Australian Community Media (ACM) has reported double-digit growth across circulation sales, subscriptions and advertiser demand, following the launch of its new publishing model for its Western NSW mastheads in August 2024.

"Less than six months in, our digital plus weekend model has been embraced by these communities; throughout the week more and more readers choose to stay informed with locally relevant news via our mobile apps, websites, newsletters and breaking news alerts. And come the weekend we’re seeing a strong demand for an immersive, relaxed read covering local people and issues," said Jarrah Petzold, ACM Director of Marketing.

"The feedback from the market on the enhanced weekend print offering has been extremely positive. The results reflect the strength of this proposition - giving advertisers engaging cross-platform environments to connect with local customers," added Damian Hetherington, ACM Director of Enterprise Sales.

The new publishing model saw weekday print editions of titles including the Central Western Daily in Orange, the Daily Liberal in Dubbo, and the Western Advocate in Bathurst cease, with expanded, new-look weekend print editions launched in their place. This change has resulted in a 19.3% increase in weekend newspaper sales and a 16.9% rise in subscriber acquisition since August.

Commercially, the change has led to an average 21% increase in the number of advertisers booking into the three weekend papers. The new publishing model offers readers the choice to stay up to date with the latest news and issues affecting these growing regional centres through various platforms: a morning briefing in the daily newsletter, catching up throughout the day via an app or web, or reading the weekend paper.

ACM reaches over 4 million regional Australians each month, with a network comprising more than 100 brands, including leading regional news brands.