ANR launches new chapter for local news

Several changes are coming to the Aurora News-Register this week, shaped directly by input from our community as part of a national study aimed at helping preserve local news.
Over the past several weeks, we’ve shared quite candidly what community members told us about your hometown newspaper — and what we, as stewards of this locally owned resource, feel we must do to keep it strong going forward. As ANR co-publisher, I can tell you this process has been eye-opening, gut-wrenching, and invigorating, all at once.
Let me explain.
I grew up in a newspaper family, with ink running purely through my veins. Long before this became my livelihood, I loved the look and feel of a newspaper in my hands. I trusted the Omaha World-Herald and my hometown weekly to connect me to my local community and the wider world.
So when community feedback suggested our hometown weekly needs to “up its game” in how we share local information, I took that to heart. I wasn’t insulted or surprised. The news business has changed dramatically in recent years — first with the rise of online papers and more recently with the explosion of social media.
The good news, actually VERY good news in my view, is that you told us you value reliable news and information about your friends, neighbors, schools, and local government as much, if not more, than ever. Many communities have lost that connection, and with it, something irreplaceable. That affirmation was invigorating, and I thank you for it.
After months of planning, we’re rolling out several changes this week, including a new e-newsletter that will debut Friday, more timely posts to our website and social media platforms, along with a new subscription model. The overall feedback has been positive, though some of you had questions I’d like to address here.
The e-newsletter will be available exclusively to subscribers at no extra charge. If you already subscribe to ANR’s e-edition, you’re set. If you’re a print subscriber, just stop in or give us a call at 402-694-2131 to provide your email address.
Another popular request was for a combination package that provides:
* A mailed copy of the printed edition.
* An e-edition emailed to you Tuesday around noon.
* The new Friday e-newsletter, arriving at 9 a.m.
We think this option is perfect for households where some prefer to scroll on a device while others enjoy unfolding the hard copy with a cup of coffee.
If you recently renewed or have months left on your current subscription, don’t worry — we’ll apply that credit toward the new combo package so you’re paid up for the next year. No action needs to be taken until your subscription expires, unless you would like to switch to the bundle immediately. In that case, our staff will happily walk you through the details.
I’m excited about these changes and look forward to hearing your feedback as we launch this new chapter for local news in Hamilton County. Together, we can make sure the ANR continues its long tradition of connecting, informing, and celebrating this community we call home.
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@ hamilton.net