R-C print edition to change shape and size April 1

Dear readers,

About seven months ago I introduced myself to you and tried to describe the bright future of your local newspaper.

I also promised that The Record-Courier would continue to provide you with award- winning local coverage, even though we may need to change our models in the future. I am excited today to introduce to our readers a new design of The Record-Courier.

On April 1, The Record-Courier will undergo a substantial change in shape effectively changing the way we do business.

The R-C will go from the broadsheet you're familiar with to a shorter and narrower version with more pages.

This is a business decision we've made to make us more flexible and keep in line with the current economy. The cost of newsprint increased 47 percent over the past year. That increase has forced changes for several publications around the country.

This new format will allow us to operate at the same frequency and with a new focus on local business and sports coverage.

For us, the trick is to find a way to provide you with the same award-winning local coverage The R-C is known for without increasing the cost we pass onto you, our readers.

The newspaper will continue to sell for 50 cents an issue, and will contain everything it does now.

Since we've added more pages, there will be some room for additional features, including a puzzle page and expanded local business. We'll also be making more room for news from the state and around the Tahoe Basin.

We've had several opportunities over the last four months to talk to our readers about some of what they'd like to see, and are incorporating those into the new design.

Though The Record-Courier changes April 1, down deep, we'll still be the same R-C that's been serving Carson Valley for the past 129 years.

Our goal and mission has not changed. We will strive to provide you with the most reliable and complete news coverage of Douglas County.

Thank you for being a loyal reader of The Record-Courier.

If you have any questions, please call me at 782-5121, ext. 208.