The last three years have been tough on local businesses and Cornwall Newswatch is no different.
I have enjoyed bringing the local news and information that people in Cornwall and SD&G need to know since 2014. As our slogan says “News that matters in Cornwall and SD&G” and I hope we have fulfilled that during the past eight years.
But running a small digital news operation has its challenges and, like many other media outlets, advertising dwindled during the pandemic. We are very grateful to the many businesses and people who chose to advertise with Cornwall Newswatch over the years. Almost all of them reached out to us to partner with this local news service.
But the current path relying solely on advertising is not sustainable.
Working alone, the company is in a Catch-22. I could be out selling advertising but it would leave no time to create local news content or cover breaking news. I can create content and cover local news but then there’s no one selling advertising.
That’s where you, the reader, comes in.
Starting January 1, 2023, Cornwall Newswatch will be moving to a hybrid paywall. There will continue to be some free content but there will be a separate premium tier for longer form stories and breaking news. Cornwall Newswatch Premium will cost $5.99 per month.
It’s hoped that having a dedicated membership will “keep the lights on” for Cornwall Newswatch and afford us the opportunity to continue to bring enterprising journalism to an under-serviced community. I hope you will support us going forward.
Sincerely,
Bill Kingston
Editor
Cornwall Newswatch