Alexander understands: It's all about the audience

A century and a quarter ago, when The Press first started publishing a newspaper, the name of the circulation game was just getting the thing delivered.

Not so today.

"The buzzword in newspapers today is audience, not circulation," said Press Publisher Jim Thompson.

Recognizing that, Thompson recruited Jeremy Alexander last November to replace longtime Circulation Director Dan Phillips, who retired. Alexander has more than 15 years experience developing audience with Gannett and Lee Enterprises.

"Jeremy's background in audience development through multiple distribution channels is a perfect fit for the Coeur d'Alene Press as we celebrate 123 years of continuing service to our area's cities and citizens," Thompson said. "Audience is as critical these days as it was 123 years ago, and being able to develop that audience in home delivery, newsstand, online, mobile or even your favorite social media is an essential part of our business model."

Alexander has been there and done that. He has grown audience through partnership marketing, direct marketing, social media, and digital. And he's found a willing partner in The Press.

"I believe the daily newspaper should inform, educate, entertain, and save readers time and money," he said. "The best combination of local information is the printed newspaper for savings, and in-depth reporting combined with online and mobile for breaking news and updates."

Alexander said his goal for The Press is "to build on the already strong and loyal readership base, which hasn't suffered the declines often reported about other daily newspapers."

A strong newspaper market was a big draw for Alexander, who left one beautiful place for another. He previously lived and worked in Flagstaff, Ariz.

"I didn't join The Press because North Idaho is an awesome place to live, though it helped," Alexander said. "I wanted to work here because of the quality of The Press suite of products. It was obvious that years of great service, quality journalism, and robust content has kept The Press a part of our communities' daily lifestyle.

"The amount of content our newsroom and ad departments put out exceeds my expectations every morning. Not just local news and sports, but the coverage of education, nonprofits, business, and outdoors along with the most in-paper advertising and savings I've seen anywhere.

"In short, I'm thrilled to be able to work at and promote a big newspaper in a small community."

Alexander's wife, Sarah, works for K-12 Inc. Their daughter, Riana, is an avid tennis player and a voracious reader who at the age of 9 already has a well-developed affinity for fundraising.

"The community has been great," Alexander said. "Meeting leaders in business, real estate, the educators at our daughter's school, and our neighbors has made us feel at home faster than we could have imagined.

"The one exception might be when we mention we are huge fans of University of Arizona basketball, but we totally support the Zags beating everybody else."