Publisher’s Perspective May 2023

Publisher’s Perspective May 2023

– By Josh Warburton –

This has been a challenging time in the publishing business. And when I say that, I mean the last 20 years or so. While publishing has never been an easy business, especially when a publication’s existence is based on advertising sales, it’s been increasingly difficult in the last few years for publications everywhere. And I’m sure many of you have heard stories of newspapers and news websites downsizing and going out of business. Buzzfeed.com was recently in the news because they are shutting down. There are many reasons for this, principally Google and Facebook gobbling up all the advertising dollars that used to go to local news entities, but that’s another article.

That said, we here at The Independent have the fortunate position of being in a high tourism area and having a very local and appreciative customer and reader base. And while we are always fighting for every dollar we can generate to keep the lights on to continue producing this newspaper and website, the reality is we only exist because of you, our readers…and also our aforementioned advertisers.

And so the message of this short Publisher’s Perspective is something like “We’re all in this together.” When you read about a cool happening in The Independent, then tell someone else about it or attend it; that helps us. It helps us even more if you let the event organizers know that you read about their event or were even just reminded of it in The Independent. And the same for our advertisers. The thing you can do as a reader that helps us the most is for you to patronize the businesses that advertise with us. If you visit one of our advertisers’ businesses because you saw their ad, please tell them! And even if you’re a regular customer and you support our mission to deliver the best in local arts and entertainment coverage and visitor info for the Zion area, please let those businesses know that you appreciate their support of The Independent.

And as a founder and Publisher of this paper and website, I’d like to personally thank you for reading The Independent, whether in print or online. Your feedback is always welcome, as we continue our journey, in our 28th year, as a voice for all of you. Feel free to contact me at ipc@infowest.com or on Facebook. And if you’ve got a local business that you’d like to get in front of our large and loyal audiences, please email me or call me at 435-632-1555. Happy Spring!

Viewpoints and perspectives expressed throughout The Independent are those of the individual contributors. They do not necessarily reflect those held by the staff of The Independent or our advertising sponsors. Your comments, rebuttals, and contributions are welcome in accordance with our Terms of Service. Please be respectful and abide by our Community Rules. If you have privacy concerns you can view our Privacy Policy here. Thank you! 

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