Last year I wrote to our readers about change. The change in how you consume news – and how we as a newspaper have had to change, to keep up. Today, those same words ring true – and so, as a reminder, I repeat them:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
More-and-more, our readers want news as it happens. Print is still important to us, but most of our readers now consume the day’s news before the paper even hits the press. We have had to make changes. But at heart, we have not changed. We are journalists. We believe in truth. In fairness, accountability and asking questions that need to be asked. We believe in accurate reporting, bringing the news to our readers to keep them informed. We believe in telling the good and the bad. We believe hard news and beautiful writing both still have a place. We know our role as story-tellers comes with trust and privilege. It is a gift to tell someone’s story, to be trusted with the pieces of someone’s life and tasked to share that with others. We are not counsellors, but are often exposed to stories that are truly hard to hear. We are not immune to pain. Nor are we scared to laugh, and enjoy the journey of others willing to share.
We are human and often exposed to trauma to keep our audience informed. But we know and respect the fact it is an honour to write history. An individual’s history, that of an organisation or importantly, the city’s.
It is a privilege each and every day to write not only for our newspaper readers, but our online global audience. People come to us, for help. We know this – that day in and day out people come to their local paper, for many and varied reasons. They come to us because they love someone, or something. They come to us to help drive social change, to get action, to fight community campaigns.
We are proud of the Addy’s history of standing up for our community on issues that challenge some of our readers – because it’s the right thing to do. That is why newspapers matter. That is why what we do matters. Our role has not changed. And we do it for you.
Today we ask you, that as we launch online digital subscriptions, you understand why. We can’t continue to do this for free. Just as you matter to us, we hope for your continued support.
Nicole Ferrie, editor
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
