Today marks a major milestone for the Red Deer Advocate.
As we transition to an easier-to-read format, we’re asking readers to join us.
While our format is changing, our commitment to our readers, advertisers and Central Alberta is not.
The Advocate has been growing with Red Deer for 109 years.
Over the past century, we’ve supported the efforts of countless community leaders and organizations to make Red Deer the vibrant, people-focused place it is today.
The newspaper business has changed dramatically over the years. Our profession has shifted and adapted to the changing needs of newspaper readers in this new information age.
Through it all, the Advocate has remained tuned to the heartbeat of the community. We know today’s reader is busier than ever and wants to access information that’s relevant to their lives on a variety of platforms.
Today a new streamlined Advocate rolled off our presses.
It is part of a major investment in our community that has seen our website completely redesigned to keep readers informed in real time.
For the entire Advocate, it has always been about more than delivering the latest news.
Our talented reporters, editors, ad sales people, carriers, clerical, circulation, drivers, press and mailroom staff, live and work in the community. We volunteer, sit on boards, raise our families and contribute to the growth of Red Deer and Central Alberta.
We care about the community because it is our home too.
We strive to be the most credible and reliable community news source in Central Alberta.
We give back to our community in a multitude of ways, including sponsorship of community events and fundraisers, and we’ve proudly provided hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years in free advertising.
To continue our mission, the Advocate is adapting to changing reading habits, tastes, technology, and economics.
To give the newspaper a fresh new look, we are switching to tabloid size, a move that will make it easier to flip to your favourite section while at home sitting at the kitchen table or riding city transit.
The broadsheet format that has served Red Deer well for over a century is not as handy in a world where people are more on the go than ever.
Readers will not lose any of the news and features they enjoy. In fact, we are increasing our local content and introducing new columnists and editorial writers.
It will be easier than ever to find local news, sports, entertainment and business, not to mention features about Central Albertans who have their stories to tell.
For advertisers, a tabloid allows them to showcase their advertisements in ways that aim to catch more eyes and draw more business through their doors.
Online, the Advocate is also making a big investment to gather and present the news in a way we’re confident readers will enjoy. The new website went live last month and will be updated throughout the day to ensure readers get their news fast, seven days a week.
Weekend sports highlights and other news is online so readers won’t miss a beat on Mondays.
Our updates allow Red Deerians to get their news traditionally or online, via mobile, desktop or tablet from Red Deer’s most trusted news source.
Add all this together with our active social media presence, and it means the Advocate will always be there when you need it.