Big changes headed for the northeast Pa. newsroom, Pocono Record subscribers | Fontones

Although the vernal equinox is a few weeks away, summer in the Poconos is very much here. With the change of seasons come changes in our northeast Pa. newsroom. 

First off, I'd like to acknowledge a change that Pocono Record readers have already experienced ― 2022 saw the end of Parade Magazine in print (the company that produces that publication has gone 100% digital) and more recently, the end of our TV Weekly publication in April.

There are more changes afoot. 

Our organization has made the choice to transition to mail delivery for our Pocono Record print subscribers starting Monday, July 10. The decision will ensure consistent delivery for our subscribers.

We have partnered with the U.S. Postal Service to rely on their expert care and dedication to getting the news that's fit to print to our loyal hardcopy readers. Single copies will still be available to purchase at a variety of local retailers, and eNewspaper readers will still receive their digital replica of the daily edition at the same time every morning.

Since there is no postal delivery on Sunday, the Sunday editions will now arrive at subscribers' homes on Saturday. Saturday's edition will remain a special, enhanced digital publication.

Subscribers with questions or concerns should visit help.poconorecord.com/contact-us.

Multiple factors have contributed to our organization choosing to go this route; labor shortages and rising fuel prices to name a few. The postal service in the Poconos is second to none— mail carriers provide consistent delivery with subscribers getting their newspapers the same day about 99% of the time.

We are committed to the sustainable future of local news. Our business — just like any other — is adapting to a competitive digital world. We know our readers rely on our digital platforms for breaking coverage, while our print editions focus on the news, sports, events and information they value most.

Our digital home at PoconoRecord.com will continue to provide that coverage.

We have undergone some massive changes in our newsroom the past few months. We are more shorthanded than usual, but that won't last forever.

As our staff grows, we will be able to provide even more of what you, our readers, care about. More local entertainment, high school sports, and community news are the goal.

We've heard your feedback and are trying to do better. The fact that so many of you have stuck with us during tough times speaks volumes.

A new year:2022 saw big changes, and big stories, for our northeast PA newsroom | Fontones

One more announcement

One last change I need to mention. It's an announcement I knew I'd have to write some day. 

After working at the Record for nearly eight years, it is time for me to hang up my hat. I will be departing the Pocono Record, Tri-County Independent and Gannett soon after this column publishes to take on a new opportunity.

Over my career in this news organization, I've worked as a copy editor, multimedia editor and a managing editor, while simultaneously producing bylined stories, columns, news podcasts, videos and more.

I've had the unique opportunity to manage a regional staff at both the Pocono Record in Stroudsburg and Tri-County Independent in Honesdale, while at times working with other publications across Pennsylvania and New York; as well as the New Jersey Herald in Newton and the Bergen Daily Record in Bergen County, New Jersey.

I've been honored to work on coverage of national interest related to contentious politics, public safety, lifestyle and even NASCAR. I've been even more privileged to work with reporters and sources on stories that lift up the hyper-local voices at the center of it all.

I've met some of my closest friends in this newsroom, people who have become chosen family.

I've participated in late-night Wawa runs, eaten Election Day pizza and literally "stopped the presses" to pull a page or two. These reporters, office staff, press operators and editors have lifted me up on my darkest days over the years, while showing me how to lead by example ― show up, keep the lights on, get the paper out. 

I've heard from you, our readers, on good days and on bad ones.

I've talked to motorists stranded overnight on Route 80 in the snow, tearful family members of murder victims, hopeful business owners and politicians serving their community. We've had chats about the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. I've read your letters and responded to your Town Hall submissions.

I am proud of the feats my staff has been able to accomplish since I took on the role of managing editor in 2019, and I am so honored to have had your trust as our readers while I was at the helm. Two presidential elections, a pandemic, and plenty of local news are more than enough to write home about. 

I hope the next chapter of my life proves to be as exciting as these past years have been. 

Thank you for your support, Poconos. I mean every word of it. 

Until next time.

Series of noteGun culture and the Poconos: Series told stories of the good, bad and ugly when it comes to firearms

Fontones' first bylined storyPlanned Parenthood: Part of 'the solution, not the problem' in the Poconos

A favorite columnDyeing art: Family's folk art keeps us connected, 'chains a dragon' in process

Ashley Catherine Fontones has worked in the media industry for 13 years in various roles and holds a bachelors' degree in paralegal studies from Purdue University Global and a Master's in Public Administration from the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration. She served as the managing editor at the Pocono Record from 2019 to 2023 and at the Tri-County Independent from 2022 to 2023.