Regional reach • Neighborhood news

Streamlining to be stronger & more sustainable

Seventeen years.

Hard to believe, but that’s how long Drew Carey has hosted “The Price Is Right.”

In 2007, it seemed inconceivable that someone could replace the legendary Bob Barker (and his signature skinny microphone) at the helm of television’s most-watched game show. But almost two decades have passed, and we still faithfully tune in to “TPIR” on weekday mornings.

Alex Trebek and Pat Sajak not only hosted “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” over the course of four decades, they were synonymous with these shows. I mean, can you imagine someone without a mustache asking your wager on a “Daily Double,” or another person escorting Vanna White to the big letterboard?

Sure enough, “Jeopardy!” has thrived under new host and longtime champ Ken Jennings, while Ryan Seacrest recently found a ratings increase after his first week on “Wheel.”

Jim Kelly was the most popular person in Buffalo, staging a Hall of Fame career in Rich Stadium and setting a bar no quarterback could touch … until Josh Allen starting leapfrogging defenders inside Highmark Stadium.

So, what does any of that have to do with this newspaper?

Just like these examples, your go-to local information source is changing – and we think for the better.

Starting next week, the Grand Island Dispatch is merging with the Niagara County Tribune/Sentinel to become a “super paper” – a news outlet with regional reach and neighborhood news.

As the needs of our audience changes – and, frankly, the cost to print increases – Niagara Frontier Publications saw a unique opportunity to maximize the talents of its staff of writers, editors, photographers, designers, office workers and advertising consultants, and combine the best of both counties into one expanded edition printed each weekend.

Doing so will strengthen the product – replacing press releases with byline articles, but still including favorites such as the Cracker Barrel, obituaries, the blotter, wedding and engagement announcements – while streamlining the production process.

This merger will increase circulation, bringing more value – and connecting more readers – to our partners – the local businesses who trust us with their valuable advertising dollars; and allow us to share even more content online – for free – at www.wnypapers.com.

While we will always have a soft spot in our hearts for the Island Dispatch, Lewiston-Porter Sentinel and Niagara-Wheatfield Tribune, we believe the new Tribune/Sentinel, serving Niagara County & Grand Island, is the best version of all our newspapers.

What the future holds is up to you: We rely on our readers and advertisers for feedback, suggestions, direction and, yes, revenue. Without you, the math doesn’t work.

It's our hope that, just as you’ve come to accept the departure of legendary hosts, trusted living room companions and hometown heroes – and supported their replacements – so, too, you will continue to champion us in our endeavors to provide trusted local news.

We will continue to shine a spotlight on the people, places and events that matter most to you – as long as you’ll have us.

Here’s to more seasons together.