NewsBeat

July 2023 NewsBeat 5 weekly newspapers, available in print and online via subscription, are well established in their communities with combined print circulation of over 10,000 and extensive digital reach. The Suffolk Times, the oldest of the three, was founded in 1857 when the region was primarily farmland and scattered settlements. Today, acreage once domi- nated by potato fields is covered in- stead by vineyards and wineries. The area, at the eastern end of Long Island, is also a popular yet expensive summer vacation spot. The three lifestyle magazines are produced monthly in print and online and distributed free. The northforker and southforker, named after the north and south peninsulas at the eastern end of Long Island, offer in-depth local lifestyle coverage from articles such as "Rooted in Education: How school gar- dens cultivate a connection to food and agriculture" to "Cook it Now: The per- fect locavore company's coming cheese board." The Long Island Wine Press, pub- lished since the late 1980s, covers the region's wine industry. Since the 1970s, the area has established itself as a distinctive wine region, with more than 50 wineries offering assorted variet- ies. Visiting wineries has increased the region's popularity with tourists. For the community newspapers, land use remains a key issue. There are de- bates about preservation of open space and restraining development. And with real estate prices among the highest in the state, the region's lack of affordable housing is an ongoing issue to be cov- ered. Costs were high before the pan- demic but exploded when the pandemic hit and people sought refuge outside urban area. High housing costs make hiring staff difficult for the Times Review but it's a problem, Olsen notes, every kind of business in the region faces and one his papers continue to track. But there are other issues as well, including declining school enrollment and the consequent discussion of potential consolidations or shared services. Olsen is clear-eyed about his busi- ness ."The economics work for us because we've been around for a long time," Olsen said. "But I would not start a newspaper [from scratch] today." "In this kind of climate you have to be really involved," he said. "You have to meet with the [advertising] clients and you need to listen a lot." "Digital has to be the focus…and we need to be relentless on better work flows and automation," he said. Going forward, Olsen emphasized the need to adapt and evolve. Growing the digital audience, for example, will be essential. He also foresees aspects of the business that will require use of artificial intelligence applications. Olsen was especially thankful for the support, the training, the advice and the camaraderie he's received as a member of the New York Press Associa- tion. "NYPA has been a huge part of our success," he said. "We wouldn't be here without them." Judy Patrick is vice president for edi- torial development for the NYPA.. We Need Your Support! NEW YORK Are editorial cartoons part of your digital content strategy? Sharp, perceptive, unpredictable — editorial cartoons are a great reader engagement tool. NYPA's $5 Editorial Cartoon Exchange provides a low cost library of the latest editorial cartoons on the hottest topics. If you are an editorial cartoonist who would like to earn a little money and a wider audience for your work, email jill@nynewspapers.com If your news organization would like to republish the works of some of the state's best cartoonists, check out NYPA's editorial cartoon exchange at www.nynewspapers.com — click under "QUICK LINKS" to "Editorial Cartoon". Increase reader engagement in print or online by publishing editorial cartoons. A hot cartoon on your editorial page, your home page, or on your Facebook page...

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