New year, new forecast

Those of us in business have another agenda to consider: How do we survive and thrive in this economic environment? In this ever-changing world, that isn’t an easy question to answer.

In the community newspaper business, it can even be more challenging.

Paper prices persist to be a challenge with our print publications. With the trucking blockades and paper supply and shipping challenges last year, we were on pins and needles many times wondering if newsprint would arrive. Would we be able to publish our printed newspapers across the country? The business of community journalism has faced many challenges over the years. This continues to be true like many other businesses within the communities we serve.

Readership has changed as well. Many of our readers find us within the digital world. Our website has gained traction. Our social media has gained traction. The world of community journalism has taken notice.

In light of a possible economic recession this year and a continued challenge to find affordable resources and employees, we are forced to take a long hard look at ourselves in the mirror. We need to consider changes to keep our business model alive and able to thrive post-COVID pandemic.

We are committed to figuring it out. We know just how important community journalism is when most news we are exposed to is not factually checked by social media, such as Facebook and even broadcast channels reporting only the sensational regional news. We, as an industry, have also witnessed news deserts appear where newspapers and other news sources haven’t received enough community support through local advertising and subscriptions to survive. This happened in Mount Olive when their community newspaper shuttered its doors last year. We can’t let that happen here. Too much darkness can ensue without a local government watchdog.

Large metro newspapers, such as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, are reportedly planning to go to one print day a week with a weekend edition while providing daily news online or pushing content out to readers digitally. The Tampa Bay Times now only produces a printed newspaper twice each week. The largest newspaper company in the USA, Gannett Co., has changed publication cycles for many of its newspapers along with countless other newspaper companies across the country.

All of these options are on the table as we plan our future here in Goldsboro. Our 150 plus community newspapers within our own company are wrestling with the same challenges. How many printed publications make sense anymore to our readers each week? What should they cost in our racks? How can we engage more readers online and through social media channels? What special sections are strong enough to survive and turn a profit? How can we bring a new suite of digital marketing options to our local business owners to help them achieve their growth goals? These businesses are struggling with similar challenges in this ever-changing economic landscape.

Some folks don’t realize we are a business, too. Your community newspapers are for-profit. We are not a government entity or subsidized by any political group. That is the only way we can report unbiased on local issues.

We welcome your thoughts and ideas as we tackle the future. We also ask that you bear with us as we develop our strategy to remain relevant and fiscally sound to thrive for centuries and continue providing local news, despite the challenges this economy presents.