Western Echo Survey 2025
We are happy to share the results from The Western Echo’s recent survey.
The survey shows that The Western Echo enjoys strong readership loyalty, with the majority of respondents reading every edition and expressing high satisfaction with content. Readers particularly value community-focused stories – such as local characters, events, and environment articles. And show strong interest in wanting more editorial, human-interest, and local business coverage. Most copies are picked up at The Gap Village, at other local stands, and 14.3% read it online. Feedback emphasized appreciation for the printed format, suggestions for expanded distribution (especially Bardon and Milton), and more focus on local wildlife, arts, and youth engagement.
Congratulations to Jemima E who won the Gourmet Hamper prize for taking part in the survey!
Note: Our Survey is still open and we’d love more feedback – so please feel free to still complete the survey here.
Key Results
- Reading Frequency
- 65.7% read every edition
- 25.7% read sometimes
- Only 5.7% were first-time or rare readers
- Most Enjoyed Content
- Top categories:
- 85.7% – Community events
- 77.1% – Local nature, wildlife & environment
- 71.4% – Updates from community groups
- 65.7% – Human interest stories
- 60% – Local characters (Col’s Chat)
- Additional mentions as enjoyed content: local history, Indigenous heritage
- Satisfaction with Content
- 47% very satisfied
- 38% satisfied
- 15% neutral
- No dissatisfaction recorded
- Topics Readers Want More Of
- 61.8% – Community events
- 61.8% – Local environment
- 55.9% – Local human-interest stories
- 41.2% – Local business news
- Others: travel, food, family activities, editorials, arts/creativity
- Distribution
- 68.6% pick up from stands in local areas
- 14.3% read online version Main pickup point: The Gap Village
- General Feedback Highlights
- Praise for The Western Echo’s community focus and printed format
- Requests for:
- More wildlife/nature features
- Expanded distribution (Bardon, Milton)
- Youth engagement (school columns, cadet journalist)
- Special offers section for local businesses
- More promotion via The Gap Grapevine Facebook group
