I’ve always been fascinated by the difference between people who are extroverts and those who are introverts, as well as the juxtaposition of those who have tendencies of both.

I’d consider myself in that latter category — after a long day of conversations and interactions, I often just want to do something quietly by myself.

Other times, I am energized by human interaction and can conversate through a room like a political candidate.

One thing that makes my palms sweaty, like most people, but that I ultimately enjoy, is speaking. In my position, I get the chance from time to time, and this week was one of those moments, as I had the privilege to speak in front of two combined Rotary groups at a morning meeting.

I feel I was able to share some insight about this industry I am so passionate about, and I think some people learned a bit about my presentation, titled “Newspapering in 2024.”

Because this is an ever-changing industry and we’re not averse to those changes, I thought I’d share the bullet points of my speech to the readers of this column. Introverts can quietly read in the corner. Extroverts can read it out loud at the dinner table, if they prefer.

WE ARE OUR COMMUNITY’S HISTORY

∫ The history of our papers traces back upwards of 200 years

∫ The local newspaper was the dominant media in our communities for a long time

∫ Our papers were and are the mirrors of our communities, providing a place and a snapshot

DISRUPTION IN THIS

BUSINESS (AND ALL)

∫ No single thing changed business the last 100 years like the digital revolution

∫ Competition for advertising and attention came and comes from every corner

∫ The newspaper’s place as dominant media has been challenged the last 25 years

OPPORTUNITY

∫ It used to be that every house got the local paper. Then it was every other. Now, it’s more likely every third. Still, we print more than 30,000 papers in my group of five newspapers every day.

∫ Our reach extends farther through our e-edition and social media. We have two subsidiaries that focus on digital marketing, among other things, in Findlay Digital Design and Tandem Media (based in Sandusky/Norwalk). We can do a ton to provide a comprehensive marketing plan for any business.

A PRINTING POWERHOUSE

∫ Since 2020, many businesses have changed and evolved, and we are no different.

∫ We now print 25 different daily, biweekly, and weekly papers each week in our production facility in Findlay. They are distributed across Ohio.

∫ Our printing operation averages around 40,000 printed papers each night.

MORE THAN JUST NEWSPRINT

∫ We’ve also placed an emphasis on magazines and special publications. Our group creates more than 50 special publications in our group each year.

∫ We’re very proud of glossy publications such as Discover 419 Summer Fun Guide, Sandusky Living, Hancock Spirit and Roots Agriculture. We’re planning even more in 2024.

∫ This is a value-added part of your subscription. You get a paper delivered to your house for under a dollar a day, but also a stack of nice magazines and access to our e-edition, website, and app.

FUTURE CHALLENGES

∫ Delivery challenges will mean changes for the customer as the carrier-delivered model becomes harder and harder to maintain. The move of our papers to U.S. Postal Service-delivered, including Monday’s move of the Sandusky Register, exemplifies that.

∫ How to remain relevant to segmented demographics is hard. There is no easy way to reach large numbers of people in Generation X, Millennials, and those even younger.

∫ Artificial intelligence: There are some applications of this technology that can help our business potentially, but it does present further challenges in trust and media sourcing.

∫ Negativity toward media: We sometimes face the downhill effect of the rampant criticism of the media. We try to stay above the fray by focusing on local, but the public’s attitude toward media in general has changed.

STILL THE MIRROR

∫ We are among the oldest businesses in our communities, and we aren’t going anywhere.

∫ We have a staff of people who love this area and this paper, who are trying new things each day to keep us relevant.

∫ We strive to focus on local news and marketing solutions for local businesses.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

∫ Support your local paper. This is a valuable, historical local resource.

∫ Contact us with story ideas, and give us a chance to show you how we can make your business grow.

∫ Verify the sources of news you consume. Everyone these days can be a publisher with a click. Beware of false news.

∫ Make sure you use all the benefits of your subscription — print, digital, e-edition, app, magazines, and extras.

Alpena native Jeremy Speer is the publisher of The Courier in Findlay, Ohio, the Sandusky (Ohio) Register, The Advertiser-Tribune in Tiffin, Ohio, the Norwalk (Ohio) Reflector, and Review Times in Fostoria, Ohio. He can be reached at jeremyspeer@thecourier.com.