While on a family trip to the Midwest, I passed through Atlanta and saw “BOZEMAN” on the Gate A20 reader board, bringing a smile to my face as I noticed the Delta flight number 406. The symmetry of it all was perfect, whether intentional or coincidental.
Is there a more iconic area code in America than 406?
Reflecting on this moment before heading back for the final weekend of 406 MT Sports’ eighth school year, I realized how fitting it was as a metaphor for Montana’s primary source of statewide sports news (406mtsports.com).
We are soaring high, and we owe it all to our loyal readers.
Admittedly, when we transitioned 406 MT Sports to a subscription-based model last summer, I held my breath. We implemented a modest fee of $4.99 per month, equivalent to a couple of slices of pizza and a soda, for those without a subscription to our five Montana newspapers. Would our readers embrace this change?
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Charging for access to content is a long-standing practice in the industry, but 406 MT Sports initially launched as a free service in 2016. After decades of paying for print media, the transition to digital subscriptions has been met with some resistance. However, Montana readers who value quality sports coverage have remained loyal to us during this pivotal year.
Following the conclusion of an action-packed eight months of Cat-Griz and high school sports coverage, I feared readers might take a break during the spring and summer months. To my surprise, we continued to gain subscribers, even during a busy Memorial Day weekend with our staffers covering events across the state.
I want to express my gratitude to our dedicated collaborators who have helped make this venture successful: the athletic directors, coaches, and other individuals who take the time out of their busy schedules to provide us with high school sports results.
Since the launch of our 406 MT Sports “portal” four years ago, we have asked coaches to input game summaries in a digital format. Despite concerns about pushback due to the new subscription fee, coaches have embraced this platform, which streamlines the process of getting kids’ names in the paper.
We have exciting plans for the future of 406 MT Sports, including hiring a full-time reporter in Missoula and enhancing coverage in Great Falls and the Hi-Line. Additionally, we aim to expand our rodeo coverage and focus on telling stories about compelling people and events in Montana sports.
As we continue to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant: 406 MT Sports will always be synonymous with top-quality Montana sports coverage, all at a price that’s a bargain compared to those Costco pizza slices.
For inquiries, you can reach out to Montana Sports director Jeff Welsch at jeff.welsch@406mtsports.com or on Twitter @406sportswelsch
