EDITORIAL
Quite a few of our print subscribers got a mysterious phone call last week, asking all kinds of questions about the Hays Free Press and our website.
Yep, it was real.
In our efforts to improve the quality of our website, we are asking readers to give us their honest opinions. We’ll be reporting the results in a week or so, and then readers can expect to see a brand new website in the following weeks.
The poll questions were wide-ranging:
• Do you prefer to get your national and statewide news from a newspaper or online?
• Do you currently get news from a website with a subscription rate?
• How much time do you spend on the Internet each day?
• What’s your opinion of the news on haysfreepress.com?
• What type of news would you like to see covered?
• Are you more likely to read stories about Buda, Kyle or San Marcos?
• Have you ever made a purchasing decision based on an ad in the Hays Free Press or our website?
The list goes on and on, but it takes only a few minutes to complete. We are also asking website readers who may not be print subscribers to fill out a similar questionnaire.
All of these questions are meant to show us what you want, what you think we should change, and how we can improve.
Despite some reports on the national level, local weekly newspapers have continued to grow and are considered the best source for local news, sports and advertising. In fact, newspaper readers – whether online or in print – are by far more likely to vote – and they get their information about politicians mainly from their local newspaper.
A survey by the National Newspaper Association and the Missouri School of Journalism shows that 74 percent of residents in smaller towns – those served by a newspaper with a circulation of 15,000 or less – read the local newspaper. The same survey also showed that 51 percent liked to see advertising in the newspaper, as a way to get local shopping information.
And, 80 percent said that they believe the government should have to print public notices in the newspaper, not on the government website.
Interesting statistics nationally, and our local polling is showing the same kind of trend.
The same trends were supported by Pew Research Group. Its latest polls, released this week, show that 72 percent of Americans follow local news closely “most of the time, whether or not something important is happening.”
So, whether you want sports, government or political news, features, or photos, we’ll try to get it covered. We also welcome news tips and photos from our readers. That’s just one more way you – the reader – can get involved.
We welcome your comments and suggestions, your letters to the editor, your complaints, your photos and more.
The Hays Free Press is the only local news medium for Buda and Kyle, and we want to make sure that we give you what you need.
