By Paula Pyzik Scott
Bluffton Icon owner-editor

Here’s a head-scratcher: do Icon readers know the difference between news and advertising? I’ve found myself explaining what’s news and what’s advertising–at least on the pages of the Bluffton Icon and the Ada Icon–several times recently.

While both are posted at the discretion of the publisher, news is provided for the benefit of readers with no financial considerations. The Icon also has a distinctly local focus. For example, you won’t find coverage of the Olympics unless the story has local ties.

Advertising is a service that is purchased by a business, organization or individual. Again, you won’t find ads for Disneyland or diamonds, unless they’re being purchased by a local business or organization.

ICON NEWS

Is focused on information of current interest to the Icon’s target audience, people who live in the Bluffton and Ada areas or who have a special interest in these places, including former residents.

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Many articles are written by the Icon editor and by paid “stringers” who provide articles on assigned topics. The Icon editor welcomes content suggestions.

Other articles are provided via media releases by area organizations and businesses. Media releases may be edited for tone, formatting and length.

Primarily about current happenings but can also include retrospectives of significant events and local history.

Presented from a neutral perspective with the exception of Letters to the Editor and columnists.

News is updated daily and remains in the Icon archives.

Some but not all news content is highlighted on the Icon’s social media accounts, which currently include Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

ICON ADVERTISING

Includes promotional materials presented in graphic “banners” adjacent to news articles. The Icon specifies the size of these ads. Fees are based on the size and duration of ads.

Includes classified ads which can include text up to approximately 75 words with one photo or a PDF attachment.

Some classified ads are free. Except for garage sales, ads for products, services, vehicles and real estate are paid ads.

All advertising must be approved by the Icon before posting. Requirements include specific dimensions and readability.

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Icon business hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-4;00 p.m. If we are away from the office, please leave a message. 

Phone 567-400-4266
Email [email protected]