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What are the changes?
We're changing the name of the papers we send to Starkville to The Starkville Dispatch and will emphasize our Starkville news more on the front page. We are also sending many more copies to Starkville and are making them available for free in red racks around town. Home and business delivery of The Starkville Dispatch is available within the Starkville city limits for $12 per month.
Why are you doing it?
For years The Dispatch has maintained a Starkville bureau, and we are frequently complimented on our Starkville and Mississippi State coverage. This has led us to take a more deliberate step into that market. We also realize Starkville and Columbus are becoming more interconnected, with Columbus residents working, shopping and eating in Starkville, and vice versa. We aim to bring value to our advertisers by helping them reach both markets, and our readers throughout the Golden Triangle by giving them a source of regional news coverage.
Why is it free in Starkville and not in Columbus?
We want to make an immediate impact in the Starkville market, and show readers and advertisers that we are serious about being a Starkville news and information source. Our rack price outside of Starkville is only a quarter, and has been for many years - a great value for a daily newspaper. And we have no plans to raise the rack price.
What's to stop me from getting the free paper in Starkville instead of taking the regular Dispatch in Columbus?
If you are in Starkville, we hope you do so.
How long will it be free in Starkville?
For the foreseeable future. We have not decided when or if we will change back to paid racks in Oktibbeha County.
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Will Starkville home delivery be free too?
Home and business delivery of The Starkville Dispatch is available withing the Starkville city limits for a monthly subscription of $12. To subscribe call 662-328-2424.
Does a new emphasis on Starkville mean less news from Columbus and Lowndes County?
No. We aren't changing the number of reporters and editors dedicated to Columbus and Lowndes. Our Starkville news will still be covered by our current Starkville bureau reporter, Tim Pratt. He can be reached at 661-323-2424 or tpratt@cdispatch.com. We will continue to have a sports reporter dedicated to coverage of Mississippi State (Danny P. Smith, dannyp@cdispatch.com). We will occasionally also use content from freelancers to augment our Starkville coverage.
Will there be an advertising representative in Starkville?
Yes. Beth Proffitt is the ad rep serving Starkville. She can be reached by cell phone at 662-352-4509, office phone at 328-2427, or e-mail, bproffitt@cdispatch.com. Additional advertising information can be found at cdispatch.com.
Will you do something similar in West Point?
Not at this time. West Point will continue receiving The Commercial Dispatch through home delivery and paid racks.
Where can I pick up The Starkville Dispatch?
The list is also printed in the paper, and featured on thestarkvilledispatch.com here.
Will there be changes online?
Not materially. Online readers can access Starkville and Columbus news at www.cdispatch.com.
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