401(k) Notice

NO CHANGE TO COMPANY MATCH FOR JULY 1 PLAN YEAR

Independent will continue to match 50% of each employee’s contribution to his or her 401(k) account for the plan year that begins on July 1, 2020, up to the plan year limit of $425.  During the  current climate, companies are suspending their match.  We want employees to continue to have confidence in the company’s stability.  Maintaining the match demonstrates  Independent’s desire to grow the participation to its retirement plan.  

The auto-enrollment process that began July 2017 automatically enrolls employees in the Plan once they satisfy the eligibility requirements with a 3% salary deferral (contribution) set up.  We've discovered that employees will increase the 3% salary deferral.  The automatic process removes the need for employees to complete enrollment and sets them on the path to saving for their retirement.   

The 401(k) plans are considered the most well-known employer-sponsored plans because it is one of the most powerful tools to use to put aside monies.  A benefit is that the employees’ contribution is  not taxed until it is withdrawn.  In fact, the contribution reduces your salary before taxes are withheld, meaning you pay less in taxes today.  Secondly, money held in the 401(k) plan grows.  The investment earnings on plan assets are not taxed as long as they remain inside the Plan.  Independent’s 401(k) Plan assets are $5.6 million with a participation of 60%. 

The Principal platform is very user friendly and provides various tools in determining how to save and the funds to choose.   The 401(k) committee members (CEO/President Ed Dulin, Vice President and Plan Trustee Wanda Ford-Waring, and Accounting Manager Nicole Millner)  are confident the Plan will continue to grow based upon the tools and retirement specialists in place to assist employees in saving for their retirement.  Principal and Lincoln Benefits/NFP (Independent’s broker/retirement specialist) will conduct webinars in how to navigate through the Principal system.

For calendar year 2020, you can contribute up to $19,500 to the Plan on a pre-tax basis.  If you will be at least 50 years old by December 31, 2020, you can contribute an additional “catch-up” contribution of $6,000.  You may change the amount of your Elective Deferral contributions at any time. Any changes in contributions, including stopping your deferral contributions can be done in the Principal https://login.principal.com/login , select Contributions and select Manage Contributions. 

Independent employees also have various options in getting investment advice.  Contact -

Lincoln Benefits/NFP (INI’s broker/Retirement Specialist) - Kadedra Warren: 800-826-7859 Ext 20013 or email kadedra.warren@nfp.com

Principal – Call Participant Client Contact Center: 800- 547-7754

If you have any problems, please contact inipayroll@newszap.com .

It takes a team.

For the past three months we’ve reported on our great teams and how they have stood up to the Covid situation, doing it all with a smile and real determination to help our company survive.  We cannot be more thankful and appreciative of their wonderful efforts.  While others were able to “shelter at home” these folks put their fears aside and did what we asked, without question.  But it really came home to this writer when for the first time in two months he was able to visit the night shift finishing team.  It was more like a real heartfelt family reunion as we gathered around, looked each other in the eyes (yes, that’s all you see behind those face masks!), fist bumped, arm bumped and delighted in seeing one another.  It almost brought tears to the eyes. All of the team was excited as ever about being at work and you could tell how proud of themselves they were, as they told their personal stories of how they and their families were getting through this very hard time.  It was a beautiful moment to be part of!  And helps us all understand that it takes a great team to stand up to adversity such as the Covid to do great things.  At DPC we have a great team!  

From Tom Bugbee

Today's Caloosa Belle

Dear Independent Newsmedia, Inc. & Mr. Joe Smyth:

Congratulation on the professionalism of your journalists and editors in publishing the June 18, 2020 edition of the Caloosa Belle. For decades the paper seemed constrained to primarily reprinting government agency press releases alongside community clubs and schools activities. Today's edition is a bold declaration that your publications will, in all the towns they serve, promote fact-based conversations on critical issues of the day. Ours is a community in mourning and one filled with broader angst. We need a newspaper that understands this and seeks to explore the root causes of recent tragedies. An effective local paper like yours can inform the public and thereby help the community chart an inclusive, constructive path forward. I visited your web site and learned of the INI history, founder, philosophy and trustees. What I discovered was truly inspirational in this era of disappearing local journalism.

THANK YOU!!!!!

  

John C. Capece, Ph.D.

Intelligentsia International, Inc.

a 501c3 educational organization

Arizona Mission Stories

Water usage: With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting everyday life, Chris Caraveo explores the usage of water in Phoenix area cities and whether usage went up during the month of the state’s stay at home order. Oddly enough, usage was down, but cities still have to prepare for the summer, when utility usage is at its peak. Water department officials explain how vital it is for people to conserve water during the hot months and are coming up with new ways to track water use.

https://www.yourvalley.net/stories/summer-heat-brings-out-the-most-in-water-usage-around-the-valley,165316

Police reform: The George Floyd incident in Minnesota has sparked national and international concern about policing and race in the US. Faculty at ASU came together and put out a 10-list guide on how to approach police reform, and Chris Caraveo speaks with an ex-chief on how the list really attempts to provide solutions to a decadeslong bout between the public and police.

https://www.yourvalley.net/stories/asu-criminology-faculty-dives-into-police-reform,164478

Thank You So Much

I’d like to thank everyone for their kind words in this salute to my fifty years with the company.  Quite honestly, it took me a while to get through it all, as it brought tears to my eyes numerous times and many smiles recalling some of the special moments from the past.

But, on this special day, it should be me thanking everyone rather than the other way around.  I think about how lucky I’ve been to have worked for such a great company for this long, how grateful I am to have worked with so many wonderful people and how privileged I’ve been to have been given the opportunity to continuously learn new things and put them into practice during that time.  

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all YOU have done for me!!

Now, as I’ve said so many times over those fifty years, get back to work!!!  Onward and upward!

Ed Dulin

A salute to Ed Dulin

A salute to Ed Dulin

for 50 years of dedicated service to 
independent community journalism

Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA

Ed Dulin in 2005.  He started with the Delaware State News in 1970 as a district manager in the circulation department, transferred to Arizona to launch INI’s printing operation there, became  group publisher in Arizona and later in Delmarva, and was named  President & CEO of the entire company in 2014.

Happy 50 years, Ed! It’s an impressive accomplishment! There are a lot of great memories with your leadership and guidance. I’ve always appreciated your devil’s advocate, your kindness and your encouragement. Thank you for teaching me how to play Blackjack in Vegas!

-         Charlene Bisson, INI Arizona Group Publisher.

Ed, In the years I served on the INI Board I always looked forward to ordering lunch for you at our quarterly meetings. To the best of my knowledge you were always happy with my selection.  Hoping your ice tea lunch gives you another 50 years.

-         Richard Bricker, former member of the INI board of directors.

Dear Ed, WOW!  Fifty years!   Congratulations!  How great an experience it’s been for all of us who have crossed your path to have known and worked with such a professional, dedicated, honest and fair person of your caliber!   Our paths crossed forty-three years ago at Valley Newspapers when you hired me as a “jogger” from an ad you ran in the Arizona Republic.  You were twenty-six and already a general manger.  I, at twenty-four, a wandering press operator in desperate need of a job!  I lasted six months at Valley.  But left truly impressed by you and the values of work championed at INI.  Somehow over the next thirty-three years our “kinship” in the Arizona newspaper business kept us in contact, and I always had a place in my heart and mind for you and Valley Newspapers.  And when in the year 2000 we met again (yes, me desperate for a job, again!) you hired me back to be part of the Valley team.  That was twenty-years ago, and it has been my pleasure all these years to work again with you and the INI team.  Ed, I count only a few individuals who have truly influenced me on the road of life.  You sir are at the top of the list! 

-         Tom Bugbee, General Manager, Delaware Printing Company.

Ed, first congratulations on 50 years with INI a very significant milestone.  Who would have thought back in 1970 when you started in the circulation department as a district manager you would work your way through several departments, learning the business from the bottom up and end up as President/CEO.  That says a lot about INI but it also speaks volumes about you.  Your tenacity, work ethics, willingness to look at both sides of an issue and never afraid to ask others for advice puts you at the top.  Years ago, when you were President of Arizona and Tammy was President of Delmarva, I always thought it would be very rewarding to work for you.  Who would have guessed in a few years that would happen.  You are an example of what INI stands for and I am very pleased to say you are our President and CEO.  - Sheila Clendaniel, INI Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Ed Dulin, Delaware Dancing with the Stars grand champion, 2012

I thought you might want to share this “Ed Dulin Memory” for his upcoming anniversary.  This photo is from 2012 when Ed and his dance partner won the Dancing with the Delaware Stars charitable dance competition.  Many of us knew that Ed was a great dancer, but little did we know that he would perform such a fun-loving and lively choreographed dance routine.  He spent many hours practicing and took the house down with applause and the votes needed to win the coveted mirrored-ball trophy.  Plus, the festive, high-energy atmosphere certainly boosted the fundraising results for the event.  It was a delightful show and a great memory of the many things that Ed has done to support the Delaware community throughout his years with INI.

- Heather Cregar, INI Delmarva marketing & promotions manager.

Ed Dulin, second from left, competing in a fancy pants golf tournament.

Congratulations Ed on your 50^th Anniversary with INI!!!!  Looking back over my eleven years with INI, I can truly say that it has been a pleasure to know you and to work with you and the family/staff of INI. Always a smile, even on challenging days, you kept your composure and focus working toward the issues that can arise. Always the professional. And when you are in the Dover office, you always stop by and ask how we were doing. Those are the little things that make a good leader in a company.  Congratulations again and enjoy the celebration! You have worked hard, and you deserve it!!!! Maybe you can work in a game of golf, if you leave the office soon enough 😊 Thank you

– Scherie Drzymalski, INI Corporate Services Cashier/Billing Team.

Ed – Fifty years --- where do I begin? One thing for sure, this is a huge milestone. It goes without saying you have motivated and encouraged us to be better. I’ve learned from you that success does not come in a day; but, it does come with years of strong determination and hard work!! Having said that, you are the example we all aspire to be and follow.    We appreciate your energy, your kindness, and all the work you do, but most of all, we just appreciate you.   To use your words that we often hear --- Onward and Upward!  Congratulations on your 50 years with Independent.

 -Wanda Ford-Waring, Vice President, INI Corporate Services.

In all my encounters with Ed over the years, through all of the challenges and successes we've shared, one thing has remained constant: the smile on his face. His upbeat, optimistic, even-handed approach to the issues, no matter what they may be, serves as a reminder that a positive attitude is infectious and the best remedy for any circumstance. Congrats on your 50th anniversary with the company, Ed, and keep on smiling!

- Don Henninger, INI Board of Directors.

Even Newshound is trying to stay healthy.  😊

Just wanted to say to Ed thank goodness someone else has finally joined the “INI mature club with me”. Congratulations on your very special day and thanks for all you’ve done to help “Newshound out over the years”. And we’ll hope for 50 more years.

- Toni Hewes, AKA Newshound,  Delaware Printing Company Computer to Plate.

Ed, your steady and strong leadership shines. Your knowledge of and passion for INI’s people and its business inspires. Thank you for your many contributions over the past 50 years! With much gratitude - Cindie Hubiak, INI Board of Directors.

Ed, congratulations on your 50^th anniversary with INI. What an accomplishment! You always have taken my ideas to heart and have listened to me with an open mind and I appreciate that more than you will ever know. You are fair, honest, kind and funny but you have the ability to get your point across while being considerate. It’s been an honor to work with you over the years. Here’s to 50 more!

All the best! - Lori Kircher, INI Corporate Services.

Happy 50^th Anniversary, Ed!  And, it still feels like you began your career with INI just yesterday, right? Congratulations on what is a real achievement.

 - Kelsie Knight, INI Business Systems Coordinator

What an achievement! 50 years with INI! I am sure it has indeed been a long strange trip! But BIG TIME Congratulations on something almost unheard of nowadays! But after knowing you for more than two decades, I can’t say I am surprised. Commitment, dedication and loyalty are all among your most admirable personal characteristics. I am so glad to count you as one of my lifelong mentors. Two basic things your taught me by example: Be on time and be prepared. You also me taught me the virtue of silence and listening, though I am still not very good at keeping my mouth shut. On a long ago visit to annual meeting of the trustees, someone retiring from the board raised a glass to toast you, by describing you as the heart and soul of the company. I can’t think of a better description.

Thanks.  -  Darel LaPrade, INI Delmarva Group Publisher.

Ed, other than my father there are just a few people who have impacted my newspaper trajectory as much as you have.  When we first met 12 or so years ago you challenged me to think bigger about my career and my personal life. You told me that while we work hard, you never hire someone with the idea that they will work so many hours they can’t have a life. Through the years, our conversations have gone like that. The various positions we have talked about have always excited me, both to work for INI and frankly to be able to report to you directly. I’ve called you, in between something, in need of some guidance and you have both challenged me to grow and encouraged me to remember that this is just a job. A rewarding one, but a job nonetheless.  Last year when I called you up to talk about my job at Gatehouse and what I should do, you responded the way you always have. You encouraged me to think about something new, and challenged me. You cared not just about what I could bring to the company, but for my family as well.  I know that in your role you might not always get to see the way you have impacted someone. In my case I’m incredibly grateful for all the life and career advice you have shared over the years, but most of all I’m grateful that you believed in me. That has made an immense difference in my career and in my life. Thank you, Ed. You are a gifted leader and I’m honored to be in this with you.  - Konrad LaPrade, INI Delmarva Group Advertising Director

Ed, the soap opera All My Children had been on the air for just a few months and The Beatles had officially broken up just weeks before you started your career with INI!  Both seemed appropriate comparisons as INI seems more like a family than a company; encouraging and depending on one another.  And as you know, Beatlemania lived on long after the Beatles ended.  Proof that if you do something well, your work will stand the test of time.  Seems we owe a great deal of gratitude to the person responsible for hiring you as there has been a lot of “right” in your 50 years that will stand the test of time.  Kent State, Apollo 13, The Ford Pinto, Doonesbury, Jackson 5 debut and the first New York City marathon – all headlines 50 years ago.  Where would we be without newspapers to tell those stories, and where would newspapers be without Ed Dulin?  Happy Anniversary

-         Jaime Limoges, INI Florida group advertising manager.

Ed Dulin in 1986, president of the Arizona Newspapers Association

Happy Anniversary – and a BIG Thank You to Ed Dulin for 50 years of service and commitment to our company. It’s been a long, strange – but enjoyable – ride, with many memories created along the way.  You could be a taskmaster for sure, but also a coach, a mentor, a cheerleader and most important, a friend. Your endearing commitment to putting our company’s mission and values first and foremost among all else has served our company well and contributed tremendously to our continued success and sustainability. It would take a newspaper the size of the weekly Sun City Independent for me to adequately share the many fond memories I have of working with Ed over the past 37 years. The best of times, though, always seem to involve team celebrations, community events, golf outings, birthday parties and more. For several years we had this little rivalry on who could embarrass the other the most on their birthday. I won’t tell you who won that contest, but I think we did achieve our goal of embarrassing each other (and probably ourselves as well!).  Watching Ed negotiate with city officials and advertisers was an invaluable learning experience. I was the pupil and he was the master. I’ve often felt that even though he may have taught me everything I know when it comes to negotiating, I don’t believe he taught me everything he knows about negotiating.  And then there was Sept. 11, 2001. Our Arizona leaders gathered that morning for our monthly meeting, only to be greeted by the devastating news of the attacks on the nation. I’ll always remember and admire Ed’s solid leadership at that moment in time – his firm call to cancel the meeting and encouragement to go home to our families, his request that we remain strong for our teams and his reassuring confidence that things were going to be OK.  So, here’s to you Ed! Thank you for your service to our company, our communities and to those who have had the wonderful opportunity of working with you. 

-         Bret McKeand, Senior Executive Editor and former president of Arizona operations.

Ed, congratulations on 50 years with the newspaper group! What a lot of changes the industry has seen in that time. Gone are the days of paste-up tables, X-acto knives and non-photo blue pens. Darkrooms have given way to digital photography. Even desktop publishing is old news, as we embrace the age of the digital newspaper.  We've seen so many changes, but the essence of the community newspaper is the same. Such a momentous occasion deserves something special, and so my fellow chocoholic, be assured that a special batch of Fantasy Fudge is headed your way!

-         Katrina Elsken Muros, INI Florida Group Publisher.

Ed, I will never be able to boast 50 years of consecutive employment with the INI group –it’s clearly a significant milestone - but I am pleased that you took a chance and invited me to come back to work – so, I can now at least boast working with the Delaware State News off and on for nearly 40 years! I do tell people that’s because the child labor laws were extremely loose back in the day!   Hopefully we will get to raise a glass during one of your visits back east!  Best regards, Tonda with a shoutout from my dahlin hubby Joe, too!

-         Tonda L. Parks, Event Marketing & Community Outreach Director, Delaware State News, Airlifter, Galaxy 110

Ed, for half a century you have dedicated yourself to the INI mission. So many of us, including the board, have benefited from your loyalty and hard work. Thank you for all you’ve done, for setting the standards high, and sharing your knowledge and wisdom. Congratulations on this most impressive 50^th Anniversary! We appreciate your energy, your work ethic, and all the work you do, but most of all, we appreciate you! My very best wishes.

-         Alicia Wadas, INI Board of Directors.

Ed, congratulations on 50 years! I hope I can make it another 21 to top your mark. You have inspired and motivated us in many ways. Certainly, one motivation was making sure I didn’t arrive last to your Monday morning meetings and have to go first. Jen Wright and I didn’t seem to have time for complete stops when we were dropping the kids off at school.

-         Andy West, Executive Editor, Delaware State News.

Ed, what can I say about you that your fellow INIers haven’t already said?  In their messages, the same words kept being repeated, and they describe you perfectly: Caring. Cheerleader. Coach. Committed. Confident. Composed. Dedicated. Determined. Energetic.  Ethical.  Even-handed.  Fair.  Family. Friend.  Gifted. Hard worker. Honest. Inspirational.  Kind.  Knowledgeable.  Leader. Loyal. Mentor. Motivator. Negotiator. Optimistic. Passionate. Positive. Prepared. Professional. Service. Smiling. Steady. Strong. Tenacious. Upbeat.   It has been my pleasure to have worked with you for your entire 50 years with INI.  Together we have built a company we can all be proud of --- one that cares about people and our community service mission and is always guided by fairness and integrity.  I couldn’t have had a better partner than you, Ed, so thanks for a great five decades!

-         Joe Smyth, INI board chair.

Straight journalism is still our mission

By Joe Smyth

Board chair, Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA

Today, most newspapers are no longer led by journalists, but by highly compensated and highly incentivized financial wizards.  By people far more concerned about stock prices, dividends and especially their own outrageous bonuses than the community or its newspaper.

Meanwhile, many of their newsrooms are full of people who went into journalism not for journalism itself but to push a political agenda.  The New York Times, for example, has many terrific writers.  But the Times has developed a progressive culture that cries out not just from the editorial pages, but from nearly every page from front to back.

Too many other major newspapers --- like most so-called news channels on cable tv --- aren’t reporting the news but instead pushing their partisan points of view.  They are contributing to America’s great political divide and to the demonization of the opposition (both sides).

This week, the editorial page editor of the Times was forced to resign and the deputy editorial page editor was reassigned.  Their offense?  They published an op-ed by a United States senator arguing that the military should be called in to restore public order when the police are overwhelmed.  As the Wall Street Journal saw it, “A staff revolt deemed the piece fascist, unconstitutional, and too offensive for adults to read and decide for themselves.” And the publisher buckled under the pressure.

Meanwhile, the editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer also had to resign.  His offense? Allowing a headline to be published that read “Buildings Matter, Too”.  Yes, the headline was terribly insensitive.  The editor apologized, but that wasn’t enough. Newsroom staffers, in an open letter, stated in part: “We’re tired of being told to show both sides of issues there are no two sides of”.  And the publisher buckled under the pressure.

A reader nailed it in a letter to the editor about the incidents at the New York Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer: “These are no longer publications of objective journalism but journals of instruction. Their intent is to instruct their audiences what to do and what to believe, not to inform them so they can make their own decisions.”  

***

That is not how our company views our role.

We ask our journalists to think of themselves as humble representatives of the public.  Their reporting should not “take sides” but rather help our readers understand what is happening.  They interview the key players on both sides of an issue and leave it to our readers to form their own opinions.  Many of our journalists honor us by spending their entire careers with us because they are so comfortable with our commitment to straight, balanced and non-partisan reporting.

But many readers are so overwhelmed by agenda-pushing media --- on cable news, on the internet, national media, and too often even in their local newspaper --- that they suspect all media of fake news, biased reporting and one-sided editing.  Sadly, their confusion is understandable.  Far too many citizens get their “news” in all the wrong places.

Decades ago, we made a few decisions that were, in retrospect, pretty unusual. 

• To protect our independence, safeguard our mission, and ensure our survival, we gave ownership of our newspapers to a non-profit journalistic trust.  We pay taxes like any other company, but 100% of our after-tax profits can be invested in our mission of even-handed public service journalism.

• To extend the First Amendment to the grassroots, we gave our opinion pages to the citizens of our communities.  Too many citizens have abdicated their public policy decisions to so-called experts. We try to involve them in public policy as participants, not just as spectators. We have faith in the public's ability to eventually make good decisions if we provide them a solid understanding of the issues and a civil platform where they can develop and discuss their opinions. Our role is to facilitate the community’s civil discussion of public issues, not to dominate it. That’s tough enough to do fairly, and would be impossible if we were taking sides.  That’s why we don’t write editorials. Instead, we publish a wide diversity of opinions and trust our readers to make their own judgements.   

  

• To support our communities, we gave a mission of public service to our newspapers and a pledge of non-partisan purposeful neutrality to our newsrooms.  This is, unfortunately, all too rare. Far too much of today’s journalism is agenda-driven instead of balanced --- which is the reason why so many citizens distrust media.   In our newsrooms, we believe we have fallen short whenever, after reading one of our stories, readers can tell what the reporter’s opinion is.

***

Could newspapers everywhere regain public trust and earn the support of their communities by following the same principles that have guided us: ownership committed to community service, editors who are pure journalists instead of crusaders for some political agenda, and newsrooms that take pride in reporting the news with purposeful neutrality?

The feedback from many of our readers suggest they could. Some recent unsolicited reader comments:

• “Some of the things I like best about (the Daily Independent): pages that say what someone said and then state the facts; truth about local and state news.”

• “The Delaware State News holds their reporters accountable for what they write. Its reporters, news team and editors are readily available for feedback and follow up…the key to credibility and ethics is keeping their biases out of their work.  (The paper) strives for balance. Its mission, stated every day, reflects that. Because it doesn’t have an editorial board that signals management positions, readers are encouraged to state their point of view without fear of censorship. Submissions from all perspectives are published daily.”

• “We have been so impressed with (the Lake Okeechobee News) and enjoy reading it both in print and online.  Seldom, nowadays, does one find a paper that does not constantly push a political agenda.”

• “I want to applaud you for having the most truthful, balanced and informative news outlet we have. It gives a balanced view of local issues and is a great discussion starter. Delmarva is lucky to have the Salisbury Independent. Believe me, I cannot watch the news anymore w/o a spike in blood pressure.  Thank you and please keep doing what you do.”

Government "by the people" is a messy process, but well worth the effort.  Newspapers that refrain from participating in the debate empower themselves to claim a much more important role: as providers of balanced reporting and facilitators of the community's discussion of public issues.  By not taking sides, the editor is free to make sure that all sides are being heard, and that a civil dialogue is taking place. 

Our industry is struggling, but we are confident that our company will thrive because our readers appreciate our talented, dedicated and untainted reporters.  They value what we do.  They will support us through thick and thin.  And we will reward them with unfettered journalism and a platform for civil discussions of public issues.

-30-

Thank you Thank you Thank you

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I really am so grateful for all the help – good natured, efficient, and determined – that came the Banner’s way this week. I know it was rough all around.

To make a long story short, my laptop died just as I was beginning to paginate the week’s paper. Yes, on deadline and everything.

Darel LaPrade, Darin Powell, Sheri Sussman, Ashley Dawson, Matt Grettenberger and the CTP team jumped into the fray and built a Banner for Dorchester, though they certainly already had plenty to do. I’ve told my own kids that when things get stressful, people tend to show their true colors – well, these INIers got the job done, still as good natured as ever.

What it tells me is that when we stick together, we serve our readers and advertisers the best way we can. If everyone hadn’t pitched in, we would have failed the people who depend on us.

It’s great to know I work with colleagues who believe in our mission and are willing to go the extra mile.

And while I mentioned several by name because I work with them more directly, I know there were folks in the pressroom and circulation who had to adjust to make all this happen.

Again, thank you very much!

Dave Ryan

Interviewing the demonstrators

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sx8S2NBIlBTW-wJCcSgxCUG7akh03XvL/view?usp=sharing

Warning: This video contains X-rated language

We can’t let local newspapers die!

Support Local News

Local Media Association, Local Media Consortium and Google have created a marketing campaign designed to educate the public on the importance of supporting local news.

Over the last month, Local Media Association and Local Media Consortium worked with Google on the messaging of the campaign and the creation of a website – www.supportlocalnewsnow.com.

The website lists local community newspapers and news organizations throughout the nation, including all publications owned by Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA.

The database is designed to promote local journalism, and encourage citizens to financially support their local newspapers.

Google also invested $15 million in a paid ad campaign with thousands of news outlets in the U.S. and Canada. LMA CEO Nancy Lane offers 10 things to know about this remarkable initiative.  LMA has also created a Support Local News toolkit. It’s free to use as-is or customize.

Surprise Independent Compliment

Forecasters peer through the coronavirus fog

Forecasters peer through the coronavirus fog

NEWS & TECH STAFF REPORT

Now that some of the fog has cleared concerning the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, a number of reports provide snapshots of where the newspaper publishing industry is at and where it’s going. One data point on the brighter side: U.S. unemployment rate fell to 13.3% in May, shocking some economists who had foreseen unemployment rate to rise in May,

CNN reported.

• FTI Consulting, headquartered in Washington, updated an earlier forecast it had put out in April and produced a report June 1. The primary difference was that March actual was better than FTI’s original projection and April and May were a bit worse, with the result a couple point reduction in the forecast.

- Providing U- and V-shaped forecasts, FTI predicts YoY total advertising revenue decline ranges of 35%–40% in 2020

- Print ad revenue is forecast at 40% ‐ 45% declines in 2020.

- Digital ad revenue will be more resilient, with forecasted drops of 19%–23% in 2020 and growth returning in 2021 of 8%–22%.

- Total revenue declines, previously forecasted at 5%–6% annually until 2021, are now expected to decline at a 10%–14% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) from 2019–2021.

The industry may see as high as 50%+ year‐over‐year growth in digital subscription revenue by Q4 2020; mostly volume, the report says.

FTI provided some “rethinking print” concepts in the report.

A hard sell for subscriptions

https://digiday.com/media/we-need-you-to-fill-the-gap-publishers-are-making-a-hard-sell-for-subscriptions/

MAY 19, 2020 by KAYLEIGH BARBER

News publishers aren’t mincing words in their messages to push subscriptions, directly appealing to readers to support journalism and even make up for lost advertising revenue.

·         The New York Times has run display ads reading, “In times of uncertainty, let facts be your guide.” It even appeals to some readers to buy a Times mug to support its mission.

·         The Guardian, which relies on a donations model, is overt in its appeal with mentions of industry dynamics: “At this crucial moment, advertising revenue is plummeting. We need you to help fill the gap,” one bright, yellow banner ad read.

·         BuzzFeed News started adding a block of copy to its newsletters and on its website that tells readers that “more than ever before, we need your help to keep all this going.”

·         The Daily Beast’s paywall that pops-up for member-only content says “Critical times. Unprecedented reporting. Support The Beast.”

This language appears to be working.

In April, The Guardian received support from 870,000 people globally. That month alone, there was an increase of 50,000 new supporters, according to a company spokesperson. All types of support have grown two to three times the normal rate since the start of the crisis, but the category of recurring contributions and members was up 20% year over year to a total of 470,000 people. 

BuzzFeed News started offering its readers more options outside of being locked into a monthly or annual subscriptions to give one-off contributions starting at $5. Its membership landing page now reads, “Our members help us keep our quality news free and available for all.”

BuzzFeed News wouldn’t disclose the exact increase in members or number of contributions made, but a spokesperson said that it is now averaging several times the number of new subscribers it had in the months of March and April as it had January and February of this year.

The Daily Beast experienced triple-digit growth in its paying members from the period of January 1 to March 15 versus March 16 to present, and average order value on memberships is up 35%, according to CRO Mia Libby. 

Libby attributes this growth to the Beast’s messaging strategy for memberships. On its membership landing page, readers are encouraged to not only sign up for a monthly or annual membership, but are also met with a “give more” option to support the brand and its journalism right now.

Not every publisher has used that kind of rhetoric.

The New York Times is running 30-second ads on TV, digital and social media channels right now which lists fact-checked statements — like “bleach is not a cure” — with a tagline: “The truth is essential.” (Its subscription landing page, however, presents a more direct message: “Your subscription is vital in supporting fact-based, independent journalism.”)

That’s partly because the Times is hardly struggling financially. The first quarter of 2020 was the Times’ best quarter for digital subscriptions growth. The publisher added 587,000 new paying subscribers during that period, over 80% of which were for its core news product. Along with that, subscription revenue increased by 5.4%, with the company’s total revenues growing by 1% from the year prior to $443 million. Its operating profit in the first quarter of 2020 did decrease to $27.3 million, however, from $34.6 million the year prior.

The Times CMO David Rubin would not disclose how many free log-ins the site received since launching that option in mid-March, but he did say that that option allows the Times to “start that relationship” with those readers. By logging in, readers give the Times’ their email and gain access to certain newsletters, like the Morning Briefing, that push forward the benefits of subscribing even further.

Peter Figueredo, NYC head of strategy at House of Kaizen, said he’s seen his publisher clients take more of a soft sell approach to gathering reader revenue but the hard sell of “supporting the brand in trying time” can be just as effective.

It doesn’t so much matter which direction a publisher goes in, he said. “As they’re being genuine in the messaging and they’re staying true to their audience, it’s going to come off as genuine.”

Use puzzles for reader retention?

Use puzzles for reader retention?

Happy Father's Day

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hCrU6FnEQ23NGMBAojTi1gydygeZQdRa/view?usp=sharing

Florida Mission Stories for May

Fire department merger

The Okeechobee City Council’s plan to save money by closing their fire department and contracting for fire protection service with Okeechobee County continued to be a hot topic in May. The change would mean while about half of the city’s firefighters could find employment with the county, the others would be out of a job. The county commissioners found themselves the target of online hostility although they repeatedly explained this was the city council’s idea, not theirs. The Lake Okeechobee News continues to follow this much debated idea.

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/community-news/fire-fighter-attempts-to-save-city-fire-department/

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/government/okeechobee-city-council-moves-forward-with-contract-for-county-to-provide-fire-service-in-the-city/

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/government/okeechobee-commissioners-on-fire-department-merger-we-didnt-ask-for-this-county-officials-say-city-never-ask

Lake Okeechobee water levels debated

In May, the Lake Okeechobee News also helped readers understand the controversy over the “savings clause” which guarantees that water supply to utilities, Native American Tribes and farmers at the level they had in 2000, before the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan work began. Many stakeholders believe the savings clause should be included in the new Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does not agree. A dry season which left parts of the Everglades on fire illustrated the need for water supply. The news coverage sought to provide readers will all sides of the debate.

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/lake-okeechobee/stakeholders-voice-concerns-confusion-about-clause/

COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the South Florida communities, the Lake Okeechobee News has provided updates throughout the week on the website, and has also devoted pages in the print edition each week to the topic. In May, Florida communities struggled with the governor’s plan to reopen businesses and the continued concerns for public safety. Of special concern are the rural farming communities such as Belle Glade and Immokalee which have been hard hit by the virus, and the outbreaks in nursing homes and prisons.

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/coronavirus/health-department-monitors-longterm-care-facilities/

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/coronavirus/wearing-a-cloth-mask-shows-you-care-about-others/

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/coronavirus/more-covid-19-cases-reported-at-juvenile-facilities/

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/coronavirus/belle-glade-considered-a-hot-spot-for-covid-19-residents-urged-to-follow-social-distancing-guidelines/

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/coronavirus/is-anyone-in-okeechobee-being-tested-for-covid-19/

May Mission Stories for Dorchester Banner

Demonstrations have taken place across the nation following the death of George Floyd while in the custody of police in Minneapolis, and Cambridge is no exception. We were tipped off in the afternoon of May 30 to a demonstration set to take place minutes later on Route 50, so we grabbed a camera and notebook and headed out. Now is the time for journalists to do their best work, even in the face of society’s upheavals.

Link to protest story:

https://www.dorchesterbanner.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=13718&action=edit

There’s nothing wrong with some good news, either – in fact, maybe we need it nowadays more than ever. We published an extensive account of former Daily Banner owner Herman Stevens’ 100^th birthday. Not only was this a fun read, it helped to remind our neighbors that the Banner has served this community for many years.

Link to Stevens story:

https://www.dorchesterbanner.com/local-history/congratulations-to-mr-stevens-on-his-100th-birthday/

May Mission Stories for Salisbury Independent

The Salisbury Independent has been covering the process of extending municipal water to the Salisbury-Wicomico Airport for five years. As the date neared to begin placing pipes in the ground, however, the entire plan was on the verge of falling apart. Airport neighbors had become engrossed in a rumor mill surrounding the project and feared their homes might be annexed into the city of Salisbury. The situation was exacerbated by two County Council members, who have historically opposed airport expansion, and were working to raise questions about the project. The Salisbury Independent stepped in and presented a clear factual explanation on the matter. In addition to running a series of news stories, newspaper published opinion columns written by those at the center of the issue and presented an extensive Q&A that asked and answered every possible issue. The newspaper also worked with the public-private Airport Commission to coordinate an online public forum, which was broadcast live on public access television, to answer any questions the public might have. The coverage culminated when the County Council forced a vote – which only occurred when two council members exercised parliamentary tactics – and the plan was approved.

https://salisburyindependent.net/wicomico-news/airport-water-plan-wins-wicomico-council-approval/

https://salisburyindependent.net/wicomico-news/qa-what-you-need-to-know-about-airport-water-plan/

https://salisburyindependent.net/wicomico-news/airport-commission-to-host-pac-14-forum-on-thursday/

May Mission Stories for the Delaware State News

Glenn Rolfe’s story “Markets Plowed Under” showed the struggles of farmers left wondering what and how much to plant after the state nixed farmers markets in its economic reopening plan. After a news tip from a source, Glenn talked to farmers and farmers market organizers and the outcry gained momentum, spurring the state to reconsider its plan and ultimately decide within days to allow the markets to open with restrictions, much like grocery stories have been doing without interruption. Between the original story on May 8 and his follow up on May 12, we featured a speak out and two letters to the editor on the topic.

https://delawarestatenews.net/coronavirus/farmers-markets-feel-plowed-under-by-nonessential-label/

https://delawarestatenews.net/coronavirus/delaware-farmers-markets-can-open-friday-with-limits/

Later in the month, there was a great feature that blended the pandemic with everyday life for military families. Katie Redefer wrote about the Dover Fisher House for Families of the Fallen marking 10 years hosting grieving families on Dover Air Force Base. The story was illustrated with the dignified transfer team wearing black face coverings as they moved a casket of a soldier killed in duty that weekend.

https://delawarestatenews.net/coronavirus/supporting-families-of-the-fallen-dover-fisher-house-marks-10-years/

Throughout the month, the newspaper has reported many stories on Gov. John Carney’s steps to reopen government, what health leaders want to see from the virus transmission to warrant that reopening and the other side of business leaders and citizens who feel the pandemic’s restrictions should be lifted. With so much conflicting news, Brooke Schultz did a great job unpacking that conflicting “end” to COVID-19. A story on the May 29 front page sought to answer the question, “End in Sight?” and how the reopening pits social needs against scientific facts.

https://delawarestatenews.net/coronavirus/social-vs-science-finding-the-middle-ground-as-pandemic-restrictions-loosen/

Crisfield-Somerset County Times Mission Story

Seven years ago the Crisfield City Council endorsed a state-supported initiative to build a 750 kW wind turbine to offset electricity costs at the wastewater treatment plant.

Financing, construction and finally implementation dragged on for years but local elected leaders frequently imagined the many ways they could “spend” the savings which were anticipated to be $120,000 per year.

The turbine was accepted as “substantially complete” in March 2017. So how has it been performing? With two complete years in the books that’s the subject of reporting following a public hearing which discussed not only what it really saved the city but looked ahead two years when expenses will be rising significantly.

See the story https://www.csctimes.com/featured/are-crisfields-turbine-savings-blowing-in-the-wind/

Saluting the class of 2020

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dhkPC54pwNMi0vvrLY4VXjtxaVEb4VRg/view?usp=sharing

Life in the Sun in photos

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KDwdj0Avqd-vkyw2XW63Lmh6xwmYOvbj/view?usp=sharing

Delaware reopening

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y4M5Fr9FinApV4lcx10UmldfYbs3mgV3/view?usp=sharing

Finally Friday

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iVxTF3njFyob1hMJm-4MgcBZxnhjmV_u/view?usp=sharing

Game On-the special section

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17rdqjKRZNhnHMg1dg0I4IIadGO_LKUo9/view?usp=sharing

WSJ Gift Subscription pitch

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTKeO-jCfJbrMnphe5mBHCAjOxCRLHca/view?usp=sharing

Promoting the e-edition

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_CVlgGa1idP8E2jlx5NPKPwkPMtuUJ-x/view?usp=sharing

This Bud's for ............

I’d just like to say THANK YOU to both of you for all of the concern, extra steps, and especially for keeping all of us safe and informed.  I am so blessed to be part of this great team.  The efforts that you have put forth have surely lessened your sleep time and time with your families.  I am grateful for all that you have done for us and are continue to do.

May you stay Healthy, Happy, and forever Blessed.  Please enjoy your week-end.

Cathy Koyanagi

Salisbury Independent