Editorial: The demise of print media (at least the Chronicle) has been greatly exaggerated

Before television, radio, and even the Internet, print media has been around for a very long time. Even though technology has advanced exponentially and news spreads quicker than a wildfire, there is something about a newspaper in your hand that makes a difference.

The death of print media has greatly been exaggerated. At least, for newspapers like the Chronicle.

It takes something unique in today’s world for print media to survive, let alone thrive in certain aspects. That’s where the Chronicle differentiates from daily newspapers. Ever since Alan Chamberlain established its foundation in the early 1990s (yes, the paper is that old), his principle of news about Charles City and New Kent has been at the forefront.

The Chronicle focused on stories that affects the localities. Stories that involved local government, court cases, and affairs at local schools were and remain a priority. That paradigm and dynamic spotlights two counties that are often overlooked by bigger newspapers. While we understand and respect those papers who come out daily, the Chronicle continues to put the focus on our readers and where we live.

As an eighth-grader, I made the front of the tenth issue of the Chronicle in a picture of me opening a bank account with fellow classmates in what is now known as BB&T in Charles City. Seeing my picture, and even my name, meant something. Even today, that’s how parents react when they see their child’s name on the honor roll or a photo of them in a sporting event or community event printed.

The Chronicle has stayed strong because of our loyal advertising base and consumers. A free newspaper that tells you what’s going on in the community? I doubt a lot of people have turned that down. Every time I deliver the paper, people are pulling them off the pile or rack before I even leave.

And that support base remains strong even with the growth of technology. The Chronicle thrived for 18 years before our website came into fruition. Not only did our support continue to thrive online, they continued to pick up hard copies of the newspaper, only backing the theory that this local newspaper means a lot to the community.

Over the past few years, we’ve conducted feedback and surveys, with one of our main focuses to see how we can continue to get news out to everyone to read. With that, last September we green-lighted going to a weekly newspaper. Not only did that receive a positive response from readers, but advertisers also saw the benefits from it as reaching nearly 20,000 people per issue reaped benefits in many cases.

It was a little risky to go weekly, but because of our advertisers, supporters, and readers, it was well worth it. We continue to grow stronger week by week and we can only do it with you. For that, I personally thank you. There will always be articles, reporting, and even dreaded editorials from me that people will not like and/or disagree with, but remember we are a newspaper; one that supports the communities of New Kent and Charles City.

So, when you hear or see talk about how print media is being fazed out and becoming a non-factor, it’s because sometimes they don’t have the support like the Chronicle does. We want to make sure that you know what’s going on in your community, your schools, and also be proud of your kids’ achievements in all that they do.

You took a chance on supporting the Chronicle. Now, take a chance by continuing to do so and push it to new heights.