The Pathway to remain a biweekly publication in 2005
October 26, 2004
JEFFERSON CITY — The Pathway will remain a biweekly publication through 2005, but will increase the number of pages in each issue while raising the number of editions from 24 to 26..
The newspaper, created as a Web site-only publication in June 2002, had considered becoming a weekly until results from a readership survey in the spring indicated that Missouri Baptists overwhelmingly want The Pathway to stay biweekly. It is possible the newspaper will produce one or two special editions in 2005 as well.
The Pathway’s circulation for the first time reached the 15,000 mark in October and its estimated readership now stands at more than 45,000, making it the most read Baptist newspaper in the state. Its press run for the convention (Oct. 26) issue set an all-time record of 16,685.
Plans call for a redesign of The Pathway in order to give it a fresh, more modern look. The facelift will not be completed until late 2005 or early 2006 and will occur in conjunction with the Jefferson City News-Tribune’s installation of a new state-of-the-art printing press. The News-Tribune serves as The Pathway’s printing contractor and it is anticipated the new press will be operational by late 2005. The new press will allow The Pathway to run color on every page, enhancing the paper’s editorial content while providing an attractive feature for potential advertisers. The new press will also streamline the News-Tribune’s mailing operation, which should significantly improve delivery of The Pathway to homes and churches.
The Pathway’s advertising and subscription rates ($10 a year for an individual or $6 an individual if ordered under the church group plan) will remain unchanged for 2005. The Pathway is able to offer such low subscription rates because it is a Cooperative Program-supported ministry.