Earlier this month we launched a survey to encourage feedback from you, our valued readers, on the news service we provide.
A total of 1,003 responses were received, which will help to shape the future of Isle of Wight news.
On the whole, Island Echo is rated highly by the readership. 83.1% of those surveyed provided a score of 7 or above when asked ‘how happy are you with the news service Island Echo provides’. In addition, 77.4% said that they rate Island Echo’s position in the market at 7 or above.
Our readers are loyal with 40.8% saying they visit the website several times a day and a further 37.1% saying they visit at least once a day. This means of those surveyed, 781 of the 1,003 visit www.islandecho.co.uk at least once a day.
The survey also asked ‘do you regularly visit any other local news sources’. 50.7% of those surveyed said they visit the Isle of Wight County Press, 16.5% listed regional sites (BBC/ITV) and 12.8% said Isle of Wight Radio. Just 8.8% mentioned On the Wight and only 2.9% said the Isle of Wight Observer. This helps build up a picture of the current local market and helps advertisers allocate their spend.
Over 400 additional comments have been received through the survey giving us a greater insight into what you would like to see changed or introduced.
The comments section of the website has attracted significant feedback and as a result, we have implemented some changes and ‘serial offenders’ have been removed with immediate effect.
Other comments received include:
• The site is very stable. The news is trustworthy and factual, not opinion-based which I believe is very important
• For a small team who run this, it is a credit to the Island and to news reporting in general
• It’s time for the Echo to echo people’s views
• I think your social media coverage is exceptional
• I think Island Echo is a great site that really interacts with its audience very well
• The standard of grammar and general article content can sometimes leave a bit to be desired
• It’s my number one place to go for breaking news and other stories relating to the Isle of Wight. Keep up the good work!
• Please maintain your even-handed approach, you are already the go-to local news site – don’t spoil it
• Usually good, precise reporting. Apart from Storm Ciara, news weekend info can be a bit thin
• I like the up to date reporting of events as they are happening and usually good pics to go with the write-up
• I find Island Echo very informative and I like the fact the news is up to date and current
• Not bad, but too many adverts interrupting the layout
• More positive news stories would be welcome
• I’ve always liked this site but sometimes I don’t always see the news as it comes up. I usually have to go trawling through
• It seems to the locals that the Echo is like marmite… either love it or hate it… not really sure why!
Readers can expect to see changes to the website and the news service we provide in the coming days, weeks and months in direct response to the feedback received. But with 90.1% of those surveyed saying a firm ‘no’ to a paywall, we can confirm that Island Echo will remain free for the reader for a long time to come!
A few comments received suggest the website is not updating for some users. This is being investigated but at this moment in time cannot be replicated.
A great survey, Island Echo is by far the best island news site and the results of the survey are very interesting