The Civic Post (formerly the Civic Sunday Post) is a major bi-weekly newspaper in the Divine Republic of Kresimiria. Published every Wednesday and Sunday, it is the second-largest print publication in the country by circulation.
Based in Ravna Skrad, the paper serves as the primary media voice for the liberal intelligentsia, the urban middle class, and supporters of the Civic Renewal Front (CRF). It advocates for economic deregulation, constitutional reform, and the expansion of civil liberties. Its major competitor is the Sinj-based Kresimirian Herald.
Unlike the radical regionalist outlet Northfocus, the Civic Post operates legally under a “Class B” license from the Media Licensing Authority (MLA). It maintains a delicate relationship with the state; while critical of the Blue Dawn government, it is permitted to exist as a “loyal opposition” outlet, providing a controlled vent for political frustration within the bounds of the Constitution.
History
The Matek Era (1944–1952)
The paper was founded in 1944 by associates of Eward Matek, the founder of the CRF. Originally a single-sheet pamphlet distributed in the marketplaces of Ravna Skrad, its goal was to provide an intellectual counter-narrative to the statist propaganda of the RPP. It played a crucial role in cementing Matek’s hold on District VII during the mid-century.
The Wilderness Years (1970s)
Following the CRF’s electoral collapse in 1972, the paper faced immense pressure. With no powerful patrons in the Assembly to protect it, the Civic Post was briefly suspended by the Council for Education for “defeatism.” It survived by pivoting to agricultural news and non-political local interest stories until the political climate thawed.
The Pavlovic Expansion (1980s–1990s)
The paper’s fortunes revived alongside the CRF under Mia Marija Pavlovic. In the 1980s, funded by the rising merchant class of Ravna Skrad who chafed under Ljubo Sanjakorin’s economic restrictions, the Civic Post expanded into a national broadsheet.
By the 1992 election, it had bureaus in Sinj and Novi Otonik. Its relentless reporting on the inefficiencies of state-owned enterprises like Republic Rail helped fuel the CRF’s surge to 6 seats that year.
The Digital Reformer (2000s–Present)
In the 21st century, the Civic Post embraced digital media, launching a subscription-based site on the Kresinet. Under the current editorship of Marta Kovic, it has supported the leadership of Vesna Horvatin, championing her “Technocratic Liberalism.”
Relationship with the State
The Council for Education tolerates the paper because it adheres to the “lines of civility.” The Post criticizes policies (e.g., tax rates, zoning laws) but rarely attacks the fundamental legitimacy of the Divine Chancellor or the state religion. The MLA views it as safer to allow a moderated liberal press than to force all opposition into the arms of underground radicals.
To maintain its license, the Post practices rigorous self-censorship regarding “Tier 1 Security Issues” (such as AFIM movements or the private life of Ari Stov).
Editorial Stance
- Economic: Strongly supports free markets and privatization. It was the only major paper to editorially support Florijan Kostic’s vote against the 2013 Public Integrity Act, arguing the bill was state overreach.
- Social: Supports the repeal of the Faith Restriction Clause and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, though it frames these as “modernization” rather than “revolution.”
- Technological: Critical of the YakaSys monopoly, advocating for an open software market, though it stops short of endorsing the “jailbreaking” promoted by The Digital Front.
Sections
- The Wednesday Review: A mid-week analysis of Assembly debates.
- Market Watch: A business section popular with the traders of Ravna Skrad and the bankers of STP Credit.
- Civic Life: An arts and culture section that frequently reviews works by Osman Hamzic (when they are not banned).