From the editor: Why we’re shifting to digital Saturday, expanding Fri, Sun print

I’ve had the opportunity in recent years to talk to hundreds of readers in this region about The Herald and how the newspaper industry has changed.

Today we have generations of readers demanding information in forms very different from 20 years ago. Large numbers of readers now go online to select their sources of news coverage. The Herald has more online readers than print readers.

In the past decade alone, many printed newspapers that provided hometown coverage have ceased publication.

The Herald isn’t going anywhere. We’re here on Main Street working each day to provide news that engages, inspires and informs our readers.

I’m optimistic about The Herald’s future because we’ve evolved as times have changed. We continue to adapt to ensure we will be the leading source of local news coverage in York, Lancaster and Chester counties.

You will see one more step in our evolution this week. The Herald will no longer publish a printed edition of the Saturday newspaper starting on Jan. 11.

However, we will launch expanded newspapers on Fridays and Sundays.

The Saturday features you’ve enjoyed over the years -- comics, puzzles and local sports coverage -- now will appear in the larger Friday and Sunday print editions.

You’ll also get a new “Uplift” section along with the popular property listings with the Real Estate content on Friday. Each Sunday you will have all of your normal Saturday comics and puzzles.

And, you’ll continue to get the strong, independent, local journalism that you’ve come to expect.

Saturday coverage will be provided online.

You can go either to heraldonline.com or access your Herald eEdition. You’ll find your favorite features, including up-to-the-minute local news, comics, puzzles, stock market reports and weather.

From my conversations with you, I understand the passion associated with a decades-long tradition of sitting and enjoying your Saturday printed newspaper. However, the era of print has, in large part, been forced to give way to modern trends.

Newspapers across the country are following this trend.

At The Herald, we still pledge to provide the best and most complete coverage of local news that you’ll find in the tri-county region.

In return, we ask that you subscribe. That’s now the way we support quality journalism -- and we do need your support.

In the past year, our readership trends show that you’ve found value in our local coverage. Whether it was the 6,000,000-gallon water leak that stopped service countywide, a debate about a school dress code, or reports about crime and wrecks, you’ve come to us first.

It is our honor to serve you. We hope you’ll commit to support our efforts.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns related to the new delivery method, please give us a call at 877-421-6397 or email us at customerservice@heraldonline.com. We will do everything possible to ensure your satisfaction.