By Tom Campisi

The Tri-State Voice is celebrating its 20^th anniversary with some major changes and upgrades. We are now printing quarterly instead of monthly, while our online blog edition will be updated weekly.

I think these changes represent the paradigm shift that has occurred in the last couple of years in regards to the media. The fact is, people are reading less printed material, while online news sites and social media use continue to soar. With that in mind and with much prayer and counsel, we have decided to print four issues each year (March, June, September, and December) and devote more time and resources to a new enhanced online site that will debut on February 15.

David Bryant, the founder of Proclaim Hope! and Concerts of Prayer International, once called Tri-State Voice “one of the most significant Christian newspapers in the United States.” We have also been recognized with awards from the Evangelical Press Association, City Covenant Coalition, and the New Jersey Family Policy Council. Indeed, if we are to remain significant in 2012, we must be a “Voice” to a multitude of online readers, especially the younger Christian leaders (who rarely read a printed newspaper).

We thank God for all the positive feedback we receive from devoted print edition readers when we meet them in person or speak with them on the phone or via email. We are also encouraged when we hear about the difference an article has made for someone or how they attended a concert or event after reading about it in Tri-State Voice. I hope our loyal readers will continue to enjoy our printed pages and also join us online in between issues for a whole new Christian newspaper experience. I am confident that our online edition will be a tremendous blessing to many new readers in New York City, New Jersey, and beyond.

Some of the sections and features we are adding online include the Metro NYC Roundtable, articles and opinions by some of the leading pastors, ministers, and writers in our region; a video component; and convenient links to Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. Additionally, we will also partner with Christian schools, homeschool groups, and youth ministries to offer a special education section devoted to aspiring young writers.

Like most Christian newspapers nationwide, the Tri-State Voice receives a large percentage of its revenue from advertising dollars. Since the newspaper was founded two decades ago by Joe Battaglia, advertisers have played a key role in helping us become a viable alternative to news media that does not have a biblical worldview. We are truly thankful for the hundreds of businesses, ministries, and event promoters that have spent some of their marketing budget with us and look forward to continuing those relationships in 2012.

On behalf of my wife Christen and our family, we’d like to thank all of our readers and those who have encouraged and supported us in the 16 years I have served as publisher. It has been an honor to be part of what God is doing here in Metro New York and we look forward to serving you for many years to come. Our new online venture is quite a large undertaking (and a big step in faith) and we welcome those who seek to co-labor with us as sponsoring advertisers, contributing writers, and prayer warriors.

Here’s to a great 2012—both in print and online.

Filed under: Uncategorized by Tom Campisi