All is not lost for newspapers. Sure, most corporate-chain papers exist only for advertisers. But smaller, autonomous newspapers offer hope. Here are two examples:
The Anderson Valley Advertiser is nationally recognized and rightly so as a strong, independent voice. Based out of Boonville, California. the weekly Advertiser sets the right tone in its flag with a quote from Joseph Pulitzer: "Newspapers should have no friends."
A typical issue of the Advertiser offers a broad mix of features: hard-hitting coverage of local politics. environmental reports, loads of intelligent letters to the editor, community tidbits, and media-watch news. This is lively. thought-provoking stuff.
For more information on the Advertiser, write 12451 Anderson Valley Way, Boonville, CA 95415.
Peter B. Smith's Bay City Slug is a high-spirited, fun read. Based in Bay City, Oregon, the Slug takes an aggressive anti-growth stance. It's a refreshing change from the pro-growth "jobs, jobs, jobs" position most newspapers take.
The Slug includes news on local politics, saucy letters to the editor, profiles on local businesses, and other assorted goodies. One recent issue featured a nice piece on historic barns in the area. This Slug is colorful, with sharp photos to complement the stories.
To contact the Slug, write Box 3342, Bay City, OR 97107.
Montana newspaper readers should be thankful they have Nathaniel Blumberg on their side.
Since 1991, Blumberg has published the Treasure State Review, a newsletter/periodical that provides forceful criticism and commentary on Montana journalism. the TSR specializes in inside news on Big Sky newspapers, with an ever-watchful eye on the chains.
This is not Blumberg's first journalism review publication. He started his first in 1958, shortly after becoming Dean of the University of Montana Journalism Department. After retiring from teaching, Blumberg started the TSR after mega-chain Gannett purchased the Great Falls Tribune and he became concerned about the direction and quality of Montana newspaper journalism.
Word of mouth about the TSR spread quickly. Now, about 30 percent of TSR readers live outside of Montana. Blumberg adds most Montana newspaper reporters and editors agree with his tough stances, and they regularly feed him inside tips.
Blumberg often skewers the profit-lusting chains. There's a good reason why. "They really are despicable corporations. I really don't like them that much."
While he enjoys providing critical reviews on journalism, Blumberg has another motive for the TSR. He wants to give back to the land that has given so much to him. "I love this state. I love everything about it." he notes.
Don't you wish every state had a TSR?
For more information on the TSR, write Blumberg at Box 99, Big Fork, MT 59911.
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