Statesman-Examiner Launches New Website

Since acquiring the Statesman-Examiner, The Sun and the Deer Park Tribune less than two years ago, the focus has been on strengthening the print editions, where most readers prefer to access the newspapers, said owner and publisher Gabriel Cruden.

“Now, we are expanding our scope to include strengthening our online presence,” Cruden said.

The website, designed by local resident Amber King, is structured to resemble the print edition, while offering multiple access points to newspaper content, Cruden said.

“We hope it is user-friendly and intuitive for visitors to find what they are looking for and to understand how to contact us through the most efficient channels,” Cruden said. “Amber did a great job taking the core concepts and building additional features on her own initiative, including an ad cost estimator and a really cool history of the newspaper page.”

Cruden noted that there may be adjustments to make as the site is used and encouraged readers to share feedback. He also said that not all print content appears online.

“We want to balance our role as a central hub for news and information for Stevens County and eastern Ferry County while maintaining the value of a print or digital subscription,” Cruden said. “For that reason, the website only includes a sampling of our large line-up of weekly content.”

He said the website includes classifieds, legal notices, obituaries, announcements, letters to the editor, an events calendar, the Professional Service Directory, local business advertisements, selected local news and sports stories, and all breaking news, as well as fire alerts, school closures, road closures, and public safety information.

Not included, according to Cruden, are some articles, select advertisements, local business inserts, and the games and comics page. Cruden also noted that advertising on the website is limited to local businesses.

“There are no out-of-area ads all over the site and in your face,” Cruden said. “Like our news reporting, everything is local, as it should be.”