Smiltene resident Jānis Pakalns keeps up family tradition of subscribing to local paper

Jānis Pakalns, a resident of Smiltene in northern Latvia, has already arranged his subscription to the regional newspaper Ziemeļlatvija for the coming year. The paper covers events in Smiltene, the surrounding municipality and the neighbouring town of Valka. Reading a local newspaper is a long-standing tradition in his family, continuing across several generations.

Jānis says local press has always been present in the household – first came Darba Karogs, later Mūsu Zeme. While his parents were alive, they arranged the subscription; now he does it himself. His sister Dagmāra also gets to read the latest news.

Reading habits

Jānis is most interested in what is new in Smiltene and the municipality. He first reads the main stories, then leafs further to see what is happening in Valka. He also follows the classified ads. Important events are discussed together within the family.

Subscription for the new year

Ziemeļlatvija is the only publication Jānis subscribes to. He has already settled the subscription for the new year at a post office, using the Happy Week offer, which made it slightly cheaper.

He admits that younger people may read news online, but says the printed paper is still important to pensioners. He wishes the newspaper's team creativity, vigilance and that they not miss the most important events.