The Herald To Become Free Weekly Newspaper

Interesting....

from wmpm

 

That's good to know as it seems we're not getting the Cleveland Post delivered to our house anymore :?:

 

The paper has gotten so poor that they now have to give it away...Sheeeze.

15-20+ years ago it was a great local paper. Back when it was a local family owned newspaper.

I for one am sorry to see it go to a weekly rag-sheet. It's the end of another JoCo Institution.

 

Its the newspaper industry, however I suspect that if the Smithfield Herald was still locally owned, this wouldn't be the same problem. This is McClatchey. I think when a paper gets bought out by a large media company, there's not as much concern in the town because management is essentially gone. It becomes just numbers on a spreadsheet.

There's a lot of shake up going on it seems. I get around in the different parts of the area. You see some newspapers doing well enough to expand; others decreasing their staff to hold on. Another smaller town newspaper downeast is cutting back to once a week. Another regional newspaper has just gone online with free classifieds, and among other things, a message board of their own, too.

The media is having to change with the times.

 

Finally, a newspaper even I can afford!

 

I am going to miss the twice a week community news...

 

i understood it to be still twice a week for those that paid and once a week for those who didnt. Did I read that wrong?

 

yes. it's once a week, delivered free within a certain area. those that live outside taht free delivery area can purchase the paper, but still only once a week

 

An article in this AM's N&O quoted execs that stated that the "news content wouldn't be affected. HA! I knew something was up in the last 2 editions, the 2nd section ( I think it was called Features) was gone , plus the overall paper shrunk from average 25-25 pages down to what felt like 10. They are counting on advertising for revenues, but for most things only a fool would advertise in the Herald or the N&O. The cost is outrageous, classifieds have shrunk to nothing, plus too many free opyions out there. The only day I even scan the N&O's classifieds anymore is Sunday.... But then again, it could just be me... :?

 

classifieds are not the only type of advertising they sell. in fact, i'd bet it represents a smal percentage of the revenue they generate

 

I bet I know where a lot of their revenue is coming from...sales circulars. That's one thing that a lot of these town newspapers still can claim. These stores are dependent on getting their sales circulars out to customers and the newspapers are probably still the best vehicle for that. Of course, the N&O still has a pile of classifieds, but you are right. They ARE high and few hometown traditional newspapers are willing to let go of that classified ad revenue. They aren't used to and do not like competition.

 

Just a FYI...

I decided to sign in on the message board I had mentioned over the weekend. Its http://www.carolinaweeklynews.com/phpbb. Not a lot of activity yet, but I liked the range of topics and figured it would be worth checking in on as it grows.

 

I am sure that Webby appreciates your deverting to another site that does not include his advertisers.

 

I didn't even see any ads on the other board, but I'm sorry. I just figured people like to talk about different things. I've seen people link to WRAL on here and they definitely have advertising splashed all over their sight.

 

Don't worry, I was just being a butt hole. :mrgreen:

 

"The Smithfield Herald announced Thursday they will become a free weekly publication starting on March 5. Currently, the paper is published twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday’s. The paper will now be published on Wednesdays. It will be distributed as a free newspaper to about 75 percent of the homes in Johnston County, according to published reported. The Herald is Johnston County’s oldest and largest community newspaper. According to The Herald website, homes in most neighborhoods will receive a free copy of the paper. Homes that subscribe to the News & Observer will receive The Herald with their Wednesday morning paper. "

Did anyone receive the Smithfield Hearld with their N&O this week? It was not delivered to us with the N&O.

 

I got it with the N&O from papers delivered to my school. I also got one in my mailbox, separate from the N&O.

 

I guess this explains why the Herald was in my yard this week although I don't get the N&O

 

same here, got one this week

 

Same here. Just one more way to add to the garbage laying around. If people won't pick up their phone books, they sure won't pick up a newspaper.

I see several of my neighbors have yet to pick up their copy from the drive. Must have too many other things to read right now :lol::lol: