From the CEO: We’re not giving up our service to our communities

 

From the CEO: We’re not giving up our service to our communities

 By Charlene Bisson

 We often hear about the doom and gloom of the news industry. Heck, the media itself writes about its inevitable demise.

 A recent article in the Washington Post by George Will (Feb. 22, 2024) highlighted the various media (newspapers, radio, TV, social, satellite, etc.) collapsing.

But there’s some positive news about the media, especially at Independent Newsmedia!

 Here are some recent key highlights:

 

• We recently launched the weekly Greater Dover Independent. Thus far, we’ve heard raving reviews. What I love most is that we’re giving Dover businesses the opportunity to reach more folks with Zip code penetration around their businesses while also promoting the excellent articles in the Daily State News at BaytoBayNews.com.
• Our Delmarva group has gained hundreds of new digital subscribers.

 

• Our Florida group has just published the biggest edition ever of the Okeechobee Community Guide.

 

• Our Arizona group’s circulation revenue is up 16% over last year.  Readers love our nonpartisan coverage, and the word is spreading.  

 

• We keep hearing print is dead, but Delaware Printing Company and Valley Newspapers are both profitable year-to-date.

 

I’m a firm believer that if we continue to work diligently and champion our news products, services and events, while also providing excellent customer service to our readers and advertisers – we will not fail.  

 Former INI CEO Joe Smyth would insist that our digital-first initiative to inform and serve our communities will continue to thrive because of our nonprofit ownership and key values, including:

Community service:  We help our communities through our conscientious journalism, providing our communities with a platform for civil discussions of public issues,  and providing a supportive advertising marketplace for local businesses.

 Our nonpartisan reporting:  When an individual finishes reading one of our stories, they shouldn’t be able to tell what the reporter’s opinions were. 

 Your opinions, not ours:  Our opinion pages are for the community’s discussions of public issues. We simply moderate for civility and fair play.  

 Your civic news: We can’t cover everything that happens in our community, but if you get it to us, we’ll do our best to shape it up and get it online. Then, we’ll promote our best stuff online in our print publications.

 What do you think about our key values? What should INI be doing for our communities that we’re missing or not doing well enough?

Please drop me a line anytime at cbisson@iniusa.org.

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tKaYnbowfMuw6uO5Z_DSj6pdlA9vHfmA/view?usp=drive_link