GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The print media industry, like many other industries, is experiencing sweeping change and transformation.
This means that the role played by regional newspapers and the products they offer are also changing.
As I look back at the last decade at the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser, first as a journo and for the latter past as editor, I am reminded of all that has changed, and all that is still changing.
From being printed in only black and white, to full colour, to launching a website last year - as the times and technology changed, so has the newspaper.
To meet the ever-increasing demands of the local community, the newspaper is once again undergoing a transformation.
In future readers will notice that, apart from changes in design, the Advertiser will increasingly focus on events and news from Graaff-Reinet, Nieu-Bethesda and Aberdeen.
More space will be allocated to photos, local personalities and coverage of local events.
We're also bringing in a new reporter to write news and feature stories about the Graaff-Reinet area.
I've always felt that community reporting like we produce at the Advertiser is the most important kind of reporting. The news that happens here is the news that most directly affect you.
If you have items for the Sports page, the Schools page or the Arts & Entertainment page ... get in touch with us.
If you have questions or concerns about news coverage or an idea for a story, reach out to us by email or phone. You'll find on page 11 the appropriate phone numbers and email addresses to contact the people who can help you with advertising, circulation, and so on.
Besides the news and sports pages, the Letters Page is a crucial part of any newspaper.
It's a place for a community to talk to itself about the local, state and national issues that are important to us all. If something is on your mind, please contribute a Letter to the Editor or a local column, which you can email to me or send via snail-mail to our Church Street address.
Include where you live, and a phone number in case I need to check something with you. Letters should be fewer than 500 words.
Meanwhile, the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser is more than the printed newspaper. Our website www.graaffreinetadvertiser.com and our Facebook Page at Advertiser & Karoo News add great value to our product.
We're working on new ways to serve readers online, where space is virtually unlimited with a variety of tools to keep you informed, entertained and connected to your community. Join us there. And “Like” us on Facebook to see the latest local news on your feed.
In future, we'll be stepping it up to make sure you can trust us to tell it accurately and fairly. If you ever feel we fall short, give me a call. I'm eager to hear how you think we can do better.
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