Press introduces a new digital world

Customers and community leaders often ask, “How’s the Coeur d’Alene Press doing?”

As your publisher, I appreciate hearing this because it reflects the importance of our longtime relationship with you. People ask when they care and I’m always happy to respond, “The Coeur d’Alene Press is doing well.”

We’ve gone through significant change in the past year. We’re extremely confident in our direction and commitment to provide readers with valuable local news and advertisers with a quality reach. Advertisers are connecting with the largest, most engaged audience in our area. No other print or news website in North Idaho has our reach.

Several months ago, I was asked to speak at an event about media’s future. I made two points I think are worth repeating.

First, I made it clear that the Coeur d’Alene Press will continue publishing a quality daily newspaper well into the future. This is a great newspaper market.

Second, you tell us that our content is valuable and something you’re willing to pay for. And I’m glad to hear this because we’re working harder than ever to provide the best possible content, 24/7. In fact, we’re adding a new multimedia reporter position this fall whose job will be to boost digital content, drive social media engagement and readers to our website.

As with any business, providing a quality product requires investment and support. I’m pleased to say that print readers have supported our wonderful community asset since 1892. Just as our loyal print readers have paid for newspapers all these years, our digital users will begin paying as we introduce a subscription model starting Tuesday, Aug. 15.

You might ask, what if I’m already a print subscriber? No problem. Home delivery customers will continue to receive full digital access, including the e-edition newspaper, as part of their subscription at no extra cost. All you’ll need to do is activate your subscription online (go to www.CDAPress.com/activate any time after 1 a.m. this Tuesday).

How does this new model work? Readers can view up to 10 articles free every 30 days. For access beyond that threshold, digital-only readers are required to subscribe for just $9.95 a month, or about 33 cents a day. That’s access to full news stories with updates, expanded videos and a deep lineup of our popular niche products such as the North Idaho Business Journal, Northwest Mining & Timber or special sections like Car d’Lane or Live Well Magazine.

Locals and newcomers alike have learned that we provide a significant volume and depth of quality local reporting across our family of print and digital products. This investment and service to our community has great value. In fact, no other media organization employs more journalists or employees in North Idaho than the Hagadone Media group, led by our flagship newspaper, the Coeur d’Alene Press. As you know, we’re deep in local news that tackles important issues, keeps people informed, celebrates achievements, brings people together and looks after your tax dollars.

As I close in on my first year leading a talented team of professionals, my priorities have been to learn the community, hear from you and ensure that the Coeur d’Alene Press remains an important and viable partner in your lives. Our staff has improved the newspaper’s print and website design, added new features and forged stronger community partnerships while continuing to produce valued investigative journalism.

Print is not dead, regardless of what some might say. Our reach has never been greater when combined with digital. It’s about engagement, which no other mass media vehicle can offer. Newspaper media companies will continue to prosper via a strategy where print and digital coexist through the secure and intimate nature of print and the real-time convenience of digital. Anywhere. Anytime.

On behalf of the CDA Press team, thank you for your business. You’re the reason we’re optimistic about the future.