Small dailies, such as the Bismarck Tribune, are not being hit by the same virus that’s attacking larger papers, according to yesterday’s WSJ. You’ll have to search for it, because I can’t find a URL for this story that I can reliably link to.
The story suggests that their circulation and margins are healthy because Internet penetration in the rural areas of the country isn’t there yet. But if you read between the lines, it’s clear that these are community papers that are focused on what’s happening in their towns. The front pages of the papers shown in the story make no pretense to covering national and international news.
That kind of orientation should not only make the Bismarck Tribune Internet-proof, it enhance their with Bismarck residents who are using the Internet every day.
Originally published on my blog at JupiterResearch.