The Royal Gazette is proud to announce an exciting new chapter in its history. Since our formation in 1828, the newspaper has been a reliable source of independent journalism as Bermuda’s go-to place for unbiased, in-depth reporting.

That has been our mission, purpose and charter.

Starting tomorrow, December 3, 2024, we embrace a digital-first strategy, introducing a modernised platform to serve the community better and ensure long-term sustainability in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Why now?

The media industry is undergoing transformative changes driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, digital media and shifts in advertising strategies. To remain at the forefront of trustworthy journalism, The Royal Gazette has invested in a state-of-the-art revamp, changing the face of our desktop and mobile presentations, with a view to providing a more engaging and accessible digital experience.

Readers can look forward to:

• Enhanced user experience: A sleek, mobile-first design that offers seamless navigation

• Improved accessibility: Faster load times and a more intuitive interface

• Minimal downtime during launch: While the upgrade is expected to be smooth, readers may experience brief downtime during the early hours of Tuesday

Introducing new subscription models and pricing

The Royal Gazette will implement a registration wall and content limit to sustain high-quality journalism and support our mission of “Keeping Bermuda Connected”.

Readers can enjoy:

• Complimentary access: Without a Royal Gazette account, you have up to seven standard articles and three monthly premium articles. With a free account, access to the archives is limited without registration

• Registered access: Once registered, the articles are no longer limited and you have access to the archives and Disqus, the commenting facility

• Subscription options: Paid plans for unlimited access and uninterrupted reading

“Our commitment to independent, trustworthy news has never been more crucial, especially in a world increasingly challenged by misinformation and AI-generated content,” said Dexter Smith, Editor of The Royal Gazette. “This step ensures we can continue delivering the journalism Bermuda relies on.”

“In an age where trust in news is often questioned, The Royal Gazette remains dedicated to investigative reporting and balanced coverage of local and global issues.”

A recent YouGov survey of more than 100,000 consumers across 47 countries highlighted key trends such as news fatigue, trust challenges and the impact of AI on journalism — all of which underscore the importance of reliable, independent news sources.

Investing in the future

By introducing a registration wall, The Royal Gazette is securing its editorial independence and creating opportunities for more exclusive, premium content. While free content will remain available to all, registration will help to foster a stronger connection with the community while supporting the publication’s mission.

A commitment to Bermuda

The Royal Gazette has always been more than a newspaper; it is a cornerstone of the community. From providing a platform for businesses to run advertising and press releases to helping Bermudians find jobs, the newspaper is committed to maintaining its role as a vital connector for the island.

• The Royal Gazette is Bermuda’s leading source of independent journalism. We deliver unbiased, in-depth reporting on local, national and global issues. With a legacy of trust, the publication upholds democratic values through investigative journalism and civic engagement.To learn more about our digital-first strategy the new subscription model or to sign up, visithttps://navstage.royalgazette.com/support-independent-journalism/