A newspaper is not simply a commodity, even if some operations are run that way. Locally owned and proudly independent, the Observer takes its brand of journalism seriously. “Community paper” shouldn’t be a euphemism for shoddy coverage, poor writing and useless filler. You don’t have to look far to find other so-called newspapers up to those kind of antics, but not at the Observer.
We know your time is valuable. When you sit down with the paper, it should provide something that’s worth reading, featuring information that reflects the community.
That philosophy has been in place since the Observer began publishing in 1996, launched by Elmira natives Joe Merlihan, the publisher, and his brother Pat Merlihan, the newspaper’s production manager.
In short order, the Observer grew to be the area’s preeminent weekly, as residents made it the most widely read newspaper in the townships. We’ve also captured numerous awards in head-to-head competition with papers across the province and the country – the Observer is a member of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA), the Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA), and the Ontario Press Council.
2011
General Excellence (OCNA Award)
Best Sports Section (OCNA Award)
Website – Surfer’s Selection (OCNA Award)
Best All-Around Newspaper (CCNA Award)
Best Front Page (CCNA Award)
Blue Ribbon Award (CCNA Award)
2010
2nd – General Excellence (OCNA Award)
2nd – Best Editorial (OCNA Award)
1st – Environmental Writing (CCNA Award)
2nd – Sports & Rec. (OCNA Award)
2nd – Spot News (OCNA Award)
3rd – Front Page (OCNA Award)
1st – Use of Process (OCNA Award)
3rd – Best Community Website (OCNA Award)
3rd – Surfer’s Selection (OCNA Award)
1st – Humour Columnist (OCNA Award)
2009
Blue Ribbon Award (CCNA Award)
2nd – Best All Around Newspaper (CCNA Award)
2nd – General Excellence (CCNA Award)
2nd – Best Rural Story (OCNA Award)
2nd – Columnist of the Year (OCNA Award)
1st & 3rd – Humour Columnist | Steve Galea (OCNA Award)
1st – Best Community Website (OCNA Award)
2nd – Surfer’s Selection (OCNA Award)
2008
1st – Health & Wellness (OCNA Award)
1st – Best Community Website (CCNA Award)
1st – Humor Columnist | Steve Galea (OCNA Award)
2nd – Feature Writing (OCNA Award)
2nd – Surfer’s Slection (OCNA Award)
2nd – Photo Illustration (CCNA Award)
2007
General Excellence Award (3rd in Ontario)
2nd – Education Writing (OCNA Award)
2nd – Best Creative Advertising (OCNA Award)
1st – Humor Columnist | Steve Galea (OCNA Award)
1st – Best In-House Ad Campaign (CCNA Award)
3rd – Best Web Site Design (CCNA Award)
Best In-Depth Feature (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario)
Honourable Mention – Feature Writing (OCNA Award)
2006
3rd – Business & Finance story (OCNA Award)
1st – Education Writing (OCNA Award)
2nd – Feature Writing (OCNA Award)
3rd – Rural Story (OCNA Award)
3rd – Columnist – Owen Roberts (OCNA Award)
1st – In House Promotion (OCNA Award)
Entrepreneurs of the Year (Chamber of Commerce)
2005
1st – Local Retail Layout (OCNA Award)
3rd – Technically Enhanced Photo (OCNA Award)
1st – Columnist Of The Year – Steve Galea (OCNA Award)
3rd – Best Spot News Photo (OCNA Award)
3rd – Humour Column Of The Year – Steve Galea (OCNA Award)
Honourable Mention – Original Ad Idea – Where’s Elmer (OCNA Award)
2004
1st – Best Historical Writing(CCNA Award)
Best Idea (Publisher’s Choice, CCNA Award)
2003
Blue Ribbon Winner (CCNA)
1st – General Excellence Award (OCNA Award)
3rd – Best Use of Process Colour (OCNA Award)
3rd – Best Agricultural Writing (OCNA Award)
2002
Blue Ribbon Winner (CCNA)
1st – General Excellence Award (OCNA Award)
1st – Best Use of Ad Service (OCNA Award)
2nd – Best Ad Design (CCNA Award)
2001
General Excellence Award (4th in Ontario)
2nd – Best Agriculture Story (OCNA Award)
3rd – Best Columnist (OCNA Award)
3rd – Best Creative Artwork (OCNA Award)
HM – Best Technical Enhanced Photo (OCNA Award)
1st – Best Ad Design (CCNA Award)
2000
General Excellence Award (4th in Ontario)
1st – Best Local Retail Layout (OCNA Award)
1st – Best Vertical Product (OCNA Award)
2nd – Best Process Colour (OCNA Award)
1999 (First Year)
1st – Best Feature Writing (OCNA Award)
2nd – Best Original Ad Idea (OCNA Award)
2nd – Best Education Writing (OCNA Award)
1996
Entrepreneurs of the Year (Chamber of Commerce)
