They say that the darkest hour is before dawn and, in the year 2012, we literally lived this old adage.

The business environment was bleak all round and for us in the newspaper industry, it was one of the most challenging years in recent memory. Not only did we have to contend with a declining business environment but we also had to face an administration that was increasingly becoming autocratic and was bent on stifling the media and shutting down independent voices.

Then they imposed a restrictive 16.5 percent tax on newsprint, effectively pushing the cost of our products up thereby putting it out of reach of most of our readers. The intention of that move was clearly to kick us out of existence by putting us out of business.

But, against all of odds, we soldiered on. We kept going because we knew that we could count on the support of you, the reader, who reserved hard-earned money to buy our products even as the economy deteriorated and the cost of living spiralled out of control.

We kept going because we knew that Malawians treasure their freedoms; they value diversity of opinion and support the freedom of the press and the right to express themselves.

This is what gave us the motivation to strive on against all the odds that were stacked against us. We would like to believe that the worst is behind us now and the future is there for the taking.

In 2013, as our way to show appreciation for standing by us during our hour of need, we promise you that we will not relent. The Sunday Times has positioned itself to become Malawi's favourite Sunday read on the back of quality of its great analytical stories, political commentary, entertainment and sports.

For you, we will keep our elected official on their toes and on your behalf, we will hold their feet to the fire, not because we are mean or malicious but because we believe that our country deserves better and can do better.

We vow to do thi within the dictates of ethical and professional journalism because we believe that you deserve nothing less. We are excited for the future and we promise you that The Sunday Times will be bigger and better.

Happy New Year to you all!