The Tower News is making a change this month. Instead of printing on newsprint off a web press, they will be switching to a magazine format. Owned by CherryRoad Media, other papers owned by that company in our area have already switched, including in Grand Marais, Two Harbors, International Falls and now Cook.
At the Ely Echo we have no plans to change even though our newspaper is printed in Cambridge. The days of the Echo being printed in Ely are long gone. The web press was dismantled and shipped to Mexico when we moved from 2 East Sheridan to 15 East Chapman.
In fact, there used to be Goss presses in Chisholm, International Falls, Virginia, Hibbing, Two Harbors and Duluth. There’s still one in Cook but that one will be shuttered as well.
Publisher Nick Wognum was able to attend the National Newspaper Association convention in Minneapolis this fall. Here was a chance to learn about what papers around the country are doing to thrive and survive in a digital age.
“We need to continue to follow our core mission of delivering the news of Ely, Minnesota, but how we do that is always changing,” said Wognum. “And how we work with our customers and advertisers will evolve as well. There are several new offerings we are working on right now that we are pretty excited about.”
Already the Ely Echo has installed new subscription software, updated the elyecho.com website and expanded digital offerings with a weekly local podcast, The Pulse of Ely.
“We use social media to get out our message as well but we plan to continue to print on newsprint for as long as we can,” said Wognum. “Our digital edition has really gained a lot of subscribers as the Post Office continues to struggle with delivery. For those who want Ely news faster, our online version is the way to go.”
While the Tower News is making a big change after 125 years, the Ely Echo is adapting and improving going into year 51. We’re glad you’re along for the ride.
