Earlier this year, Island Institute asked our readers for your thoughts and opinions about The Working Waterfront newspaper and the weekly online digest of Working Waterfront stories. As we consider ways to improve and expand our connections to those who share our deep commitment to the people and places that make the Maine coast unique, your input was instructive and practical.
Since our first issue in April 1993, this newspaper has provided well-researched, insightful, and local stories and perspectives on critical community conversations. We bring the flavor of life on the Maine coast to you through our long-standing contributors, and we work hard to unpack some of the most complex issues shaping our coast—from the lasting imprint of last-year’s storms to the heroic efforts across small, peninsular and island communities to adapt in the face of extraordinary change. We share the hopes, tragedies, solutions, and humor, too, that define our remarkable corner of the world.
As everyone knows, the environment for local news and journalism is changing. You have more options on how and when you receive your news and analysis. We learned from more than 850 of you, however, that this newspaper remains your touchstone for all things related to the Maine coast.
We learned from more than 850 of you that this newspaper remains your touchstone for all things related to the Maine coast.
We also learned that there is room for innovation, especially as we work to engage new generations in the solutions and opportunities ahead.
Thank you for valuing what we take great pride in producing and for taking the time to respond. Thank you, too, for continuing to support Island Institute so we can bring the extraordinary, the complicated, and the unusual from the docks to your doorsteps.
Here are some highlights from the survey results:
You seek and trust the content provided by The Working Waterfront:
• 83% of readers regularly access The Working Waterfront, far more than any other source of news.
• Readers trust us for news and information on Maine’s coast by a 5:1 margin over other sources, such as broadcast media, daily newspapers, and more local sources.
• 65% of readers report reading every edition of the paper, with 80% reading all or most all of the content.
You especially want content about climate and the economy, but not exclusively:
• You want unique coverage (64%) with a local flavor (62%) as your preferred content types.
• 82% of readers are interested in climate and sea level rise issues.
• 57% percent are looking for information related to the environment, land use, and sustainability.
• 45% of readers are interested in issues related to Maine’s economy and marine economy.
• 43% are looking for information on housing and related issues.
• There are gender differences in responses, with women showing a stronger preference for stories about climate and environment along with stories about arts/culture/lifestyle and schools. Men showed a stronger interest in stories about maritime history.
Our older readers have an affinity for print, but not entirely
• 80% of our readers who responded are over 65 years old.
• These readers prefer the print edition of the paper to digital formats (74% prefer printed copies).
• 64% of readers do access stories online (usually delivered to their email inbox).
Island Institute remains committed to publishing The Working Waterfront as a trusted source of news and information for Maine’s island and coastal communities. We plan to incorporate this reader feedback to deliver the content you are most interested in, both in digital and print formats. You’ll be hearing more from us in the months ahead as we dive into some of the most compelling stories shaping our coast.
Kim Hamilton is president of Island Institute, publisher of The Working Waterfront. She may be contacted at khamilton@islandinstitute.org.
