In 2023, The Yonkers Ledger saw unparalleled growth and success, establishing itself as a reliable source of real news for the Yonkers community.
Content is king
With a dedicated team of over 50 contributors from the community, we proudly published more than 650 articles last year. Our unique local coverage on a diverse range of topics caters to the evolving interests of our readers. Furthermore, it brings a consistent and unbiased voice to local news in our city.
Our commitment to delivering impactful Yonkers-based news stories is reflected in our top articles of the year. These include an emotionally-charged series on young hit-and-run victim CJ Hackett, an anonymous tip leading to the apprehension of a fugitive, and a former Yonkers City Council worker’s involvement in soliciting sex from a presumed minor during an undercover sting operation. These stories not only resonate within our community, but also demonstrate our dedication to honest and independent reporting on issues that matter.
We are also excited to have expanded with new content sections including Videos, Games, and Obituaries. And as our editorial team continues to grow, we plan on introducing more recurring series like the wildly popular, “Eden Eats.”
Growing a global audience for local news
Our audience has played a crucial role in our success. Our followers are not merely readers, but active participants in creating the news that informs the community. We are proud to have earned the respect of over 176,000 total readers globally in 2023, with an impressive 110,000 from the Yonkers area alone. On average, over 1,200 visitors read a story on The Yonkers Ledger website every day, and we peaked in 2023 during the elections with a 30-day high of 46,000 unique users!
Our commitment to inclusion via diverse voices and reporting is represented in also our audience. For example, we maintain a balanced demographic of 50.5% male and 49.5% female visitors. Additionally, the age distribution of our audience spans the gamut.
With our launch of The Yonkers Ledger on Android and iOS apps in 2023, almost 80% of visitors now connect with our content on mobile devices. Through embracing innovation, we continue our commitment to providing accessible and convenient news delivery to our readers. We further extended our reach through partnerships with platforms such as Google News, NewsBreak and SmartNews. We also connect with over a hundred thousand monthly users across various social media channels found on our Linkin.bio.
Lastly, our newsletter became a staple for over 2,500 subscribers in 2023. This digest of top stories nets a remarkable 600% higher click-through rate than the industry average. And with news summaries curated each week, we ensure our readers stay informed and engaged on a regular basis.
Grateful for community support
The Yonkers Ledger is supported by local community members through personal donations averaging $50.94 in 2023. As our local news publication continues to flourish, we are grateful for our readers’ support and its broader impact on the Yonkers community. This support ensures our ad-free and subscription-free service to fulfill our non-profit mission of informing our neighbors. With contributions received directly through our website and fundraisers planned for 2024, we are encouraged to continue that mission to deliver timely and impactful news. Donate today to support meaningful journalism and deeper community connections with The Yonkers Ledger.
