Rodney Stevens
This month marks 30 years of publication of the CV Independent, the Clarence Valley’s only locally produced newspaper.
The newspaper was first published back in 1994 from an office in Yamba and in keeping with distribution at the time was know as the Lower Clarence Review.
After local government area amalgamation took place in early 2004, the distribution area increased to include the entire Clarence Valley, and the name changed to the Clarence Valley Review.
The present name of Clarence Valley Independent was introduced on April 1, 2015, and was made to reflect the newspapers “independent” origins, having no connection with any other media organisation, nor any association or affiliation with any business or political party.
Clarence Valley Independent founder and editor, John Warden said despite the advances of technology and particularly social media during the 30-year evolution of the business, the local newspaper continues to provide relevant, factual, local news and information that the community deserves.
“Long before social media platforms and the internet captured the publics imaginations, there was the “local” paper. Of course, the CV Independent also has a strong digital presence, with our website covering local news and our social media platforms providing up-to-date information, but I believe there is no other news source the equal of the CV Independent within the Valley.”
“We pride ourselves on being impartial, by reporting the facts and trying to hold council, governments and their departments to account. We are also an important medium for over 300 local sporting, recreational and social organisations who have published their weekly news within the paper over the past 30 years.”
“And whilst anyone can post information on social media, it is conventional media and the paid journalists they employ, who provide factual information, perhaps not always entirely correct… but always factual.”
Mr Warden went on to say he felt it was also important to have an historical “written” record of news and events “for posterity”.
“Digital records of history can be altered and created using technology, but print provides a permanent historical record and a keepsake of events.”
Manager of the CV Independent during the past 30 years, Anne Mazzitelli has led a dedicated team of locals striving to do their best every day to cover as many local events as possible every week and everything is done in-house except the physical printing of the newspapers.
Ms Mazzitelli gave a huge shout out to the local businesses who continued to support the Clarence Valley Independent particularly through to very tough Covid lockdown period. “Special mention must be made of Bowlo Sports and Leisure Yamba, Mareeba Aged Care Maclean, The Saraton Theatre Grafton, Maclean Bowling Club and local tradespeople, just to name a few.” She said.