The Times of Northeast Benton County has been part of Pea Ridge and the surrounding communities for more than 50 years, and we look forward to many more, providing readers with one of the most outstanding weekly newspapers in Arkansas.
While local newspaper advertising remains one of the most effective investments local businesses can make in recruiting and retaining customers, the number of advertising options has increased substantially in recent years, especially among digital platforms.
This change in the way the news business operates means our newspaper must rely more heavily on subscription revenue in coming years. In order to continue to provide a comprehensive news report for the readers of Northeast Benton County, we will increase our subscription rates beginning in 2017.
The annual subscription rate will go to $65 locally and $80 for out-of-area subscribers. We will also increase our single-copy price to $1.25 per issue. The additional revenue generated by these increases will help offset the changes in our advertising business and allow us to continue serving the community.
The new rates will apply to renewals and new customers beginning Jan. 1, 2017. Existing subscriptions will be honored at the rate at which they were purchased until renewal.
We're grateful to our subscribers and we realize any price increase will create questions. We also know that our paper performs a valuable service to the community. Quality journalism is an expensive proposition. Readers only need look at the disturbing and growing phenomenon of online fake news to understand the value of a news source that does its own reporting and verification. We believe you get what you pay for.
The Times of Northeast Benton County has a well-earned reputation as one of the best weekly newspapers in Arkansas. Our editor, Annette Beard, is among the most honored weekly journalists in the state, having won scores of awards and citations for her work in and around Pea Ridge. We're proud of the contribution she and our newspaper make, and will continue to make, on behalf of the citizens of Northeast Benton County.
General News on 12/14/2016