Newspaper publisher celebrates three decades of service to Filipino community in Australia

In a time dominated by digital media, where news is just a click away, one might question the relevance of traditional print journalism. However, despite these uncertainties, Evelyn's Philippine Community Herald Newspaper highlights the enduring importance of print media.

Evelyn Zaragoza, publisher of the Philippine Community Herald Newspaper, has tirelessly served the Filipino community in Australia for 30 years.

Key Points

• Founder of the Philippine Community Herald Newspaper, Evelyn Zaragoza, marks three decades of community-driven journalism alongside her 75th birthday, highlighting the enduring impact of grassroots media.
• Evelyn attributes the newspaper's success to the dedication and passion of its contributors and writers.
• A comprehensive study funded by The Australian Research Council unveils a resounding preference for printed newspapers among rural communities, challenging the notion of declining print media relevance.

Founded in 1994 by Evelyn Zaragoza, the Philippine Community Herald Newspaper (PCHN) has stood as a link between Filipino-Australians and their cultural roots. She single-handedly managed all aspects of the publication, from curating articles and securing advertisers to designing layouts and ensuring widespread distribution to Filipino shops and communities.

Contributors and writers of the Philippine Community Herald Newspaper gather to celebrate years of dedicated storytelling and community engagement.

Over time, Zaragoza saw the newspaper change as more writers and columnists volunteered to share their different ideas. What started as a small project grew into a monthly paper that many people read. It became a platform for dialogue, advocacy, and celebration of the Filipino-Australian experience.

On 4 February 2024, as Evelyn Zaragoza celebrated her 75th birthday, the occasion also marked the 30th milestone year of the Philippine Community Herald.

Evelyn faced many challenges while working with the newspaper. However, she always believed that storytelling could make the community stronger.

As the paper commemorated its 30th anniversary on February 4, 2024, at the Burwood RSL Club in Sydney, columnists reflected on the resilience of print journalism in the digital age. They highlighted the continued relevance and significance of the newspaper in serving communities. Notably, this celebration also coincided with Evelyn Zaragoza's 75th birthday, marking a significant milestone in both her personal and professional life.

Continued preference for printed newspapers in rural Australia

Despite the challenges faced by newspapers, including closures and transitions to digital-only editions, a comprehensive study funded by The Australian Research Council and conducted by researchers from Deakin and RMIT universities, with support from Country Press Australia in 2021, unveiled a resounding preference for printed newspapers among audiences.

The survey of almost 4,200 readers found that most people, including younger generations, still prefer reading newspapers in print. They see printed newspapers as essential for their communities, highlighting their role in providing important information and fostering community unity.