July 2025 has resulted in a huge change to our local paper, The Riverine Herald, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Riv’.
As described in the July 15 edition, it is ‘’now published on Tuesdays and Fridays and costs $2.50’’.
This replaces the three editions, which cost $1.80 each or $5.40 per week, if you bought them all.
In that July edition, there was also a request to readers to ‘’support professional local journalism that helps our communities thrive’’ by subscribing to the app.
It is understandable that your media company may have to change some things to save costs and continue to provide the service of publishing our local paper, whether we like it or not. In fact, just two editions might be a wise move.
However, I see no reason why the history of the front cover page has to be lost.
The most disappointing change is the complete disappearance of the pen and the sword image which used to be proudly emblazoned on the top of the front page.
As the age-old saying goes, ‘’The pen is mightier than the sword’’ and there is so much wisdom in that saying.
Other changes which I find disappointing are: Instead of the publication’s correct name, Riverine Herald, taking pride of place on the top of the front page, it has primarily been reduced to The Riv, with its proper name in much smaller font underneath. Nor do we see ‘’Since 1863’’ proudly under the name.
In the July 15 edition neither could I find the paper’s contact details, ie phone number, email address — but maybe my glasses need an update too?
There are still many people in our community who want to ‘’support professional local journalism’’ — and have for their lifetimes — with, believe it or not, paper editions.
I hope my pen is mighty and that you do restore the front page to its original, historically significant and far more interesting setup than the new boring, bland setup, as soon as possible.
Olympic memories
Val Cosway
Echuca
When the 25-year remembrance of the Olympic torch relay through Echuca-Moama was printed in The Riv on July 25, due to a lack of space they were unable to mention someone who I personally feel deserved a mention.
This was a local musician Steve Virtue. He wrote a song specifically for the event.
This song was called Ignite the Flame. EMFM played it at the time.
It is on one of his CDs and if there is anyone who would like to hear it I am quite happy to lend it to the radio station.
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