Readers not only read, but plan to read more, says survey continued from p.5 cent) and churches (10 per cent). Kelly Montague, Metroland West Media Halton regional general manager, said the readership study reaffirms what community newspapers already know about its role in the community. The survey results dispel the assumption people are reading less, she added. In fact, people are reading Halton community newspapers as a source of local news, for advertising and shopping information and for information on services and programs, the study shows. "They actually plan to read the same or more online, and intuitively, we knew that, but now we have proof," Montague said. "I'm frustrated every time I hear a blanket statement that newspaper readership is in decline," Montague continued. "With print and online combined, we actually have more audience than ever before in our history. And the nice surprise -- even for us in the industry -- is that our print product is not declining in readership. No doubt, there is more competition for eyeballs across media and online. Advertisers are more confused than ever, where they should place their message. The survey confirmed that community newspapers are still hugely relevant when making those decisions.... "We're still the best of any other medium, of any other tool where people are reading information about the community to get a message or story out. We're it. We're the trusted medium and we're the one people are coming to most often in every single instance," Montague added. The report suggests readers trust advertisements more so in local community newspaper (92 per cent) than in the daily paid newspapers (86 per cent), radio (85 per cent), and television (79 per cent). Digulla said readers are impressively engaged with their local community newspaper. 9 | Thursday, April 14, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com FAMILY DENTAL SERVICE Dr. Marisa D'Angelo Dr. Shivani Saggar · Paperless office · Digital X-Rays · Dental Emergencies · Direct Billing · Open Evenings & Weekends · New Patients Welcome 2525 Old Bronte Road, Suite #130 Palermo Professional Centre (ground floor) The Oakville Beaver print edition surrounded by its sister Metroland West, Halton Division sister papers. www.reflections-dental.ca 905-827-8700 Cottage Country FREE DELIVERY See store for more details 2269 Fairview Street www.lizathome.ca