By Josh O’Connor / Herald Publisher
Dear readers,
I’d like to begin this open letter by stating how deeply I care about the Daily Herald and Snohomish County. I have been part of this community for 10 years and in my time with Sound Publishing have had the privilege to oversee our community as it builds through solutions and witness the impact our storytelling has had.
The tragic shooting at Marysville Pilchuck High School. The Oso landslide. WSU’s arrival in Everett. Paine Field’s role in next-generation aviation and technology. As a reader of the Daily Herald, these important events come to mind when I think of where Snohomish County has been and where it looks to go.
Behind the front doors of the Daily Herald building, I’ve watched our news team turn hunches into deep-dives and jump into action in response to a breaking news tip. I’ve, too, witnessed members of our sales and development team implement impressive ideas and strategies that connect with business owners and the overall community; all in order to support our continued responsibility of being the chronicle of record.
At the core of what we do at the Daily Herald, is a passionate team who cares about their fellow community members; and a group of journalists who report on issues in the community, good and bad, that also impact themselves as residents.
That commitment remains unwavering.
Snohomish County is fortunate to be served by the kinds of journalists who work at the Daily Herald. What I appreciate about everyone here is their belief that journalism matters and that our work makes the community a smarter, safer and better place.
It’s not a secret that our industry has faced disruption and challenges that are being faced across this country. How readers want to read or consume their news amid the increase in misinformation are aspects of what we do that are constantly pushing change.
I am writing today to share more about the newspaper, its recent history, and more importantly, our future plans to continue our commitment to this community.
Carpenter Media’s involvement has been timely and needed. The former parent company, Black Press Media, had entered bankruptcy protection and could not pay its vendors or cover its payrolls. Carpenter, a group of likeminded and well-respected local news leaders, has stepped in to provide the leadership to address the resulting financial and operating problems.
For us at the Daily Herald, we have been working to reduce operational expenses and increase revenues through better engagement with readers and advertisers. The road to stabilization is essential, but not easy, and involves decisions made with utmost considerations. We have all been challenged to be at our best, do our best, and produce more and better journalism for each of you; for that, I’m so appreciative of my colleagues.
I was publisher of the Daily Herald from 2013 to 2021 and was fortunate to play a key role in continuing the Daily Herald’s 123-year legacy. The passion and strong belief that community news is essential to the fabric of our society is what has led me to today, re-join the Daily Herald as publisher once again.
We are committed to breaking the news that matters most, examining community issues and maintaining a journalistic eye on the public agencies and influential organizations. While we’re at it, we’ll jump at the chance to celebrate the things that enrich Snohomish County life; from arts initiatives and athlete successes to all the nature that makes our communities so naturally beautiful and the volunteers and residents who keep this community running.
A smart and caring community deserves a newspaper that lives up to its expectations. For more than a century, the Daily Herald news staff has been motivated by that challenge. Our success depends on providing local news coverage you won’t find anywhere else, told in stories that carry ethical standards and compassion.
Your thoughts as we imagine our future ahead are welcomed. I will soon begin reaching out to community members and readers to seek feedback and guidance on how to sustain our success. We will listen and are excited to learn.
Your support matters greatly; to me personally, and to the Daily Herald overall. I hope you will be patient with the process and know how proud I am to carry the responsibilities we have to the newspaper, its long-term future and the community, and we will work hard to measure up.
Josh O’Connor is publisher of The Daily Herald.
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