months.
If you have any questions, fiscal austerity tips or words of encouragement, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Thanks for reading,
Shayna Stock, Editor