For the past several weeks, the Chronicle has been asking readers to let us know what contents they wanted to see continue after newspaper publication was reduced to two days per week, starting July 1.
What we learned surprised us in some ways. Given the opportunity to ask for changes, most respondents wanted to keep the paper pretty much as it was. Many commenters were upset about not having a daily paper, especially seniors without access to computers who would not be able to access the stories we will be posting online every day.
We want seniors to have the reassurance of knowing that stories posted at www.thedalleschronicle.com and our Facebook page will print inside bi-weekly papers to make sure everyone gets informed about local happenings.
It has been tough finding the balance between moving into a digital age for younger readers while making sure seniors are also served.
Our informal survey system began when we asked people to let us know if they wanted to keep the TV Guide. With two papers a week in print, we wanted to be sure those two pages in the weekend edition were being put to best use.
The response was overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the guide. We learned that people prefer it to the magazine-style guides they can pick up in the store because our version includes local affiliate stations.
We then asked for reader input on all content. These features received top ranking: Astrograph, Cheapskate, Ask the Doctors, Comics and the Crossword puzzle. We will be keeping all of them — and thank everyone for taking the time to give us input.
There will be some changes to comics because we can’t run a continuing dialogue in a twice-weekly paper, so we are making choices for replacements.
There were a few conflicting requests, some people wanted us to only publish community news and others requested that we trade local news for more state and world coverage. The majority of respondents wanted to retrain Crosstalk by editors RaeLynn Ricarte and Mark Gibson, but some felt the weekly column was too divisive.
We believe it is important to keep Crosstalk to show that there are two valid opposing viewpoints on hot-button political issues in the hope of promoting understanding. Ricarte and Gibson work well together despite their differences because they have an inherent respect for each other, something we think all Americans should remember in these polarizing times.
Today’s issue marks the end of an era, the last publication of the daily Chronicle. Starting next week, we will publish on Wednesday (deadline is early due to the Fourth of July holiday) and Saturday.
It seems only appropriate that we end this phase of the Chronicle’s 150 years of service by inviting past publisher Marilyn Roth, former editors Kathy Ursprung, Rob Gates and Tom Stevenson, as well as associate editors Rob Gates and Rodger Nichols, to share their favorite memories and thoughts.
This newspaper has survived all these decades because we have adapted to changing times, as we are doing now. It is sad in one respect, because it is an ending, but it is also exciting in that we will be exploring new platforms to feature our products.
We heard your voice; that you want continuity in the paper that you have come to depend on for local news. We will do our best to have the content you depend on remain the same. At the same time, our special publications, such as In the Company of Excellence, Farm & Ranch and Women in Business, will offer variety and fresh perspectives on the agriculture culture and area lifestyles. Reporters will continue to hunt for engaging stories to tell, and this paper will celebrate local youth and hometown heroes.
We are committed to remaining a vehicle for diverse voices and fulfilling our watchdog role over government agencies to ensure that decisions are being made in the open and that your tax dollars are spent wisely.
On top of this transition, the Chronicle office is moving to the old Tum-A-Lum building, 811 E. Second Street, the first week in July. Come by and see the newly renovated space we will occupy. Our office hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
We ask that you bear with us as we get everything settled into place in our new routine. The Chronicle staff is committed to its important role in this community. It’s the start of a new era, let’s make it a good one.
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