Venture Southland was approached by the Western Star Newspaper Society Incorporated to assist and facilitate a review of the operational and financial aspects of the local community newspaper.

 

Over 2500 surveys were sent to readers and also businesses who advertise within the newspaper. 

 

The main aim of the review was to see whether the newspaper was meeting the needs and expectations of those who read it and advertise within it.

 

The paper was also analysed in terms of layout, content, size, colour versus black and white, ease of read as well as demographics of main readers of the paper. 

The review of the business operation has helped the newspaper committee when considering planning for the future of their paper to better meet the needs of the community.

 

The results of the analysis reinforced the need and the desire for the continuation of the Western Star newspaper.

 

This exercise was invaluable to the Western Star Newspaper Committee and has helped shape the future direction of the local community newspaper.