Scenic Rim Media has launched a new reader survey, inviting locals to share their thoughts on their three community newspapers the Beaudesert Bulletin, Canungra Times, and Tamborine Mountain News.
The survey asks readers how they access the paper, whether through home delivery, collection points or online, and what types of stories and columns they most enjoy.
It also seeks feedback on the balance of coverage across areas such as sport, local politics, community issues and advertising features like Seniors, Weddings and Dining.
Managing Editor Keer Moriarty said the survey is an opportunity to connect with a wider cross-section of the community.
“The ethos of our papers is that they are the voice of the community they represent, so reader feedback is paramount,” she said.
“Over the years I’ve relied on talking to people directly, but with three mastheads now, it’s time to hear from those I might not come into contact with regularly.”
Ms Moriarty said that while this is the first formal survey conducted, community input has long played a role in editorial decisions.
“One year I asked if people wanted to keep the horoscopes, and they said it was the first thing they read, so it stayed,” she said.
“We also learned quickly how important the crossword answers were when we had an issue with them!”
She believes local newspapers serve a unique role that larger media outlets often can’t replicate.
“Because we live and work in the areas we represent, we have a vested interest in the stories we tell,” she said.
“The people we write about and our advertisers are often our friends, and that connection makes our work personally rewarding.”
The survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WRTYVVK and all community members are encouraged to take part.
