The Murray Bridge News story

Peri Strathearn announces the launch of Murray Bridge News on April 23, 2020. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

"Right now we need local, reliable information more than ever."

So said journalist Peri Strathearn on April 23, 2020, less than a week after Murray Bridge's newspaper had temporarily shut down – leaving him without a job – due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In launching an independent news service which would publish online, and deliver local stories by email every Thursday, he hoped to continue to meet the community's information needs.

On May 8, Murray Bridge News introduced a paywall with hopes of signing up 250 paying subscribers in 6-12 months.

Readers helped us hit that goal in nine weeks.

So, on July 2, Peri announced that he would quit his old job to focus on growing his new publication.

"There comes a time, after years of cost-cutting, centralisation and finally an un-announced 10-week shutdown, when a fellow realises it's time for a change ... I hope I've made myself useful to the community over the past eight years and, God willing, I hope I can continue to do so."