A Greek philosopher once said, “Change is the only constant in life.” Although change is inevitable, sometimes the hurdles we face cause more of a ripple than expected. Recently, I have questioned if one could ever truly get ahead. As our office continues to forge ahead, I have felt more like we are taking one step forward and winding up two steps back, in many aspects. I know this isn’t a true representation of the work we are doing. No matter what punches come our way, I know we will continue to power through them. Unfortunately, another hurdle has appeared and impacts our weekly edition’s delivery. It seems the United States Postal Service (USPS) will be changing their requirements on what is an acceptable form of bundling newspapers. We are still gathering details, but we did receive word that beginning in July of this year, it will no longer be acceptable to use rubber bands, string or twine (what our office currently uses) to bundle papers. The revision calls for bundles to have two or more cross-strapped bands or be shrink-wrapped with one or more cross-strapped bands. The National Newspaper Association has filed comments seeking an exception to the rule for newspapers. But, in the meantime we are working to find more information regarding the ruling. Please note that our local post offices have nothing to do with this change. What we do know is that there will be a cost due to this change. We fear that many small newspapers may not be able to absorb or even afford the initial costs associated with the cross-strapped bands or shrink-wrap machines/material. After all, in just three years time, we have seen a 49% increase in postage costs alone. Many tried to absorb the first increase, but as they kept coming were forced to pass the increase onto their customers. Now, we are looking at buying new machines/supplies that appear to have a start-up cost of approximately $1,500, as well as knowing that more increases to postage are looming as an increase has been alluded to be coming in July. Community journalism is vital for all communities and I truly hope that all make it through 2025 with a print edition still intact. Despite the hurdles we continue to face (USPS increases/changes to possible tariffs being imposed on newsprint and other materials), I have no desire to cut costs by going to online only.
Robin Wunderlich Quote of the Week “Every time a newspaper dies, even a bad one, the country moves a little closer to authoritarianism…” ~Richard Kluger
