TODAY marks another milestone in the never ending saga of arguably the most read and most widely circulated newspaper in the region, Panay News, as it turns 40 years old and counting.
I daresay that it is the only community newspaper that has reached four decades and will still continue churning out copies everyday for another four decades and more, the last newspaper standing literally and figuratively speaking. To date, no other local newspaper in the region has that bragging rights.
But wait. There’s more. Just a week ago another milestone, and perhaps also a first in the region, was achieved by Panay News.
Excerpts from the March 30, 2021 issue of Panay News:
Panay News partners with Inquirer
The Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) launched on Monday a partnership with Panay News that readers can access through a shared digital platform using the Inquirer Plus app.
The Inquirer News Initiative (INI) offers a subscription package where Inquirer Plus – PDI’s digital version – comes with Panay News.
Atty. Rudyard Arbolado, PDI president and chief executive officer, said through the INI, the digital version of Panay News formed part of a subscription bundle that readers can select via the e-commerce store Inquirer Shop.
A bundle entitles the subscriber to Inquirer Plus and Panay News.
Roy Raul Mendiola, Inquirer national sales manager, noted that print readers in the provinces usually purchase a newspaper of national circulation along with their local newspaper. This has been the case especially before the coronavirus pandemic.
Arbolado said the subscription bundle was not only for readers with limited access to hard copies of their local papers but also for Filipinos abroad longing for hometown news.
“People now are looking for connections and this is one way to reach your hometown and those you love. “Local papers provide unique networks; they are the ones with eyes and ears on the ground,” added Mendiola.
“This is our way to help local journalism remain sustainable. There’s a global phenomenon where most media companies are going to subscriptions. If we want good journalism, you have to pay for it, you have to support it,” he explained.
“By ensuring that local journalism thrives, we help safeguard the continued empowerment of an informed citizenry. The INI is also an acknowledgment that this [is] best achieved with PDI and the local newspapers working hand in hand. As one lifts itself, it lifts others, too. Our futures are intertwined and together we are stronger,” he added.
Leading to yesterday’s launch were a series of meetings held and agreements signed with Atty. Abdiel Dan Elijah Fajardo, president and chair of Panay News, among other top executives of other partner newspapers.
Indeed, life begins again for Panay News, this time in a symbiotic relationship for the common good and progress with another media icon, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a fitting milestone to cap Panay News’ four decades as the No. 1 community newspaper in the region and the perfect start for another four decades still as the region’s top community paper.
There would have been fireworks, champagne and a grand celebration worthy of these milestones at one of “I Am Iloilo City’s” top hotels. But there’s this thing called a pandemic as gatherings and celebrations of this sort were put on hold. Perhaps when this COVID-19 madness is over then we can party.
In the meantime, I’ll just open a bottle of perfectly chilled Chablis, pour some on this lovely champagne glass and raise a toast to Panay News, and listen to Pink Floyd while finishing the bottle.
Congratulations and Happy Birthday! Cheers to another four decades and more!/PN
