Wick Communications Receives Grant from Local Media Association and Family Independent Media Sustainability Group to Launch Newsroom Text Messaging Service

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SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. — Wick Communications has been selected to receive a grant from the Local Media Association and the Family Independent Media Sustainability Group to pilot a newsroom-driven text messaging program that delivers top stories and breaking news directly to readers on their mobile devices.

The grant will fund the launch and testing of an SMS-based news delivery service across Wick properties. The program is designed to meet readers where they already are — on their phones — while giving Wick a direct, owned communication channel that operates independently of social media algorithms and third-party platforms.

"Local news organizations can no longer afford to rely on platforms they don't control to reach their audiences," said Alessia Alaimo, Senior Product Manager at Wick Communications. "Text messaging gives us a direct line to our most engaged readers, and the data we collect through this program belongs entirely to us and to the communities we serve."

Unlike email or social media, SMS delivers an open rate that consistently exceeds 90 percent, making it one of the most effective tools available for time-sensitive news. Readers who opt in to the service will receive alerts for breaking news, curated daily briefings, and community-specific updates — all sourced directly from Wick newsrooms.

The initiative is also a cornerstone of Wick's broader first-party data strategy. As third-party cookies continue to phase out across the industry, subscriber-provided data — including phone numbers collected through transparent opt-in consent — represents one of the most reliable and sustainable foundations for audience development and long-term reader revenue.

"This grant reflects confidence in our approach to local journalism and audience engagement," said Josh O'Connor, CEO of Wick Communications. "We're grateful to LMA and FIMs for supporting independent media companies that are building durable, community-centered business models."

The pilot program is expected to launch in [End of Q2, 2026].