ABOUT US

The Rat Creek Press is a not-for-profit community newspaper in north central Edmonton serving the communities of Alberta Avenue Delton, Eastwood, Elmwood Park, Parkdale, Spruce Avenue and Westwood.

LEARN MORE - Frequently Asked Questions

Mandate

A number of times over the past year, questions have been raised about the Rat Creek Press mandate or direction. The Rat Creek Press board and staff have had some discussions about vision and mission of the organization/paper and plan to continue this process in 2013. While the board sets the mission and goals, nothing changes the following facts (1) we are a nonprofit and (2) we are a newspaper. So its important to understand what that means.

Nonprofits are entities that engage and inspire individuals and communities for public benefit and must conduct their activities with transparency, integrity and accountability.

Newspapers are a vital source of information and a whether they are a private business enterprise or a nonprofit, they have a responsibility to the community they serve as well as a responsibility to uphold the principles of journalism.

Here is a condensed description of Community Journalism from Wikipedia:
Community journalism is locally oriented, professional news coverage that typically focuses on city neighborhoods...If it covers wider topics, community journalism concentrates on the effect they have on local readers. Community newspapers... tend to cover subjects larger news media do not...local coverage often plays a vital role in building and maintaining neighborhoods.

A true community newspaper will follow journalism principles.

So back to the question of the Rat Creek Press mandate. Has it changed? I suppose in a way it has. The Rat Creek Press is evolving into a more professional newspaper with a commitment to being the best community newspaper it can be. This means working towards our mission and goals as outlined by the organization while  following the principles of journalism.

Karen Mykietka, Publisher

Editorial Policy

The Rat Creek Press is a forum for all people. We encourage comments that further discussion on a given article or subject, provide constructive criticism, or offer an idea for community activity. 

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must include the full name, location and contact information of the author.

Op-Ed columns should be 600-800 words and observe formal rules of spelling and grammar. The RCP reserves the right to edit all material
and to remove any electronic comment at any time.

All columns, letters or cartoons submitted are attributed to the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Rat Creek Press. 

Send submissions to the Rat Creek Press Editor via email editor@ratcreek.org, or 9210
118 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5G 0N2. Mail may also be dropped at the address above.


Darren Boisvert, Managing Editor

THE BOARD

Caitlin Hickey, ChairWes Bellmore, Vice-Chair
Shannon Clarke, Secretary
Jason Scott, Treasurer

Email the board

MISSION

To support the growth of a strong, vibrant, well-connected community

GOALS

Build Community
We want to help connect residents with what is happening in the community.

Encourage Communication
We want to provide a forum where information and ideas can be exchanged.

Increase Capacity
We want to help individuals learn new skills, acquire experience and develop leadership.

FACTS ABOUT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

  • 76% of Albertan adults read a community newspaper.
  • Approximately one-third of Canadians only read a community newspaper.
  • Nearly 40% keep their community newspaper more than one week.
  • 73% read more or all of the community paper .
  • Almost half of readers indicate there are days when they read the community newspaper as much for the ads as for the news.

Download Fact Sheet