On Dec. 24 Whistler-Blackcomb removed all copies of the Dec. 23 issue of Pique Newsmagazine from stands on Whistler-Blackcomb property because of a full-page ad for Big White and Silver Star resorts on page 35 of that issue.
Pique distributes fewer than 800 papers on stands on Whistler-Blackcomb property each week. For the week of Dec. 23 there were 18,000 copies of Pique Newsmagazine distributed, with few returns.
The Dec. 30 issue of Pique Newsmagazine was distributed on stands on Whistler-Blackcomb property.
The ad from Big White and Silver Star was not solicited by Pique Newsmagazine; an agency came to Pique and booked the ad.
Pique Newsmagazine endeavours to be a medium for a free and fair exchange of ideas, including advertising. For many years we have accepted advertising from other resorts in B.C. and Alberta.
Pique Newsmagazine is also proud to support and be part of the Whistler community. We fully understand that Whistler’s success as a community and as a resort is based on a co-operative, holistic approach by people, businesses and organizations.
We also recognize Whistler’s role as a catalyst in the development and expansion of other resorts that is now taking place in British Columbia. We further recognize Whistler’s good fortune to be a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics. With this resort development and the international attention that the Olympics are starting to bring to B.C. we believe that increasingly other resorts will wish to have a presence in Whistler.
As members of the Whistler community we believe that resort development, the Olympics and fair competition among resorts will be good for all of B.C. Moreover, we don’t believe it will have a detrimental impact on Whistler. Whistler is a strong community with vibrant, innovative businesspeople.
For these reasons we will continue to accept advertising from other resorts. We also respect those businesses that disagree with our position.
