As a part of our goal to operate for the public benefit, Civic Spark Media and the Western Wayne News will provide regular updates to the community on our operations, health and future plans. This is our latest community report, reflecting activities for both the Western Wayne News newspaper and the WayneCounty.info news aggregator in the first quarter of 2026.
See also: 2025Q4, 2025Q3, 2025Q2, 2025Q1, 2024, 2023Q4, 2023Q3, 2023Q2, 2023Q1, 2022Q4.
By the Numbers
Q1 2026 Finances
These financial reports are unaudited and unofficial, but we believe them to be complete and accurate as of this publishing. Rounded to the nearest hundred.
- Income
- Advertising sales: $71,800
- Newspaper subscriptions & individual sales: $62,700
- Miscellaneous income: $700
- Donations: $0
- Expenses
- Employee payroll & contractors: $85,200
- Newspaper printing: $17,600
- Postage & delivery: $8,400
- Rent, office expenses & utilities: $7,800
- Software and online services: $5,700
- Legal and accounting service fees: $3,300
- Credit card processing & bank fees: $2,400
- Advertising & marketing: $1,300
- Insurance: $0
- Travel: $0
- Other expenses: $0
- Charitable contributions: $0
- Depreciation & amortization: $0
Notes
- In February 2026, we were able to introduce a health insurance premium reimbursement benefit to full- and part-time employees. In lieu of a group health insurance plan, we now offer substantial reimbursement of premiums paid for healthcare marketplace and some other kinds of privately paid plans.
- In February 2026, we launched WayneCounty.events, our new comprehensive community calendar. It’s available online and also powers the print edition of our calendar.
- In March 2026, we launched our print subscription “refer a friend” referral program.