Metroland

Our Mission and Vision

In many ways, the work of news has changed dramatically since 1846 when The Hamilton Spectator and Journal of Commerce was printed twice weekly on a hand-operated iron press and local subscribers walked to the office on King Street to grab their copy “hot off the press.” Our newsrooms are “digital first”, meaning reporters file to our websites as news happens rather than following the old print deadlines. Readers can choose to read those stories through links in our email newsletters and news alerts, by subscribing to an app, bookmarking their local site or flipping the pages of the newspaper or e-edition. But at our core, the mission has endured.

That mission is to encourage civic engagement and democratic participation, ensure government accountability and transparency, and build community connection.

Local reporting creates shared narratives and common understanding within communities, helping residents feel connected to their neighbours and invested in their community's wellbeing. Our newspapers and websites give local readers the information they need to understand and question what is happening around them so they can make an informed vote in their local elections, volunteer at a local non-profit, shop at a local business, try a new neighbourhood restaurant or attend a community event. We strive to be the most trusted, indispensable source of community news and information for people who care about where they live.

Our vision is better, stronger communities.