In a recent article about layoffs at Herald management commented that readers would not notice the difference. It is difficult to imagine a remark that was more insulting to readers and The Herald’s hard-working staff.
A story published in the Herald (“Arlington Churches waged covert ‘battle’ against Pride,” The Herald, June 21), is an example of why readers will most definitely notice the difference. Reporter Jordan Hansen spent over a year pushing through walls of community leaders’ obfuscation to gather information; collected nuanced quotes from a variety of sources; and provided context through historical and knowledgeable sources. This reporting took countless hours, and regardless of their opinions about Pride, readers learned a lot about the way local stakeholders engage in their community and in their democracy over complex issues.
Many other examples of Herald reporters’ painstaking, investigative, good-quality journalism exist. One that comes to mind is the reporting about lack of police action regarding behavior of the owner of the Anchor Pub in Everett. Absent The Herald’s reporting, no other organization exists that would have brought this to the public’s attention, and the owner’s alleged crimes could have claimed more victims. With half of the already small staff of The Herald gone, how will the newspaper continue its role as a watchdog for our community?
Your readers will most definitely notice the absence of half of their local news team. Is there any way you could transform yourself into a publisher who cares about democracy, your community, and good journalism enough to fight against these layoffs rather than be a participant in them?
Lisa Stettler
Snohomish
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
