News moving to twice-a-week publication

Newspapers across the nation have undergone a multitude of changes in recent years. Adapting to readership and advertising trends has become critical for success.

We're no different here at The Eastern New Mexico News.

Beginning next month, we are changing the print frequency of The News to two days per week — Wednesdays and Sundays. Our readers will still get seven days' worth of news, but it'll be packaged in larger, four-section editions each of those mornings.

That will start on Wednesday, Oct. 3.

We are also shifting our focus to a solely local approach. Our reporters and editors will give readers the local news, sports and feature stories that you can't get elsewhere.

We realize our future is local, community news, so that's what we're going to give our readers on a regular basis. But, we're not equipped nor is it practical to do that under our current print schedule.

We are dropping many of our nationally syndicated columnists and Associated Press service and committing to great, comprehensive community journalism that you rely on us to provide. You will get even more local stories and photos with this new model.

There's no shortage for the desire to read news, especially of the local and community variety; that's what we'll be giving you.

The News is a great paper and has been recognized two out of the last three years by the New Mexico Press Association with the top prize for dailies with a circulation under 11,000. It has also won the highest award the last three consecutive years from the Panhandle Press Association, which includes member newspapers in eastern New Mexico and west Texas.

Most recently, we learned that The News finished runner-up for best daily paper in the National Newspaper Association judging. The NNA has more than 2,300 members from nearly every state in the US.

To all of our readers, we appreciate your support over the years.

Our monthly subscription prices will drop to $11. Current subscribers who have paid for months or a year in advance will be extended accordingly. It will continue to be delivered by independent contract carriers in most locations and by the US Postal Service in some areas.

The single-copy price will be $1.50 on each of our two publication days — the same as our usual Sunday edition. Signing up for home delivery or a digital subscription is still the best bang for your buck.

Our staff and I want to thank you for your continued support of local journalism.

Rob Langrell is the publisher of The Eastern New Mexico News. Contact him at: [email protected]