Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - From this week, Klerksdorp Record is entering a new era in its publication by becoming a free newspaper.
That’s right. You no longer have to pay to read your favourite newspaper. According to Salomé Kotzé, editor of the Klerksdorp Record Group of Newspapers, this shift from sold to free is a carefully devised business strategy to get more newspapers, in more hands, and in turn gives more value to advertisers.
“We live in constant change and have seen large national newspapers stop printing and relying only on online distribution. We’re not there yet, even though we have a large online following. Our readers are very loyal, and diligently buy the newspaper every week and for that we are thankful, but it was just not enough.’’
The popular street vendors will still distribute the newspaper on their street corners at a nominal fee and readers are still welcome to tip them to add to their pockets. The newspaper will still be available at your local supermarkets where you normally buy your newspaper.
Klerksdorp Record is one of the oldest and respected community newspapers in the country.
“We are here to stay. That does not mean we don’t need our community’s support. If you see an advert of a business in our newspaper for example; thank them for supporting your local newspaper. Encourage businesses to advertise, use our newspaper as a medium to spread your message. You will be surprised how widely it is read, and now even more, with the newspaper being distributed for free. Just try to support our local media. The real victims when local news disappears, will be you.’’
* Saturday May 3 is World Press Freedom Day.
