By now, many of our regular print readers will be aware that from the next issue, out on 1 October, Harare News will no longer be free. Instead, the paper will be available for purchase at $1 from most supermarkets, numerous traffic lights, and various other spots around the city.

It is a scary and exciting move for us made necessary by both the tough operating environment and a desire to serve our readers better.

You can get your copy of Harare News from dozens of retailers, and vendors working across the city.

We have been publishing for more than three years, and our research has indicated that most readers would be willing to part with $1 for what we are told is a strong, informative, and enjoyable read.

At the heart of this move is a desire to not just survive, but to deepen and strengthen our editorial by following up on the many good leads offered to us by you, our readers. It is frustrating to have resource limitations that force us to be selective of stories and let potentially important news go cold.

Whilst we have enjoyed the editorial independence that comes with being a free paper – specifically the ability to maintain a readership without resorting to sensationalism or scandal – I am confident that our excellent team of writers will deliver to you a compelling blend of interest, excitement, data, updates, advice, creativity, events, sports, and more, that will sell copies and maintain our underpinning social mandate.

Your feedback and input is more important than ever! Write, call, tweet or message us. You can start by letting us know how you feel in the comments below.

We are excited by this transition. It will test the strength of our editorial and our brand, and we feel ready. I hope that you will support us along the way, and buy your Harare News every month as soon as you see it hit the shelves.

See you then,

Harry Davies
Managing Editor

[email protected]