As a reader of Caerphilly Observer you’ll know all about our local news service – but how are we funded?
We rely on advertising revenue to fund what we do, but the coronavirus pandemic has shown us that this model cannot be relied upon in the future.
While key advertisers have stuck by us, there is no escaping the fact that the last 12 months has been a really difficult time as other businesses, understandably, have decided not to advertise with us.
If we are to survive and grow, then we need to develop new ways of funding what we do. We are an independent local business – not part of a big media group.
Our annual turnover is just £65,000. With that we employ three staff members (which includes myself) to produce our award-winning news service.
How you can help
In May last year we launched our online membership scheme where readers can support us from as little as £3 a month.
For £4 a month, members will be sent an electronic version of our newspaper every fortnight, while for £5 a month a print copy will be posted out.
So far, we have more than 90 members supporting us, but we need more to ensure the survival of our news service in the long-term.
The more members we have, the more resilient we will be against economic shocks. We’ll also be able to invest more in what matters to you – reliable and trustworthy local journalism.
In return for your help, you can use our website without advertising (you may have noticed there are no adverts on this page). If you’re not sure, then why not become a trial member at no immediate cost? Please join today.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Many thanks for your time.
Richard Gurner
Editor and Publisher
029 2125 0855