For the first time since 1953, the historic Napanee Beaver newspaper is owned and operated outside of the Morrison family.
Effective April 1 the paper’s current managing editor Adam Prudhomme assumed ownership.
“It is a great honour to carry on the tradition of local news in Napanee,” said Prudhomme. “I am grateful for this opportunity to continue to report the stories that matter to this community.”
Prudhomme, father to daughters Molly and Clara, has lived in Napanee since 2008, the same year he started his career at the Beaver as a reporter. In 2019 he took on the role of managing editor.
“Having a locally owned and operated, independent newspaper is crucial for a small community,” said Prudhomme. “When a small town paper gets absorbed by a larger corporation, the community loses its voice. It was important to me to keep the legacy of the Beaver going, operated by staff with a vested interest in Lennox and Addington County, the way it has been for 155 years.”
The Beaver is one of Canada’s oldest independently family-owned newspapers and this sale will ensure that tradition continues.
Founded in 1870, the Napanee Beaver was acquired by Earl and Jean Morrison in 1953. When Earl suddenly passed in 1978, Jean bravely continued to publish both the Beaver and Picton Gazette until her passing in 2019 in her 97th year. Her adult children continued to own both papers following her passing, selling the Gazette last May and now the Beaver.
“The Morrison family is very pleased to have the Napanee Beaver remain as an independent and locally owned newspaper, that will continue to be supported by the community for many years ahead,” the family stated.