Dear community:
In October, nearly 200 people joined together to save the Herald through an absolutely WILD $40,000 donation drive.
Six months later, we have tons of new subscribers, 2,000+ newsletter readers, and tens of thousands of visitors to the website each month. People read the paper, y’all. (Sure … some of them hate-read it, but they still read it.)
All of this has nothing to do with US, and everything to do with YOU. It’s the result of the incredible spirit of this community and all the people who recognize the importance of a reliable place for trustworthy local news. Because of this, we have laid a solid foundation for a nonprofit, community-owned newspaper.
You did your part. Actually, you way overdid it, and we could not be more thankful.
Now, it’s my turn.
Although readership and engagement are way up, advertising revenue is still way, way down. This presents a problem because it continues to be our core offering as we work to pivot to a new business model. There are lots of reasons for this, but to keep it simple here are the biggest ones:
• Our fellow local businesses seem to be struggling as much as we are.
• A certain bazillionaire who shall not be named has convinced people he offers some kind of “all-inclusive marketing” for “free” on a certain social media platform. Of course, what this ACTUALLY means is more money jingle-jangling around in his ginormous pockets. But that’s not the point of this letter. *shoves soapbox in closet*
• Costs keep going up and up and up, faster than we can hack them back.
As I said way back when the shiznizzle first hit the fan, this is not OUR paper, this is YOUR paper. You told us, through words and actions, that you want the Herald to continue, and we remain wholeheartedly committed to making that happen. I said those steps may include foregoing a paycheck. This is now a reality.
So, I am officially laying myself off at the paper. This is a painful but necessary step that has come after many conversations, desperate number-crunching, and LOTS of tears. It ends a two-decade life chapter containing the highest highs and lowest lows of my life. I will miss it so much, but I am exceedingly thankful to have found an opportunity here in Meeker that allows me to continue to contribute to our community.
Going forward, my only roles will be cheering from the sidelines, tracking finances, and a bit of other miscellany. Niki will continue to lead the charge toward sustainability while producing the paper for you, each and every week. I have no doubt she will 100% crush it … but please do cheer her on however you can, even if it’s just to let her know she is really fantastic and doing a great job. This is not an easy business.
Here are some additional ways you can help:
• Earn your “Press Pass” – Become a citizen journalist! If you’ve ever read the paper and thought, “I wonder why they don’t cover XYZ,” then THIS is your golden opportunity! Niki is going to be taking on a lot of additional responsibilities as we condense things into one (hopefully manageable) job, so we need citizens like you to help cover important events, meetings, and other newsworthy things. Increased citizen engagement will be an important part of future sustainability for a nonprofit Herald.
• The Lyttle Project is looking for board members! If you’d like to be a part of preserving our community history for future generations, please contact Niki at [email protected] or 970-878-4017.
• Continue to support your local businesses. The newspaper is only as strong as the businesses that advertise all the cool stuff they’re doing!
• Keep up with the Lyttle Project, which continues to grow! If you’d like to learn more, you can check out the dedicated page on the website: theheraldtimes.com/donate
Thank you for your continued support of community journalism. I appreciate all of you so very much.
Please don’t stop the presses. <3
Over and out,
Caitlin
