Banner Graphic to remain on two-day print schedule
When it was announced in April we would be cutting our print days from four days to two, we said it would be temporary because of the coronavirus pandemic. That’s still our plan.
The change was put into place because our advertising revenue — especially inserts — dropped drastically when businesses decided not to advertise as much during the pandemic. In order for us to continue to be profitable and pay our bills, we needed to find a way to save money, while keeping you informed of important updates as well as reporting on important issues going on in our community.
Gov. Eric Holcomb’s plan to reopen Indiana entered its final phase earlier this month. People are slowly starting to get out more and hopefully will spend money at our local businesses. That, in turn, will help all businesses, including us.
We are realistic and understand it will take time for our local businesses to return to their pre-pandemic profit levels. We also understand it will take time for some of our advertisers to come back to us on a consistent basis.
That’s why we’ve decided to continue our two-day-a-week printing scheduled at least another month or two. Our website will continue to be free for those who are print subscribers and it will be updated every day with the latest news. If you are experiencing issues while trying to get online, please call us and we’ll help you get that issue resolved. We have found some subscribers may not have given us an email, which is needed to access our online edition. We are here to help you.
The Banner Graphic remains committed to bringing you up-to-date news and sports coverage in print and online. We know you appreciate what we do because you’ll share with us from time to time, both the good and bad. Either way, we know you’re reading our products. And you want our products, while we pride ourselves in serving the community.
Some have asked if we’re going to reduce our subscription rates during this change in print schedule. It’s a fair and valid question.
As I shared, we will continue to write stories, take photos and share on our website every day what you normally see in the newspaper. It takes a lot of time and work for our reporters to produce that information, whether it’s online or in the newspaper. Those reporters also receive a paycheck every two weeks. In order to meet our obligations, we won’t be reducing our subscription rates. But do look forward to when we can all look back and know we supported each other.
We appreciate your understanding and patience during these difficult times. I encourage you to email, call or stop by the office if you have any questions.
And most importantly, thank you for reading and supporting the Banner Graphic.
Daryl is the general manager for the Banner Graphic. He can be reached by email at dtaylor@bannergraphic.com or by telephone at 653-5151.