My, how the years fly by.
On a bitter cold night, just before New Year’s 2009, we distributed our very first issue of TheBurg.
As we dropped off copies throughout central Pa., I thought to myself that this might be the dumbest business idea ever. We were launching in the depth of the “Great Recession” and entering an industry that was contracting quickly.
Day one, and we already had two strikes against us.
Well, we’re now in January 2024, which, if my math is right, makes this month our 15th anniversary.
Most small businesses fail within a few years, and the survival rate for local news startups is even worse. But we’ve been able to build a solid business despite a couple of recessions, a horrible pandemic and the worldwide collapse of the newspaper industry.
I’ve often thought about what makes TheBurg so unique, such an exception.
I’d have to start with our staff. I’m blessed with colleagues who are truly world class, who could excel anywhere, but have chosen to live in Harrisburg and work here, for us.
Next, credit goes to our community. We are incredibly fortunate to have support from every segment of greater Harrisburg—from individuals and small businesses to nonprofits and large companies.
Third, we’re locally owned and run, which means that we don’t answer to some distant corporate master. In fact, TheBurg is employee-owned, so we’re able to do what we believe is best, everyday, for our product and our business.
Lastly, we maintain a community-focused approach to local news. We’re not out chasing clicks, but aim to publish meaningful, in-depth stories, packaged beautifully and available freely. That’s made us popular among readers, advertisers and other folks interested in building community.
I’ve sometimes wondered whether our model could be replicated in other towns and cities. The answer is yes, but a conditional yes. Reliable, responsible, professional community news is needed everywhere, but any startup would need a strong team, significant starting capital and continuing community support.
TheBurg is lucky to have all these, even if it took us a few fits and starts to get it right. We’re now headed into our next 15 years, a solid foundation beneath us, with hopes for an even brighter future ahead.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor
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