FREE
October 15, 2020
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
SouthPlatteIndependent.net
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 23
VOLUME 75 | ISSUE 52
Support reliable, local news Annual
VoluntaryContribution
PROGRAM
This has been the most interesting and demanding year in the history of the South Platte Independent. I am sure many of you feel the same about your life and career. As I write this column for our annual voluntary pay drive, we are completing seven months of covering the impact of COVID-19 on your lives. Throughout this time, we never missed an issue. In fact, we have never been late. This is too important a story, and our team has faced it head on and kept journalism alive in the South Platte area.
Jerry Healey Publisher
However, it has not been easy. Many of our advertisers canceled or delayed their spending with us in 2020. Add in that 60% of all advertising buys in Colorado are spent with Facebook or Google and you might be wondering how the South Platte Independent survives. It begins with our team of people here who are dedicated to bringing the Herald to you. It is because loyal readers like you choose to voluntary pay each year. Finally, it is because you support our advertisers.
Quality journalism is not free. The trend in the newspaper industry is toward what is called “reader-driven revenue.” That means readers are paying much more of the share of the cost, through subscriptions, contributions and memberships, to offset advertising declines. So, annually, we ask you, our readers, to contribute to support the cost of reporters, staff and printing/delivery. We have named this year’s effort Support Reliable, Local News. When you contribute to our voluntary pay program, you are supporting our journalists and the vital work they do to keep you informed about your community: news about your children’s and neighbors’ accomplishments and endeavors, how government decisions affect you — including local election information — fun things to do in your community and metro area. The South Platte area has a great community newspaper because of your hometown journalists. You can contribute whatever you wish. This year, as a bonus, any contribution of $40 or more will allow you unlimited access to the South Platte Independent website for a year.
We have several ways to make your contribution: 1. Online at ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/ReadersCare 2. Use the form on the ad on page 22. 3. Phone us directly at 303-566-4100. As always, thank you for being a loyal reader, and we wish you well.
Jerry Healey Publisher, South Platte Independent Jerry Healey is the president and publisher of Colorado Community Media. He can be reached at jhealey@coloradocommunitymedia.com.
Thank you for your &
Generosity Support
Should you choose not to contribute, you will still receive a free copy of the South Platte Independent. But for those who do get behind our Support Reliable, Local News drive, you will be contributing toward quality, trusted journalism in the South Platte area. SEE PAGE 22 FOR MORE!
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