One of Vermont’s beloved local daily newspapers will soon be only offering print newspapers three days per week.
The Newport Daily Express, serving Orleans County and the surrounding towns, has announced a series of changes to its news service with the expressed goal of better serving its readers.
The changes include a new three editions per week printing schedule, continued online daily local coverage, and a new Town Bulletin on Tuesdays and Thursdays to capture events and local news that may not make the front page.
The Express has also announced a new video program to be aired on NEKTV and YouTube.
The Newport Daily Express isn’t the only paper making changes. Many of Vermont’s print and digital media outlets have struggled in recent years to adjust to demographics and a shifting reader landscape. VTDigger’s recent financial situation and repeated leadership departures serve as one example.
The St. Albans Messenger, another regional northern Vermont daily, also has scaled back its printing schedule. The Claremont Eagle, serving Springfield, Vermont, and adjacent New Hampshire towns, has ceased printing publication.
Between downsizing, lack of advertisers, losses in readership in the migration to the internet, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, there are many issues facing the media industry.
To combat pressures on local media outlets, state leaders awarded taxpayer funding to sixteen media outlets that demonstrated strong “civic journalism.” The awards ranged from $5,000 to $10,000. While intended to address the challenges facing local news, the efforts raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, legality, and questions surrounding which media outlets are winning these awards.
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