Despite the various crises the sector has faced, Oaxacan news vendors remain active, selling newspapers, magazines, and other popular items to make a living.
With over 60 years of history, one of the few remaining newsstands is the one founded by the family of news vendors: Sebastián Gaitán Hernández and his wife, Isabel Soriano Ramírez.
Located on the corner of Las Casas and 20 de Noviembre streets, the business, now run by their daughter, Virginia Gaitán Soriano, and her husband, José Luis Martínez Acevedo, continues to sell a variety of products that have strengthened their livelihood.
“My in-laws started selling newspapers and magazines, which in their heyday were their best-selling items. People would come early to buy them, and they would sell out quickly.”
He commented that with the advancement of technology, sales have been declining, and in the modern era, with the use of social media, he estimates a decrease of more than 80 percent compared to sales more than 20 years ago.
DIVERSIFICATION
“Now we find ourselves needing to supplement our offerings with other products such as educational games, notebooks for children to learn to write and read, skill games, and magazines featuring artists or popular figures.”
José explained that introducing collectible items such as stamps for the upcoming World Cup, puzzles, and other options has also helped them stay relevant.
“We continue to offer the newspaper as always, although sales are low, there are still people who enjoy reading, and some even encourage their children to read so they aren’t constantly on their cell phones.”
WHY THAT DATE
According to the news vendors themselves, News Vendor’s Day is celebrated on May 8th, commemorating the founding of the Union of News Vendors of the State of Oaxaca A.C., which was established on May 8, 1970.
Currently, there are two organizations that represent the sector. The second is the Union of News Vendors and Retailers of Newspapers, Books, and Magazines of the State of Oaxaca, led by Francisco Celis Vásquez, while the Union of News Vendors is headed by Silvio Victoria Gutiérrez.
Although both associations comprise at least 250 news vendors, only about 40 kiosks remain in the Oaxaca Metropolitan Area (ZMO). The rest sell their products at intersections and on the street.
Despite the crisis they face, they acknowledged that in the current state administration they have managed to regularize their properties in San Pedro Ixtlahuaca and in San Javier, Xoxocotlán, in addition, they have been granted loans of 5 thousand to 10 thousand pesos by government institutions to pay them without interest and some were incorporated into the social security program.
Source: imparcialoaxaca
