Column: Let’s talk about digital news
UPDATE (Jan. 17): Our reader forum scheduled for Jan. 17 has been rescheduled due to the weather and the subsequent closure of the Bellingham Public Library. The event will take place at the same venue — the Lecture Room at the library’s downtown branch — from 3 to 4:45 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21.
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At the end of November we announced that The Bellingham Herald will be switching to a two-day print schedule in 2024, and the time for that transition is nearly upon us.
Beginning the week of Jan. 29, we will produce print editions for Wednesday and Sunday only, while continuing to update our digital platforms with breaking news and eEditions seven days a week.
Before we get to that, I want to thank each of you for supporting local journalism. We couldn’t do this work without loyal subscribers like you, especially now as we begin the next chapter of the nearly 134-year-old Bellingham Herald.
I’m also writing to urge you to accept an invitation to attend our subscriber forum set for Wednesday, Jan. 17, in the main lecture room at the Bellingham Public Library downtown branch at 210 Central Ave.
The forum will run from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. There’s no fee for attending, and you’re welcome to visit us any time during the three hours. I’ll share more on how to register at the end of this column.
We’ve designed this forum especially for you. We want to answer your questions, help you tap into your subscriber-only digital benefits and share how you can collaborate with the newsroom in shaping news coverage. You’ll be able to meet some of the journalists behind the familiar bylines that you see in the Herald as well.
Want to know how to activate your digital access? We’ll have a Customer Care representative on hand to help. Not too sure about how to navigate the daily eEdition? We’ll share some tips and highlight how you can enhance your experience.
We know the changes ahead will have a huge impact, especially on those of you who have relied on a six-day printed Herald. We also know many of you have questions as you continue to make the adjustment.
We also want to hear your story ideas and coverage suggestions. Please bring them with you to the forum.
The Herald staff considers topics, specific story ideas and tips from readers like you as we prioritize what to cover. We’ll show you examples of Herald stories that readers initiated through suggestions or tips, and let you know how you can do the same in the future.
Change has been part of the history of the Bellingham Herald since its founding. As technology and our readers’ needs changed over the years, so have we. Today, more and more residents in our region get their news from their phones, tablets and computers. As a result, we are much more digitally focused than ever.
One thing that has remained steadfast is our commitment to providing strong local news coverage to our region’s residents. That’s a commitment that won’t change, even as the way we deliver and present the news continues to evolve.
You can reserve your spot at next week’s free forum by registering at bellinghamherald.com/event.
This event is not sponsored or endorsed by the Bellingham Public Library, and library staff ask that attendees not park in the free 10-minute parking spots reserved for library patrons.
If you are having trouble registering, please send me an email at sheisel@bellinghamherald.com for assistance.
As always, we thank you for your support and partnership. And we look forward to meeting you in person.
This story was originally published January 12, 2024 at 5:00 AM.