Our changes have brought a positive response

FROM MY FRONT PORCH

Our changes have brought a positive response

SAM HOUSTON

Sam Houston is a syndicated columnist and newspaper executive. He is also an actor, author, playwright, performer and entertainment producer/promoter.

Just a few weeks ago, the Gatesville Messenger shifted from a twice-a-week newspaper to a once-a-week publication. I will admit there were some on the Messenger staff who were anxious to see how people would react to the change. There were concerns our efforts might make our readership upset — and upset with the Messenger is something we like to avoid.

We are now some weeks into the transformation, and the response from the public has been wonderful. Readers have commented they love the bigger, fuller, more complete newspaper. They adore the photos of our school children, high school athletics, and the community at large. They appreciate hearing insightful reporting from Jeff Osborne about our County Commissioners Court and the Gatesville City Council. They like the layout of the paper, the use of color, and the informational “briefs” that tell our readers what is going on in our community. If you are not reading the new Messenger, you are missing out!

I become slightly amused when I hear someone say the newspaper business is a dying industry. I will acknowledge some newspapers are mired in the past and have suffered financially because of it, but the Gatesville Messenger does not fall into that category. We understand the world changes and newspapers must evolve to stay relevant and profitable. It is our goal to be one of the best community newspapers in Texas. Successful papers are required to make the transition to the 21^st Century, and we hope to lead the way.

If it isn’t already, the Gatesville Messenger will become your source for local news because you can trust it to be accurate and complete. We will post “breaking news” on our website so you can have instant access to news you can count on and still produce an award-winning level community newspaper where you can be entertained, informed and educated. Our social media posts will alert you to news and information that will peak your interests. Our editions will continue to be larger and will offer more complete coverage than any other community newspaper you have ever experienced. Importantly, you will receive an online subscription at no extra charge when you purchase the at-home delivery newspaper.

The world is changing, and the Gatesville Messenger is working very hard to be on the very cutting edge of 21^st Century community newspapering. I hope this makes you proud of us, because after all, we are YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER. I urge you to send us suggestions of material you would like to read about or send us photos of news you find interesting. We may well include it in the newspaper.

Gatesville is a special community, and the staff consider it to be their home. We strive to provide you with unbiased, impartial and complete news, and keeping you in the know about all things Gatesville. Thanks for your support and your readership. We do it all for you!

Thought for the day: A newspaper is a mirror reflecting the public … the better the light, the better the public reflects.

Until next time ... I will keep ridin’ the storm out.

sam@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066, ext. 260