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Editor's column: Plea for community journalism in Richmond

It’s never easy to ask for help, but here we are... A few years back when community papers were not just struggling but closing at an unprecedented rate, someone floated the idea of asking readers for a “voluntary subscription.
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It’s never easy to ask for help, but here we are...

A few years back when community papers were not just struggling but closing at an unprecedented rate, someone floated the idea of asking readers for a “voluntary subscription.”

This was an idea many papers were considering. In fact, the Guardian in the UK had already started a voluntary subscription for its website. And the Tyee, a Vanvouver-based online-only publication, has used that as its business model since its inception.

But when we talked about it for the Richmond News, I wasn’t comfortable. First, I didn’t think it would work. I know we have our loyal supporters, but it’s awfully hard to get a mass of people to pay for something they’ve always gotten for free. Also, it just didn’t feel right to be asking.

Then came COVID-19.

Right now our team is working incredibly hard. Partly because we have a dedicated staff, but also because as journalists, we’re a bit obsessive when it comes to “big news.”

The point is, we are working around the clock to ensure our readers (that would be you) have the information they need to stay abreast of this massive and ever-changing phenomenon that is profoundly impacting our lives. We’re covering everything from national press conferences and daily briefings to neighbourhood initiatives and personal insights.

And, clearly, it’s resonating. Last month, our website had a record 2.1 million original page views and more than 860,000 users.

Good news, right?

So, how can it be we’ve had to temporarily lay off staff (note the lack of a sports section), cut allowances and reduce our websupport team?  

The challenge for newspapers is not just COVID-19. However, the pandemic illustrates the vulnerability we’ve been dealing with since the rise of the Internet and social media.

Despite great stories and strong readership, newspapers struggle to make money online. Combine that with the fact many of the small and large businesses that support us through print advertising are on their knees, and here we are back to this idea of  a voluntary subscription.

This time, however, I’m absolutely behind the campaign. The online reality is what it is. This is not a case of creating  more profits for shareholders. This is a case of survival. At this point, we simply don’t have a sustainable revenue stream coming from online.

I assure you, our sales staff are working hard to change that, but this is the current reality.

An upside of subscriptions, voluntary or otherwise, is it gives readers a larger voice. If a paper sees a chunk of its revenue coming directly from readership, you can bet that readership will be well attended.

But that aside, if you believe in local journalism, if you value community connection, if you want to be a part of the conversation and hear the voices of your neighbours, please support us.

I don’t love asking for help, but I do love community news. Here’s hoping you do too.

Click here to support the Richmond News.