Herald owners don’t realize what’s being cut

I am a longtime reader of the Everett Herald and a lifelong Snohomish County resident. I am disheartened and angry that Carpenter Media Group has decided with little explanation to layoff over half of our dedicated journalists.

Since we don’t have cable or watch televised news, The Everett Herald is our primary source for knowing what’s happening in our community. I find it absurd that a company based as far away as Mississippi, a company that owns over 160 other local newspapers across the country, thinks it has the know-how and authority to determine what makes quality journalism here in the Puget Sound region. In this age of misinformation and with our democracy under threat, we need more reporters to help keep us informed. Not less.

I also second the notion that the staff at the Everett Herald deserve a living wage. Life’s expensive out here. Though in fairness to Carpenter, they likely consider $19.50 decent pay. Where they’re from, the minimum is still a pitiful $7.25.

In solidarity,

Shannon Ozog Somes

Lake Stevens