Times Herald going all local 2 days a week

The Times Herald on April 2 will move to a twice-weekly publication schedule with all-local news production, a move also designed to adapt to challenges with recruiting newspaper carriers.

“Our readers want local news and reliable delivery, and this is the most effective way to accomplish that mission,” said Ann Wilson, publisher of The Times Herald. “This is a response to consumer demand.”

The Tuesday and Friday newspapers traditionally are our most popular with readers and advertisers, so we will be consolidating news, sports and features in those editions, meaning our customers will find entirely Carroll-area coverage and items of Iowa interest.

In this 24/7 media environment, it makes no sense to continue passing along costs for national and international news-wire services like the Associated Press that historically have been part of our news mix. Everything you read will be of local interest, and all advertising will be surrounded and supported by what our readers demand — information and features on the people and places closest to them. Additionally, ads will have more shelf life in the papers with more complete local coverage.

The cost for a subscription to the Times Herald — which will as of April 2 be branded as The Carroll Times Herald — will drop in accordance, is going from $119 annually to $96. Subscribers who have paid the $119 rate will have their subscriptions automatically extended, so there is nothing you need to do to continue receiving the Times Herald. The Tuesday and Friday papers will have more information than current daily editions.

The newspapers will reach our readers through a mix of delivery and mail, with all readers receiving the newspapers on Tuesdays and Fridays. The Friday paper will be a Weekender Edition with more features and news on activities in our communities.

We will continue to provide aggressive coverage of hard news and courts and crime, but in response to our readers, you will see The Carroll Times Herald double down on our efforts to print stories and columns that elevate the public dialogue, bring us together in these divisive times and spotlight the people from Carroll and our surrounding communities who are innovative and philanthropic, kind and interesting.

What’s more, you can now look for more information throughout the week, and breaking news and quick sports updates on our website — www.carrollspaper.com — and on our Facebook and Twitter feeds.

The Times Herald is in its 90th year of local ownership and has been a partner in an array of economic-development initiatives from supporting school bond issues to boosting St. Anthony Regional Hospital and Kuemper Catholic High School and Carroll High School Foundation fundraising as well as working to promote local commerce.

“This change in production schedule and evolution into an all-local format positions us to remain a vibrant legacy-owned news organization with three-generation roots here in Carroll County,” Wilson said. “We ask for your support and patience as we transition into our new structure. We will be there for you to celebrate the successes and record the events of west-central Iowa. We need you with us now through the transition.”

Please call 712-792-3573 with any questions.