Newsport’s policy of striving to provide current and topical news; pictorial coverage; and tackling the key issues impacting Douglas Shire, is paying huge dividends with a record number of readers flocking daily to the site to obtain their news.

The Newsport.com readership has ballooned to more than 4,000 readers per day (source Google Analytics); and a 50 per cent increase in online subscriptions (source PHP List analytics) to the Newsport Connect e-mail update, makes both platforms more than double compared to this time last year.

Newsport’s readership surge comes hot on the heels of recent data which shows that the mainstream media are also seeing significant rises in their digital figures.

According to Enhanced Media Metrics Australia (EMMA) The Australian recorded a monthly audience of close to 3.1 million in February, compared to 2.66 million in January; and was achieved with far more comprehensive paywalls than other mastheads.

The figures for some with modest paywalls include The Sydney Morning Herald (5.87 million) and The Daily Telegraph (4.5 million).

EMMA’s measurement survey has been developed for The Readership Works by independent research company Ipsos MediaCT, global leaders in local audience measurement. Ipsos conducts national audience surveys and is the official measurement system in more than 40 countries including Australia, the UK, Italy and France.

Newsport publisher Sam Cullen said his masthead had clearly come into its own and is now an important medium for locals, visitors and globally.

“I am extremely proud that we are now reaching more than 4,000 readers per day. This is significant and shows how much we have grown.

“It is abundantly clear that our readers are looking to Newsport to understand the pulse of the region and can do this from inside and outside the region with ease. We have fast become the most relevant news source and our ability to present the news efficiently has been to our advantage,” said Cullen.

Cullen said the influx of Facebook and article comments and general Letters to the Editor has increased exponentially and readers are responding to the big issues or to matters they believe require discussion.

The flood of commentary during the recent local election far exceeded all expectations.

“In our quest to provide our readers with solid reporting, analysis and commentary (opinion), we have sought out experienced writers who understand news gathering and how to tackle the subjects and stories that we believe you need to know about.

“Newsport founder and former Fleet Street journalist Roy Weavers will continue to provide his insightful and colourful material, now with a key focus on Mossman.

“We are fortunate to have Crispin Hull, a former editor of the Canberra Times, whose large following look forward to his opinion pieces on a range of national and international topics. Howard Salkow, an international journalist who has been published globally and thrives on hard news, features and challenging matters that warrant an opinion.

“Mark Murray is a recent addition to our editorial team as journalist and succeeds Cassandra Pulver who has returned to Brisbane. Mark will continue to tackle the daily issues, while we also have a host of contributors in our stable who are able to write about a range of subjects,” Cullen said.

Cullen added that Newsport will continue to lead the way in presenting quality news and readers are encouraged to provide any comments or feedback to assist Newsport improve its product.