Change is the one constant in this world, probably more reliable than the famed death and taxes that we know cannot be avoided.

This has been something the newspaper industry has faced for many years and we continue to adapt to an ever-changing world with different news dissemination methods and information needs than even just a few years ago.

Readers have probably noticed quite a few changes in Leader Publications’ newspapers in the past few days but perhaps none have been as polarizing as eliminating the TV information from the Niles and Dowagiac newspapers. Other very visible results include the decision to cut Garfield, Dear Abby and horoscopes, as well as converting our arts and entertainment product Off The Water to a monthly publication rather than a weekly one.

None of these decisions were taken lightly or done arbitrarily.

We asked readers what they wanted most in their daily community newspaper. We analyzed market studies about why people read the newspaper in general.

We received significant input and, ultimately, we weighed those things against what we feel is the best use of our resources to achieve our primary goal: to provide local news.

All these changes — and a variety of other internal ones that are far less visible but just as important — are designed to make Leader Publications stronger than it has been in decades and ensure the newspaper has a bright future.

But that doesn’t mean it will be easy to adjust.

There will still be some individuals very upset by these changes. All we can ask is for those people to give us a chance.

Our goal remains the same: to provide local news that matters to our readers and to showcase all the great things going on here in southwest Michigan.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.