The News-Gazette and Competitor Profile
Company Overview
The News-Gazette, Inc., founded in 1919, is an esteemed newspaper company based in Champaign, Illinois, primarily serving the east-central Illinois region. Originating from the merger of the Champaign Daily News and the Champaign Daily Gazette by David W. Stevick, it has been a pivotal voice in the Champaign-Urbana community. Despite various challenges, it maintains a commitment to local ownership and involvement, now operating under the Marajen Stevick Foundation.
Headquarters
- Location: 2101 Fox Drive, Champaign, IL, USA
Industry
- Newspaper Publishing
Key Operations and Services
The News-Gazette provides a comprehensive portfolio of services including local news, obituaries, opinions, and advertising, distributed through print and digital platforms. It employs mobile applications for iOS and Android, leveraging digital strategies to amplify news distribution and advertising capabilities.
Recent Developments
In August 2019, facing bankruptcy, The News-Gazette was acquired by Community Media Group Inc., a community newspaper operator across the United States. The acquisition led to a relocation of its headquarters to the current address in November 2021. Known for journalistic excellence, the newspaper has earned multiple accolades from the Illinois Press Association, notably receiving the Newspaper of the Year award consecutively from 2014 to 2020.
Leadership and Contact Information
- John Reed - Chief Executive Officer and Publisher
- Paul Barrett - Executive Vice President and Publisher (Contact: 217-393-8270)
- Jim Rossow - Vice President of News (Email: jrossow@news-gazette.com)
Additional key personnel include:
- Mike Goebel - Managing Editor
- Joel Leizer - News Editor
- Niko Dugan - Online Editor
- Alexandria Kobryn - Copy Editor/Page Designer
For general inquiries:
- Main Contact Line: 217-351-5252
- Email: news@news-gazette.com
Financials and Performance
With an estimated annual revenue of approximately $15 million, The News-Gazette plays a substantial role in the regional media landscape. The company employs 133 employees and experienced a 2% employee growth last year.
Community and Regional Influence
As a locally operated entity, The News-Gazette remains responsive to community needs, ensuring the amplification of local voices. It also engages in various civic causes to benefit the community's welfare.
Revenue Optimization Strategy
Aligning with industry trends, The News-Gazette seeks to optimize revenue through digital transformation and enhancing profitability via improved advertising services and content diversification.
Competitors
Primary Competitors
1. Quincy Newspapers
- Employees: 42
- Employee Growth: 0%
2. The Daily Illini
- Annual Revenue: $75M
- Employees: 131
- Employee Growth: 27%
3. Chicago Reader
- Annual Revenue: $15M
- Employees: 117
- Employee Growth: 7%
4. News Media Corporation
- Annual Revenue: $35M
- Employees: 149
- Employee Growth: 38%
5. Anchorage Daily News
- Annual Revenue: $23M
- Headquarters: Anchorage, Alaska
Additional Competitors
- East Oregonian
- Annual Revenue: Approximately $5.8M
- Circulation focus: Umatilla and Morrow counties, Oregon
- Chicago Tribune
- Annual Revenue: $300M
- Employees: 1,190
- Employee Growth: -3%
Strategic Insights
Operating in a competitive arena, The News-Gazette's primary competitors include The Daily Illini and Chicago Reader, with varying strengths in revenue and market reach. The evolving digital news landscape provides both challenges and opportunities, especially significant given The News-Gazette's established brand and local influence.
Actionable Focus Areas:
- Digital Expansion: Intensifying focus on digital offerings could harness existing strengths to engage a broader audience.
- Content Diversification: Diversifying content to include interactive and multimedia formats can attract younger demographics.
- Revenue-Generating Services: Amplifying online advertising and exploring innovative subscription models are critical for maintaining financial stability amidst declining traditional print ad revenues.
These strategic initiatives will bolster The News-Gazette's market position, enhance audience engagement, and drive growth in an evolving media environment.
