South West Durham News CIC, (SWDN) the independent publisher of four local community newspapers reaching 33,000 homes per issue, is excited to announce its transition to a Digital First model of work, effective immediately.
What does “Digital First” mean?
The Digital First model prioritises online content, ensuring that readers receive the latest news, features, and updates as quickly as possible.
Despite this shift, the distribution of the physical newspapers, which are free to read and delivered to around 33,000 homes, will remain unaffected.
Managing Editor, Archie MacKay said: “We are very excited about finally making this transition – something we have spoken about for a long time.
“We understand that in the modern, digital world, audiences expect to keep in touch with news – including local news – almost instantly.
“Regular annual research within the hyperlocal, or community news sector, also tells us that the vast majority of people want to know what’s happening within a ten-mile radius of where they live.
“And that’s also why people love their local paper. We are here to keep readers informed about what’s happening on their doorstep and now we will be able to do that every day, directly to their digital devices.
“However, it’s very important for us to emphasise that the distribution of our papers will remain unaffected.
“We will still be delivering our free to read papers to every doorstep in each of our communities.
“We understand that not everyone is digitally connected and as a community newspaper, we consider being able to reach the most isolated members of our community is one of the most important things we do.”
“That said, we are also tremendously excited about the new opportunities our transition to digital first will open – for ourselves and for the community as a whole.
“This is the culmination of a very busy period in the background where we have also been accepted onto the BBC sponsored Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“The scheme pays for the employment of journalists by local independent news outlets, in order to improve the coverage of issues relating to local democracy.
“And we have also recently been accepted as members of Impress: The Independent Monitor for the Press, meaning that readers can be even more confident than ever of the veracity of the information we publish.
“Meantime, the move to digital first will take a few weeks to complete as each paper gradually transitions, but the project is now fully underway.”
Call for Contributions
In addition to providing a daily news service, South West Durham News is also expanding its content to include more in-depth features for weekend reading. These features will cover a wide range of topics, including local walks, DIY tips, film, book and theatre reviews, restaurant reviews, gardening tips, and cooking recipes.
South West Durham News invites its readers to contribute their stories and ideas on all subjects. The publication is particularly interested in features on the aforementioned topics and encourages contributions from young people and other underrepresented groups in the community about the subjects that interest them.
It has also expanded its multi-media content in recent months, launching a podcasting arm, Pitmatic Productions, which is currently hosting a local archaeology podcast as well as a series about the history of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in the run up to the 200th anniversary of the world’s first passenger railway next year.
Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities
Businesses with interests in any of these areas are invited to get in touch for sponsorship and digital advertising opportunities. Sponsoring content or advertising with South West Durham News is an excellent way to reach a large, engaged audience and support local journalism.
For more information, visit www.swd.news, email advertising@swd.news or call 01388 775896.
About South West Durham News CIC
South West Durham News CIC is an independent, not-for-profit community interest company that publishes four local community newspapers: the Ferryhill and Chilton Chapter, Shildon and District Town Crier, Bishop Press and Spennymoor News.
The two weeklies and two fortnightlies are free to read and are delivered directly to 33,000 homes per issue.
The company is committed to keeping the community informed and connected through high-quality, relevant, and engaging content.
South West Durham News is supported by the Public Interest News Foundation and is regulated by Impress: The Independent Monitor for the Press
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
