Newspapers are Small Businesses too

Every day, all day, journalists across this nation are delivering news that matters at an unprecedented, vital time. I am so grateful for the work they are doing – especially our staff at the Monticello News. It is an incredibly important public service, provided through daily and weekly newspapers and multiple websites. It is important, to all of us journalists, to deliver this news responsibly and accurately to help make life better for our readers and residents across our county, state and nation.
Over the years, newspapers have folded since the internet became a prime source for news. Many people feel as if they can find the news on social media as well as many multi-internet sources for everything they need to know.
However, it is important to realize that during the same number of years, the scream of “fake news” has been heard constantly. Coincidence? Or fact, because of the rise in “internet news” vs local newspaper news? I am one that does not trust “internet news.” If it does not come from a newspaper, radio or television NEWS source then I don’t trust it.
Yet, because of these “extra” news sources (be it fake news or not), newspapers are on the decline. However, the print industry’s demise has larger implications. Without reporters keeping tabs on city halls, state agencies and community organizations, there is little accountability. Research has found that newspapers remain the nation’s most comprehensive, fact-based source of information.
Local news plays an indispensable role in American civic life as a trusted source for critical information. Since the pandemic was declared, local news outlets have been providing communities answers to critical questions concerning the outbreak in their community, how the COVID-19 test is given, essential business’ hours of operation and updated local health advisories. It is a fact that local newspapers serve a vital role by uniting communities and also serving as government watchdogs.
However, even though so many people rely on local, community newspapers to keep them informed and “in the know,” small dailies and weekly newspapers are among the most threatened. They rely on local businesses for advertising, rather than big-dollar national advertisers. The coronavirus has fatally infected many local and regional newspapers as well as media giants around the world, and industry watchers say the impact of the virus is far more severe than the 2008-09 financial crisis – which led to an average of 19 percent decline in revenue for newspapers worldwide, according to Newsonomics.
Those numbers look sobering when compared to the current mayhem.
With local events still being cancelled, there are less advertisements. With some businesses still closed or hours dramatically cut, there are fewer advertisements. With restaurants under-staffed and cutting business hours, they are holding tight to their money, with fewer advertisements. With the large events still being cancelled and restrictions on movement and large gatherings, spending on media strategies and advertisements targeted at consumers are on the decline.
Thus, with a massive number of businesses paused or closed and no longer willing or able to pay for advertisements, a crucial part of the print industry’s support system has cracked. The traffic and readership may be way up, but the ad numbers are still way down. It is reported that over 255 million full-time jobs were lost since the arrival of the coronavirus. Some news groups who had temporarily suspended their print publications last year, have yet to restart them.
That is why it is important to remember that as newspapers are frantically trying to report on small businesses and are reminding their readers the importance of the small businesses in the community; that the community also remember that the newspaper itself is also a small business in need of its community’s support.
We ask that you consider subscribing to our newspaper (print or e-pub); we ask for you to support the local businesses who continue to advertise in our local paper and if your business is strong and stable perhaps help by placing an advertisement with us. In essence, helping your local newspaper is “paying it forward” for the local community we serve and the community that all of us love so dearly.
The Monticello News and Jefferson County Journal offer four different levels of subscriptions, including:
1) the newspaper delivered, directly to you, once a week for only $60
2) the newspaper delivered, directly to you, once a week plus the e-pub $70
3) the newspaper delivered, directory to you, once a week plus the e-pub, plus two free classified ads and a “social ad” for $90
4) Just the e-publication that you can view on your phone, tablet or computer for $35
With any newspaper print subscription, local subscribers receive four issues of our quarterly magazine, The Front Porch, for free!
We also have a FREE newsletter that we send out twice a week (Monday afternoon and Thursday afternoon).
If you would like to subscribe to the newspaper, place an ad, or receive our free newsletter you may call (850) 997-3568 or you can buy a subscription online at www.ecbpublishing. com.
To you, our patrons and our readers, we thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you and this county! We are more than just your newspaper – we are your family, your neighbors and your friends! We share your values and we love our community because we are a part of it! It is our honor and our pleasure to be your source of local news, here in Jefferson County!