Les Zaitz, editor and CEO of Salem Reporter.
You’re getting more news from us.
That’s the result of listening closely to our readers and subscribers.
And it’s the result of being a locally owned news organization that can react in an instant to community needs.
In recent weeks, those reaching out to me made comments that fell into three categories.
First, people are hungry for news about Salem. They want news that isn’t biased, that they can trust is fair and accurate.
Second, people really enjoy the deep dives we do on Salem topics.
Third, people want more of what we deliver.
That’s quite a trifecta, but we’re working on all three.
If you’re a regular reader, you have noticed we’re delivering even more stories. We kicked up our tempo. We are covering more people, more decisions by government, and more carefully reported stories that matter.
All of that has made subscribing to Salem Reporter a better value than ever. I know you want your money’s worth. We want you to feel every dollar spent on a subscription is well spent. No excuses, no questions.
The stronger we get and the more subscribers we get, the more we can do. Trust me. Our “to do” list of stories to report, events to cover, and investigations to do far outstrips our resources at the moment. Help us get to our goal and we’ll make good on our promise to deliver even more.
STAFFING CHANGE
A familiar name is disappearing from Salem Reporter. Troy Brynelson, one of the first reporters to join our news team in 2018, has been lured away by OPB. Troy has done an outstanding job for us – and for you – in covering city government and politics and more.
When I hire reporters, I don’t expect them to make Salem Reporter their last stop on a career train. The deal I make with them is this. Come to work for me, help build a potent news organization, and I’ll give you training in advanced journalistic skills that will carry you to the next level of our profession.
So, as Troy moves on, we are recruiting nationally for the next reporter. I have little question that Salem Reporter will attract top-quality talent. Meantime, reporter Saphara Harrell slides over to take on Troy’s duties. She’s been our breaking news and events reporter and is eager to take on the new role. You can reach her at [email protected] if you want offer her a cup of coffee and a chance to get acquainted.
PODCASTS IN OUR FUTURE?
Across the country, podcasts seem to be rapidly growing as a source of news and entertainment. So, should Salem Reporter dip into a podcast?
We’re just starting conversations internally to consider the idea.
I’d like to know what you think (email: [email protected])
If you listen to podcasts, why? What do you find appealing?
Which is your favorite and why?
If you were in charge of a Salem Reporter podcast, what would it sound like? What would it offer?
This is new territory for me, since I’m not a huge consumer of podcasts. Your opinion and suggestions really will help inform where we go on this.
GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS
As I said at the start, we listen closely to our readers and supporters. As we’ve grown, the question cropped up more frequently: Can I buy a gift subscription?
I’m glad to say the answer is now yes!
We have a tech team that can rapidly adjust our website to serve needs, fix glitches and more. We don’t have to wait in line at some consultant’s shop or raise our hand for corporate bosses a thousand miles a way to make something happen.
With our new online link, anyone can buy a gift subscription with two options – a six-month subscription for $50 or a year subscription for $100. It’s easy to do, it’s a great way to support Salem Reporter, and it helps share with more people what we’re doing for the Salem community.
Give it as a birthday present or to someone going off to college, military service or other adventures. Give it as a “thank you” for a kindness shown. It’s a gift that lasts a lot longer than a box of chocolates.
And anyone can use the link, including businesses that could offer the subscriptions as a special reward or bonus for employees.
Give it a try here: SALEM REPORTER GIFT SUBSCRIPTION.
AND IF YOU DON’T SUBSCRIBE….
The future of Salem Reporter depends entirely on building our family of subscribers. News you get for free often isn’t reliable. At Salem Reporter, we publicly post our principles – and live by them every day, with every story.
A strong local news source is not just a place for stories. The work of professional journalists helps spotlight local problems – and solutions. That work lets you know of important meetings, such as the recent public session about turning Pringle Community Hall into a homeless shelter. That work tells you how your community is doing, such as how schools did with high school graduation rates.
Every month, we set goals for adding subscribers. That’s just smart business – and sets a path to ensure we’re growing as other news organizations shrink.
As of this writing, Salem Reporter needs 12 – just a dozen – new subscribers by Friday to hit our goal.
Would you be one of our dozen? The price is $5 for the first three months and then a flat $10 a month after that. Sign up in a few moments HERE.
As always, reach out to me with concerns, ideas, suggestions or even speaking invitations!
Les Zaitz, editor and CEO
Salem Reporter
