According to a Nielson study – “Seven out of 10 consumers said they either trust completely or trust somewhat four of the channels that include newspapers or products they offer advertisers.” The high-intent phone calls & web traffic we see print ads generate each day from ads in our partner publications are testaments to this.
Brands consistently report back on being pleased with the quality of customers that newspapers drive – when an ad is placed in their local newspaper, trust is established for the advertiser that few other mediums can provide. #printperforms
The Falmouth Enterprise, Inquirer and Mirror and The New Haven Independent are just a few examples of publications with loyal local readers and successful financial models in the current media landscape. The right combination of print, digital and circulation revenue help support platforms that provide valuable news coverage at the community level.
“People will support local journalism that’s high quality,” said Bass. “I think we’re seeing the beginnings of the rebirth of local journalism.”
Newspapers reach an engaged audience of readers who respond to a variety of types of insurance products including dental, Medicare supplement & advantage products, pet insurance and more. Local newspapers provide a trusted platform to showcase different types of offerings.
*Source: Coda Ventures Newspaper Ad Effectiveness Service
Along the way we’ve worked with many associations who have helped provide valuable resources to news organizations and others in the publishing industry. Here’s a recently updated list of groups that we think support journalists, publishers, advertising staff and others involved in the media in an outstanding way:
National & Regional Resources
The News Media Alliance – Serves more than 2,000 members of news organizations across the US; formerly known as the Newspaper Association of America.
Local Media Association – Serves more than 3,000 local media companies across the US including newspapers, tv, radio and more.
American Press Institute – This institute conducts research, provides training and creates valuable tools for journalists
AFCP/IFPA – (Association of Free Community Publications & Independent Free Papers of America) – Joining forces, this group looks to support all members of the free community newspaper industry.
National Newspaper Association – The mission of the NNA is to protect, promote and enhance America’s community newspapers.
Poynter Institute – “Poynter champions freedom of expression, civil dialogue and compelling journalism that helps citizens participate in healthy democracies.”
Nieman Journalism Lab – “The Nieman Journalism Lab is an attempt to help journalism figure out its future in an Internet age.”
Pew Research Center – “Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world.”
Online News Association – The Online News Association is a nonprofit membership organization for digital journalists — connecting journalism, technology and innovation.
American Media Institute – American Media Institute is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) investigative news service that delivers original reporting to major news outlets across the country.
America’s Newspapers – From its very creation, America’s Newspapers proclaimed that a core mission would be advocacy on behalf of its members, the industry and the free press.
New England Press Association – The professional trade organization for newspapers in the six New England states: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Rhode Island, representing 450 newspapers in the region.
Investigative Reporters & Editors Association – IRE was formed to create a forum in which journalists throughout the world could help each other by sharing story ideas, newsgathering techniques and news sources.
Additionally, the NNA (National Newspaper Association) also provided a summary of tips/resources –
Do not meet in person with sources you do not know.
Be mindful of your surroundings. Some sources say Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) may be used by rioters.
Employ social distancing tactics, as always.
Do not work alone if covering protests.
Obey orders from law enforcement. If legal assistance is needed, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has a hotline for journalists at 1-800-336-4243, or www.rcfp.org.
Be aware of potential use of live ammunition by protesters or police.
Stand back from crowds, where vehicle ramming could be a threat.
Thank you, journalists, for your service during these difficult times. Without your efforts important and unbiased news coverage wouldn’t be possible. Stay safe!
If you’re looking for heart-warming articles and delicious recipes, The Roxton Progress is the publication for you. This Texas publication, published twice monthly, provides local community news coverage with a unique voice. Publishing since 1976, they have a print edition, online edition, popular Facebook page, and readers can even subscribe to breaking-news text alerts.
The current publishers, Kris & Karen Rutherford, provided us with a great description of their paper –
“We are a small Northeast Texas publication in a rural county. Roxton is known as “Hometown U.S.A” to many, and we have subscribers, mostly connected to the area, in 20 states.
We are not a traditional newspaper. The founders of the paper wanted to provide a “good news” paper, and that traditional has been respected for over 40 years. We post breaking news on our Facebook page (over 1,100 likes and followers) and we have debuted a new website that is gaining in popularity — www.theroxtonprogress.com.
We focus on human interest, history and culture, local events, agriculture/rural news of note, school district news (essentially we serve as the district’s school newspaper), items likes recipes and one of our most popular features, The Texas Crossword. With the exception of one columnist, we pay for no content as we have found many people with ties to the area more than willing to write a column for each issue.”
Recipes are one of the most popular features.
Even if you’re not in their local area, we’d encourage you to subscribe to a free 7-day online trial. Their publication is full of thoughtful, interesting, and positive articles that will provide some light in these challenging times.
Flexibility has been an integral part of life this year, and a special group of publications that are offering flexibility to their readers in how they experience their media brand is The Beacon Newspapers.
Stuart Rosenthal, Publisher & his wife Judy Rosenthal, Associate Publisher
The Beacon Newspapers are a group of publications that have been offering readers in the 50+ age range in the Washington D.C., Greater Baltimore Howard County, MD & Richmond Virginia areas thoughtful articles, living tips and helpful resources since 1989. Reaching 400,000+ readers, The Beacon has been an invaluable publication for individuals in their target age group. The group publishes four geo-targeted editions, an annual print Resource Guide, and the Silver Pages online product and service directory.
From an experiential standpoint, The Beacon Newspapers are making an innovative pivot from in-person events to virtual events in an exciting way. In the past, a mainstay event The Beacon spearheaded was the 50+ Expo, a local event that showcased exciting speakers, entertainers and informational exhibits that provided a great way for citizens to learn about local resources in their area, and local businesses to present their offerings in a meaningful way.
This year, in light of Covid-19, rather than cancelling the event, they partnered with other local organizations to bring the 50+ Expo online in a fun and interactive way for folks who’d still like to attend. This year, people interested in attending can visit this link https://beacon50expo.com to view classes, hear speakers, visit exhibitors and enjoy the available entertainment. The 50+ Expo will be available online from November 1, 2020 – January 31, 2021.
MediaBids is working on a series of short posts spotlighting notable community publications across the U.S. If you’d like to submit your publication for consideration, please email Jessica Greiner – jgreiner@mediabids.com
If you wanted to paint a picture of a lovely family-owned newspaper group, a candidate for your consideration would be the deeply-rooted, multi-generational, Rome Sentinel Company; passionate about covering local news in Rome and Oneida County NY for nearly 200 years.
Three generations of publishers: Stephen B. Waters, left, passes the torch to his son, Bradley R. Waters. The portrait in the background features George Waters, who in 1993 handed the publishing reigns to his son Stephen.
Founded in the 1820s and publishing nearly 7,700 copies Tuesday-Saturday & 19,500 copies of the Seven Day Sentinel on Sunday, the Rome Sentinel is a journalistic institution. The group employs over 50 long-time employees; folks who are deeply familiar all aspects of the community. Editorial features include coverage of local sports, health issues, senior affairs, arts, entertainment, and religion. In 2019, The Sentinel began adding podcasts to its multimedia mix, featuring sports talk & movie reviews.
Also in 2019, the Rome Sentinel Company acquired the 162-year-old Boonville Herald. The Boonville Herald reaches over 8,100 readers each Wednesday in the North Country and beyond. The Rome Sentinel Company also serves the communities of Clinton, Kirkland, Westmoreland and surrounding areas via the Clinton Record. The Clinton Record is distributed bi weekly to over 15,000 readers in the communities of Clinton Kirkland Westmoreland and the surrounding area via the USPS’s Every Door Direct program.
If you’re a local advertiser in their NY coverage area looking to promote your business, or a regional/national advertiser interested in promoting your brand to a high-quality, engaged readership, this publication group may be a perfect fit. They offer full-service digital advertising services as well, so it’s truly a multi-channel way to reach a valuable audience.
*Circulation as of U.S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership October 2, 2020
MediaBids is working on a series of short posts spotlighting notable community publications across the U.S. If you’d like to submit your publication for consideration, please email Jessica Greiner – jgreiner@mediabids.com
Local newspapers not only offer citizens of the communities they cover unique insights into important issues and events in the area, but some go above and beyond to add a smile to their readers faces.
The Winston County Journal does just that, especially during the holidays. In their annual Christmas sections, they not only feature the classic “Letters to Santa”, but they also publish “Letters of Gratitude”, where local children share stories about the people and things they’re grateful for in life. This feature may be appreciated more than ever this year.
Here’s a brief snapshot of this community newspaper:
History: The Winston County Journal was founded in 1892 by William C. Hight and covers Winston County, Mississippi community. The newspaper is presently owned by Emmerich Newspapers, a third-generation newspaper company.
Coverage: The Journal serves Winston County with news, upcoming events, sports and all community happenings, each Wednesday.
Readership & Advertising Opportunities The Winston County Journal has a paid circulation of 3,000+ print subscribers. With every print ad purchase, The Winston County Journal will also place ads on its website and promote the advertiser on its social media channels. For additional advertising opportunities in surrounding areas, ads may be purchased in conjunction with its sister newspapers – the Choctaw Plaindealer (1,700 print subscribers) and Webster Progress Times (2,300 print subscribers).
MediaBids is working on a series of short posts spotlighting notable community publications across the U.S. If you’d like to submit your publication for consideration, please email Jessica Greiner – jgreiner@mediabids.com
Local newspapers not only offer citizens of the communities they cover unique insights into important issues and events in the area, but some go above and beyond to add a smile to their readers faces. 
The Print Observer - Newspaper & Magazine Advertising Insights 