Happy Christmas from Murray Bridge News

This post is the author’s personal opinion.

It has been a year of recovery for the Murraylands.

Floodwaters have receded, Thomas Foods has reopened and our old bridge has been repaired.

For Murray Bridge News, it has been an exciting year but a challenging one.

We’ve launched a magazine, which has been a huge success with both readers and advertisers.

We’ve explored new ways of bringing digital news into the real world.

Our weekly circulation and web traffic are both double that of the local newspaper, we reach a greater share of local people than any radio or TV station, and we have more paying subscribers than publishers in much bigger markets.

People I respect in this industry have described Murray Bridge News as a poster child for independent local media.

I’m proud of that.

But we live in a challenging time.

To be frank: we need more local advertisers to support Murray Bridge News and Murraylands Life.

I love this community and this job, but I need to provide for my team and my family, too.

There are hopeful signs on the horizon, including an understanding from the federal government that it needs to support local media, and progress towards making your subscription tax-deductible.

I’m confident that we’re better placed than other media to make it through this tough period.

But in the meantime, we’ll be making adjustments so we can continue to tell stories that connect, empower and uplift local people.

That will include my colleague Michael transitioning from a part-time to a casual role.

Our December 21 email edition was our last for 2023.

Our office shut that afternoon and will reopen on January 8.

God willing, we’ll be able to spend the next fortnight recharging ahead of what is sure to be another exciting, challenging year.

Thanks to all of you for your support.

Have a safe, joyful, restful Christmas and new year, and we’ll see you in 2024.

Locals support locals. Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories.