Neatkarīgā’s first half-year in digital format

This week marks six months since Neatkarīgā has moved from the paper format to the digital format, and this is a time when conclusions are usually drawn about what has been done.

The work and connection with the reader differs significantly in the paper and digital format of the newspaper. While the newspaper is published in paper format, the big unknown is the question of how many of the newspaper's articles people read at all. Which authors and which topics do readers choose to read more, but which less? In the paper version, information on overall readability and the importance of certain topics is obtained only through reader surveys, which usually take place maybe twice a year.

On the other hand, digital format provides accurate statistics on any newspaper aspect - which authors, what topics and at what times are viewed or read. On digital platforms, statistics are available from the first seconds as soon as an article is published to readers. Assessing the knowledge we have about our readers' most important topics today and the understanding we had when working with Neatkarīgā’s paper version, we can conclude that even when Neatkarīgā was only in paper form, we understood the information needs of Neatkarīgā’s readers quite well, and we continue to implement them, but now in digital format. We are therefore pleased that most of those who were with us in paper format continue to read us, but already as a digital edition. The digital platform of Neatkarīgā Rīta Avīze consists of two wings: the portal nra.lv, where information about current news and events can be reached in literally minutes, and the digital edition of Neatkarīgā newspaper, which becomes available to readers every morning at 5:15. The digital edition of the newspaper contains investigative journalism, opinions, comments, interviews, analytical reviews of the Latvian economy, as well as social and political developments in the country, the most important political issues, decisions of the Saeima and the government, etc. The content of the digital newspaper does not change every minute. Since we have kept Neatkarīgā digital edition in the same rhythm as it was on paper, most of our readers continue to read the newspaper's digital edition in much the same way as they used to read the regular paper edition. Some readers peruse the content of the newspaper in the morning, some readers read Neatkarīgā at noon, but the majority of readers read that day’s newspaper after work - between four and eight in the afternoon. This is very understandable, because although Neatkarīgā also has a growing audience of younger generation readers, most Neatkarīgā readers are between the ages of 35 and 65, who read both paper newspapers and magazines, as well as Neatkarīgā's digital edition after work.

During the first half of the year, we have resumed the Saturday edition of the newspaper, and since October Neatkarīgā has taken a significant step to promote Latvia's international recognition - we have created the English version of Neatkarīgā.

The values ​​of Neatkarīgā were discussed on social networks last week. This is probably the right time and place to remind them. Neatkarīgā’s values ​​have not changed with the transition from paper to digital. A significant number of Neatkarīgā’s journalists are national and conservative - supporting and defending traditional values. But Neatkarīgā has always advocated and will keep advocating for diversity of opinion. Only by respecting a diversity of opinions can we achieve balanced and socially responsible solutions to implement the needs and interests of Latvian society. Neatkarīgā rejects and distances itself from any form of discrimination against people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds, religious beliefs, gender identities or lifestyles, etc. We stand for the harmonious and socially responsible development of Latvian society, in which no minority would be discriminated against. Latvia's strength lies in our diversity, and by maintaining the diversity of opinions, we are helping Latvia to become a truly democratic country that belongs in Europe.