Audience engagement reaches a new high

The year 2022 was one of profound changes at The Delaware Valley Italian American Herald. Since April, when I was named Associate Publisher, the IAH has initiated and grown an active social media following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, developed and expanded the website, www.ItalianAmericanHerald.com, initiated digital and website visibility and released an e-newsletter twice a month.

Social media efforts by Andrea DiFabio allow IAH news to go beyond the traditional Tri-State region which includes Greater Philadelphia, South Jersey, Delaware and Beaches from Atlantic City & Cape May County and across the Ferry to Lewes.

With the help of dedicated Today Media associates, new features include a front page redesign, a calendar of arts and entertainment events brought to you by Italian-American professionals, and immigrant stories sponsored by Stampone, Obrien, Dilsheimer Law. The Italian Restaurant Post-Pandemic Dining Out Campaign, priced to assist restaurants, includes complimentary listing in print, visibility on the web, e-newsletters and IAH website. In addition, all past issues are now available as online digital versions. And there is abundant evidence that the audience for newspapers like this is growing.

The National Italian American Federation notes that as of the 2010 U.S. Census, the federal government removed “Italian American” from the question inquiring about ethnicity.

Therefore, it was up to the individual to specify their Italian American heritage. As a result, 17,253,941 Italian Americans self-identified as Italian. However, experts predict that the community is actually larger, with figures closer to 26 million.

Heading towards the 10th anniversary issue in January 2023, IAH intends to continue to preserve Italian heritage, culture and tradition for all generations. Building generational awareness, IAH is proud to publish the first, grade-school contributing writer, Angelina Cappelli. Businesses recognize the value in targeting the positive demographics of the Italian consumer, a loyal customer base. Italian Americans take pride in supporting businesses who help preserve their ethnic background. Free-to-reader features include an e- newsletter twice a month and an online Calendar of Events where organizations and companies have the opportunity to list their events at no cost.

IAH newest features in addition to Family & Business Holiday Greetings in this issue, include: Celebration of Life Announcements for Weddings, Graduations, Anniversaries, Special Birthdays and Loved-Ones passing. Join us in spreading the news. Join the IAH sales and marketing team, advertise or subscribe to the newspaper and have it delivered to your home, office, or order discounted bulk copies delivered monthly to Apartment & Senior Living communities, Italian Associations, Organizations, Clubs, Societies, Museums, Foundations and Cultural Centers. Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!