Readers write: Letters to the editor, November 9, 2017

Longtime reader and writer laments changes to ADN

As both a contributing writer and longtime reader of the ADN (first the Anchorage Daily News and then the Alaska Dispatch News), I remain greatly disappointed that "We Alaskans" has been discontinued. I felt it was a mistake when the Daily News stopped running "We Alaskans" in the early 2000s and the Dispatch News has now repeated that mistake. The Sunday magazine has been one of the ADN's strengths, with contributions from people scattered across the state — many in rural areas — excellent book reviews, and longer, quality pieces that would never make it into the rest of the newspaper. And now all of that is gone. Again. And that's a shame.

The same day I learned that "We Alaskans" was being dropped, I received the first shrunken edition of the "new" — but certainly not improved — Monday-Thursday newspaper. It was a curious animal, indeed, with sports beginning on the back page of the front section and a Nation/World "B" section that is dominated not by news but the Classifieds. And comics. Now those two shrunken sections have been merged into a single one. I live with my dog, so unlike some other readers the single section in itself is not a hassle, but it still leaves a lot to be desired.

I guess I've become an old-timer, part of a dying breed that continues to love reading a real newspaper that I can hold in my hands and which doesn't require me to stare into a screen while scrolling up or down. A lifetime sports fan (and once a sports writer), I love beginning the day with the sports section, but depending on the day, that section is now sometimes mighty skimpy (the Nov. 5 Sunday section a prime example). Like the shrunken opinion pages. And the Monday-Thursday single-section papers. By the way, it doesn't help me at all to know that I can read certain favorite national columnists online, because I spend way too much time online already, in other parts of my life. What I want from the ADN is what the paper delivers. Or once delivered.

I understand the rationale that those producing the newly configured ADN have been doing what they must for it to survive, but I'm not sure that the trimming — and in some instances, removal — of vital sections is the way to go. I remain hopeful — though my hopes are dimming — that the Dispatch News staff will figure a way to deliver a stronger newspaper than what it's been giving its readers for the past couple of months. I certainly hope there won't be more shrinkage.

I also regret that many top journalists had to be "let go." Some I know from my days at The Anchorage Times, which seems like a lifetime ago. I know that life is change, but the changes in the local daily newspaper have so far been mostly sad ones for me. I hope that too changes.

— Bill Sherwonit
Anchorage

Appreciates the changes in new, improved ADN

The new and improved Alaska Dispatch News suits me to a T! I really appreciate the focus on news, issues, and opinions about our community and state. I especially appreciate Charles Wohlforth's in-depth analyses.

— Bernadine Raiskums
Anchorage

The views expressed here are the writers' own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a letter under 200 words for consideration, email letters@alaskadispatch.com, or click here to submit via any web browser. Submitting a letter to the editor constitutes granting permission for it to be edited for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Send longer works of opinion to commentary@alaskadispatch.com