Changes are upon us here at Central Coast Newspapers.
From this edition, a new local publishing company, Combined Coast News, takes over the reins from former publisher Ross Barry, who financed a restructure and took over the operations from founding publisher Cec Bucello five years ago.
The trading names CCN, Central Coast Newspapers and Coast Community News will remain the same.
The new publishing entity is headed up by yours truly, David Abrahams, as Manager and Digital Editor.
Rest assured I am very committed to local independent news journalism and publishing.
We will retain our journalists and staff with a few minimal changes.
Indeed we welcome Denice Barnes, long-time local journalist, on board to assist Print Editor and senior journalist Terry Collins and journalist Sue Murray along with a handful of freelancers and correspondents.
CCN is still committed to maintaining the print edition of Coast Community News despite massive paper cost increases recently, something that has sent many regional newspapers to the wall over the last few years.
Coast Community News will maintain its prime role as the region’s only remaining weekly newspaper with over 60,000 readers every week
In an era dominated by 24-hour news cycles and social media feeds, local newspapers often find themselves overshadowed by sensational headlines and global events.
However, the true value of local journalism is at the heart of our newspaper and cannot be underestimated, as we serve as the heartbeat of communities, an essential pillar of democracy and a watchdog holding those in power accountable.
The newspaper is not printed for nostalgia but for the important role it plays in informing locals and building trust in the community.
Most importantly we offer an excellent trusted advertising medium for local businesses, governments, agencies and organisations wishing to connect with the curious and resourceful people who favour newspapers over purely digital information channels.
As a locally-based organisation, we will be advocating and reaching out to the community more in the coming months.
The aim is to build an even better news service and secure a strong and sustainable business model.
Keep an eye out for ways to contribute and engage with us in future editions.
Of course, we won’t stop expanding our reach through other digital, social and broadcast mediums.
Our website remains one of the top regional news sites in the nation with over two million Google search results a month and over 100,000 loyal monthly readers.
Some may have heard of our successful new partnerships with CoastFM 96.3 and Radio50+ recently.
Tens of thousands of listeners now hear a wide variety of great local news stories every weekday morning.
For the digitally enhanced, we offer a variety of platforms from which to receive news and information.
Be sure to sign up for the editor’s newsletter here: coastcommunitynews.com.au/editors-newsletter/
If you love news on your mobile phone find us on your Google News and Apple News apps for fresh stories every day.
Subscribe, if you wish, to any one of our six social media channels for selected stories during the week, see details on this page.
On behalf of the team at CCN I would like to say we look forward to working with our readers in navigating the changing news landscape and thriving with them into the future.
David Abrahams – Manager and Digital Editor