In response to the economic challenges presented by the COVID-19 virus, as well as the change in recent years in how its readers consume community news and information, The Vicksburg Post will begin publishing three print editions each week — Wednesday, Friday and the Weekend edition, which is distributed on Saturday. This new schedule begins Wednesday, April 15.

While The Vicksburg Post has seen record traffic to its website, vicksburgpost.com, 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.

“No matter if the medium is print or digital, informing our readers continues to be our top priority,” said Catherine Hadaway, publisher of The Vicksburg Post. “The sharp increase in our digital website traffic indicates acceptance of a product that is growing and filling a community need. Reduction of print frequency enables us to adjust expenses to focus more on newsgathering, editing and sales, as well as meeting our readers’ needs. Our news team will focus their efforts on providing content as it occurs.” 

Readers will find a fresh print copy of The Vicksburg Post on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from rack and dealer locations around town. Print and e-edition subscribers will receive the newspaper in their mailboxes or email inboxes these days. Additionally, editions of The Vicksburg Post will now consist of 12 or more pages and more local content.

“Producing three 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,” Hadaway said.

While the frequency of the print edition is changing, the mission that has always driven The Vicksburg Post is not.

“Never before has there been a time when sharing information, sharing peoples’ stories been more important than right now,” said Tim Reeves, editor of The Vicksburg Post. “We have seen the habits of our readers change and it is important we change with them. But, what will remain the same is our drive to share timely, factual information, tell the stories of our friends and neighbors and be a driving force for positive change in the community my family and I are blessed to call home.”

The cost of a subscription to The Vicksburg Post will remain the same. The cost of the newspaper in racks and at news dealer locations will be $1.50.

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