Quite some time ago, a “60 Minutes” segment detailed how many local newspapers have been pillaged by “investors” and brought to their demise.
I was reminded of this today as I read the Q&A of our local candidates and realized how lucky our community is to have a vibrant and engaged publication. If I remember correctly, ADN was rescued from the brink by local investors, who seem to have been quite benevolent.
The paper has continued its long history of covering local events, issues, sports and politics, including some amazing investigative reporting. It provides a forum for a diversity of voices and opinions, both local and national, including some truly insightful — and occasionally irritating — editorial pieces. Not to mention some wonderful photographers — some of the shots from the recent Iditarod and “life in Alaska” are amazing. Oh, and local food, gardening, science, lore and history, advice and last but not least, the comics!
So thanks! The support of local art, culture and free speech should not be taken for granted. As the roadside sign informed me, “Without freedom of speech, we wouldn’t know who the idiots are!”
— Jim Thiele
Anchorage
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