The panelists discuss the changes coming to the two largest newspapers in Lee County.
Mississippi Valley Media says the Daily Gate City and the Daily Democrat will publish four days per week. A shopper-style paper with news mixed in will be published the fifth day. The changes go into effect May 6.
Publisher Mark Smidt said other changes will be made too, and wrote, “These many changes reflect the changes in our marketplace. We must right-size our products and our marketing to continue to serve our communities. But making these changes also reflects our commitment to continue to remain the leading and most comprehensive source of information for our communities.”
The Shop Talk panelists believe such changes are not unique to Lee County. Papers across the nation continue to struggle with the challenges of remaining relevant and profitable during an age in which there are so many other news sources.
Panelists Mike Murray and Lisa Kernek also feel it’s important for small town newspapers to continue printing hard copies – rather than going completely on-line – because printed editions continue to be most appealing to advertisers. Shopper-style papers are especially important to the bottom line.
