HOT PURSUIT
Growth has not been exactly easy to obtain in recent years for the newspaper industry. Many newspapers are losing readership and reaching all-time lows in circulation.
But if there’s one thing the Steele County Times has proven over the past couple years, it’s that newspapers can thrive even in challenging times.
Our readership has been growing and continues to grow. The most recent numbers have been published for the Steele County Times as well as the Owatonna “daily” known as the Peoples Press.
According to the Statement of Ownership filed on behalf of both newspapers with the U.S. Postal Service, which is required by postal regulations every October, the Times has a circulation of 3,084 compared to the Peoples Press with 1,917. I’m not a math wizard, but according to my simple calculations, that translates into 50% more readership for the Times.
Perhaps a little context is needed to understand the significance of this. In 2011, OPP reported 7,272 circulation. That number has been dwindling ever since with the steepest declines in the past four years. Compared to today’s numbers, that’s a 75% decline. OPP has been in a downward spiral ever since long-time editor Jeffrey Jackson left the newspaper.
On the other hand, our circulation has skyrocketed 275% over the past 12 years going from 800 in 2011 to 3,084 this year.
Not a week goes by where we don’t gain a new subscriber. Just a week ago, we had three new people come into our office within hours of each other. It’s great to see the excitement that people have for a good community newspaper.
It was in October 2022 that we toppled the long-time local giant OPP in readership. And, judging by this year’s numbers, the number is only widening. Our dominance continues.
I want to thank our loyal readers who have been with us for years as well as those who are just joining us for making the Steele County Times the number one choice for local news.
We have a staff that works hard and perhaps, most importantly, believes in community journalism and the relevance it brings to communities. It’s a great honor for me to offer the most experienced staff of true journalists in the area. In fact, our news and production staff tallies more than 215 years of combined experience in newspapers. We also have reporters and editors that are ethical and do community journalism for the right reasons and not some flashy show for Facebook or other social media.
I am also excited to announce the addition of Karen Hale to our staff as sales/marketing specialist. I consider Hale a true marketing guru who understands the ins and outs of marketing. She has been working with us on our website and social media platforms over the past few years, but we will now pull in even more of her marketing expertise through her new role.
As my parents have always instilled in me, hard work pays off. And that’s certainly the case as our readership climbs at lightning speed.
If you’re not a regular reader, I hope you will consider going in hot pursuit of bringing us into your homes every week.