Having read your call for assistance, I would like to offer some observations regarding the decline in advertising and readership in recent times.
From my perspective, many published comments appear to come from individuals who strongly disagree with the United States, particularly regarding the actions of former President Donald Trump. Changes in support for various political parties also reflect broader shifts in public opinion and a noticeable decrease in satisfaction with current policies.
This is not to suggest that the views expressed are intentionally one-sided. Rather, commonsense opinions are often ignored because contributors, facing relentless criticism, lose the incentive to participate.
This, in turn, reduces their motivation to advertise in publications whose views do not align with their own.
Much correspondence focuses on criticisms of the United States and its leaders, particularly regarding immigration policies and the handling of the Iran conflict. But if Australia does not align with the US – who do not necessarily require our support – then with whom would we align? Aligning with countries such as China, Russia, or North Korea, whose political systems fundamentally differ from ours, could pose serious risks to our strategic resources and national security.
I do not necessarily agree with all US or allied actions, but the potential consequences of failing to maintain deterrence against hostile actors are clear. If states hostile to Western interests acquire advanced military or nuclear capabilities, our security and lifestyle could be profoundly affected. Iran’s nuclear program, for example, demonstrates that even after degradation of facilities, substantial stockpiles and technical expertise remain, posing ongoing regional threats. Supporting steadfast deterrence with our allies is not blind allegiance – it is a recognition of the strategic reality that the world changes dramatically when authoritarian powers gain WMDs.
Returning to your original question – how can a publication increase advertising revenue and readership? A start would be to acknowledge the diversity of national and political viewpoints.
Many constituents hold a wide range of opinions, and a publication that actively recognises and publishes these differing perspectives is more likely to attract and retain both readers and advertisers.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
