WESTFORD — In an effort to bolster local news offerings in town, WestfordCAT may soon begin delivering local news to your mailbox this spring.
WestfordCAT is proposing a 12-week pilot program for residents to opt-in to receive our weekly newsletter in their mailbox for less than a cup of coffee per week.
We aim to boost accessibility and become the newspaper of record within the Town of Westford. Current state law requires public notices to be published in a “newspaper of general circulation,” which may require a form of paid subscription to meet that classification under the current statute.
This work is part of an effort to raise additional funds to support our local access station, which has seen a reduction in revenue year after year.
During this trial, papers would be similar to those distributed around town on Wednesdays. Papers that are currently distributed to several locations around Westford will continue to remain free of charge.
Our current cost estimate for this trial program is $6,600 for 12 weeks – or about $550 a week for $250 subscriptions. This cost, including materials and printing amounts to about $2.25 per issue per person – or approximately $27 for the 12-week period if we secure 250 subscriptions.
This amount covers only our print and distribution costs and does not account for labor.
We are soliciting feedback to gauge what level of interest readers have in this project. Please take our survey by Feb. 7.
Support WestfordCAT News
Local journalism is vital to our communities. As other publications shift focus toward regional journalism, WestfordCAT continues to provide high-quality hyperlocal reporting to our town, free for everyone to read. So — we have a small favor to ask. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps us sustain our journalism and keep our community informed. Please consider supporting WestfordCAT by donating online.
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