Newspapers, including SCN, hit hard by rising costs

SCN unveils new GoFundMe campaign. Please consider donating.

by Mary Jo David

In the last 20 years, the U.S. has lost about one-third of its newspapers—many in rural areas*. The Stockbridge Community News is working hard to remain viable in an economy that presents regular challenges, like increased printing, postage, and website costs.

 Thanks to our advertisers, volunteers, and donors, we’ve managed to keep our head above water, but every year it gets harder. The accompanying charts show specific challenges we have faced in rising costs just over the past five years. What they don’t reflect is some of the subtle changes we’ve made, like downgrading our paper quality and reducing print pages when possible.

SCN readers, donors, and advertisers continue to be THE BEST! For that reason, and in the interest of keeping our local nonprofit newspaper sustainable, we’re initiating a GoFundMe donation drive that, if successful, will enable our volunteer board, writers, and staff to continue focusing on what we do best—promoting common good and shared well-being via community news. To donate, please go to: https://www.gofundme.com/stockbridgecommunitynews.

As always, thank you for your consideration and support.

*Source: Local News Initiative at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism