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In response to the economic challenges presented by the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, as well as the change in recent years as to how its readers consume community news and information, The Messenger will begin publishing two print editions each week – on Wednesday and Saturday (Weekend edition).

While the The Messenger has seen record traffic to its website and new print subscribers, this newspaper, like all other newspapers across the country, has seen severe declines in advertising by local businesses as non-essential businesses are closed and events are canceled during this period.

“No matter the medium or print publication frequency, informing our readers in Pike County and beyond continues to be our top priority,” said Stacy Graning, publisher.  “The sharp increase in web traffic on www.troymessenger.com  shows that more readers are consuming news digitally than ever before. Reducing print frequency enables us to meet our readers where they are and allows our news teams to focus their efforts on providing news online as it occurs.” 

Readers will be able to pick up a print copy of the The Messenger on Wednesday and Saturdays, with increased page numbers in each issue. The Wednesday Messenger Bonus will continue to be distributed free to households in Troy and Brundidge, as well as through multiple single copy distribution points in the county. Print subscribers will continue to receive the newspaper in their mailboxes on these days.

Also, print edition subscribers will receive five digital editions of The Messenger each week, Tuesday through Saturday, delivered to their email inbox for free. The e-edition subscriptions are also available to non-print subscribers.

These e-editions will include daily breaking news, event coverage, community information, advertisements and more.

“Producing two print editions each week will allow our staff to create more robust, community-focused newspapers, with all of the content readers have been used to getting in their newspaper, and even more,” Graning said.

The cost of a subscription to The Messenger will remain the same. The cost of the newspaper in single copy locations will be $1 on weekends.

“We remain committed to covering all the news surrounding COVID-19 and how we recover as a community from this unprecedented pandemic,” Graning said.  “In these uncertain times, we are as committed as ever to serving you, and sincerely appreciate your trust and support of The Messenger.