"You can’t believe everything in print, ZG was reminded the other day when he came across a flyer urging people to buy local.
Dubbed the 350project.net, the flyer suggests that even if half of the U.S. population spent $50 a month with independently-owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.
For every $100 spent with locally-owned businesses, $68 is returned to the local economy, the flyer suggests. If people spent that in a national chain, only $43 stays in the community.
There’s no doubt in ZG’s mind that that’s true but he finds it curious how a couple of the businesses’ logos on the back of the flyer wound up there since they aren’t as “local” as they appear.
The Aspen Times and Glenwood Post Independent are owned by national newspaper chain Swift Communications, based in Reno, Nev. While the chain employs dozens of mightily talented people in the valley, there are many more who work outside of here who produce the ads, print the paper and keep the profits.
Just a reminder that it’s a $25 difference when choosing between a nationally-owned chain and the “little guy....” (Aspen Daily)
Here's the thing.
There are some very good writers up on The Aspen Times. And a couple of good columnists down on The Glenwood Springs Post Independent.
But, the real problem with Swift owned publications in The Roaring Fork Valley is they have proven time and time again, that they're not aiming to be a local newspaper.
The Times does a far better job of integrating into the area than the PI does.
Both still have the same cookie-cutter style stories that are passed around not just between them but around the loop of all Swift publications in Colorado.
There is also a determined vein of tabloid style gonzo journalism. You can't believe..what you read in print.
As long as there are two newspapers in Aspen, they'll both be read. But only one will be subscribed to and that is The Aspen Daily News.
As long as it's free in Glenwood Springs, folks will read the PI. Bring us competition that's a better publication and loyalty will move right on over.
(Learn more on what ZG is up to? Click title or comment to start discussion)
