ACM’s new publishing model for its Western NSW mastheads has seen the titles double-down on delivering quality news coverage digitally on weekdays, cease Monday to Friday print editions, and launch expanded, new-look weekend print editions, which has resulted in double-digit growth across circulation sales, subscriptions and advertiser demand.
The publishing model, launched in August this year, for the Central Western Daily in Orange, the Daily Liberal in Dubbo and the Western Advocate in Bathurst was designed to better serve local communities by meeting changing consumer behaviour.
It has resulted in a 19.3% increase in weekend newspaper sales and a 16.9% rise in subscriber acquisition since August, according to ACM commercial reporting.
Jarrah Petzold, ACM director of marketing, said: “Less than six months in, our digital plus weekend model has been embraced by these communities; throughout the week more and more readers choose to stay informed with locally relevant news via our mobile apps, websites, newsletters and breaking news alerts. And come the weekend we’re seeing a strong demand for an immersive, relaxed read covering local people and issues.”
Commercially, the change has resulted in an average 21% increase in the number of advertisers booking into the three weekend papers.
“The feedback from the market on the enhanced weekend print offering has been extremely positive,” said Damian Hetherington, ACM director of enterprise sales. “The results reflect the strength of this proposition – giving advertisers engaging cross-platform environments to connect with local customers.”
ACM’s new publishing model, driven by consumer demand, offers readers the choice to stay up to date with the latest news and issues affecting these growing regional centres the way that suits them.
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Top image: Jarrah Petzold and Damian Hetherington