The Chronicle is a bit of a unicorn. We knew that we’d offer a unique and differentiating product because of our commitment to people living in communities that often are overlooked and undercovered.
But what makes us truly different goes well beyond our coverage area. It’s our approach, too.
Credible, nonpartisan journalism is especially hard to find these days.
Steven Waldman is a journalist, entrepreneur, digital content pioneer, media executive, and advocate for local news. He is cofounder and president of Rebuild Local News.
His outfit, partnering with Muck Rack, recently released its second Local Journalist Index. A few of the finding that further show how different The Chronicle really is in this media landscape:
The national average of journalists per 100,000 residents is 7.8. – an 81% decline from roughly 40 per 100,000 in 2002. Last year, it was 8.2. About 70% of counties (209 million people) are below average. The Chronicle is closer to 5.0.
Waldman notes the index illustrated there is “shockingly little education and health coverage.” Of the 4.2 million articles scanned over 3 months, there were “NO education articles mentioning a community by name” in 77% of those counties. And “76% produced no local health coverage.”
The Chronicle prioritizes education and nonprofit coverage. Many of those nonprofits focus efforts on health care.
When there are fewer journalists, the portion of coverage devoted to crime actually goes up. If it leads it bleeds has been a truism forever. But get this: In places with fewer than 5 Local Journalist Equivalents per 100,000 residents, the proportion of crime stories was 50% higher than counties with higher journalist density.
Again, The Chronicle stands as an outlier. We avoid sensationalism and instead focus on solution-oriented coverage for our towns.
Your support is critical
Many readers have donated, and continue to support The Chronicle. Hiring actual humans to practice journalism is not cheap – and it’s why that’s often the first place corporate media looks to slash and burn. With the advent of AI – more automated computer content – The Chronicle stands out for its authenticity.
Like stone and timber, credible news and information is timeless. Our news products are not empty calories and disposable like a shallow pamphlet or free weekly.
Readers and residents are responding. During a 30-day stretch between May and June:
- Google saw active users increase 16% and new users rise 15%.
- Chronicle1909.com saw total users increase 22%, new users increase 21%, total sessions go up 23%, and total page views up another 13%.
- The “open rate” on our email newsletters remain around 40% – nearly double the industry standard.
You can make a big difference by contributing a small amount. Subscriptions are less than $50 annually, and right now only $17.76 as part of a special promotion. Monthly access to our website is only $6 , or $66 for an entire year.
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Thank you for all of your support!
Noel Nash is publisher of The Chronicle.
