Dear Reader,
Happy Valentine’s Day! Let’s take a moment to reflect on our relationship.
We’ve been together for over two years now, and we recognize the privilege of being connected to you. Our goal is to be a good partner — fair, credible, trustworthy, and invested in your well-being. This year, we’ve spiffed up our presentation with beautiful illustrations and photos (some contributed by you), and we’ve enriched our content to keep you engaged with a variety of stories. You and your interests never bore us.
We’ve also been introspective. What makes a great community newspaper? We’ve stepped up our game with more in-depth reporting, increased our ethical standards, and enhanced our transparency. We’ve published the policies we’ve reviewed so far, so you can understand our procedures and important deadlines. We strive for accuracy but admit when we err, prominently displaying corrections below the popular “Where’s your Bridge?” photo feature on page 2.
We believe in you. We trust that, with accurate information, insights, and context, you will make informed decisions. But your access to that information is under scrutiny.
We recognize escalating attacks on the media as a deliberate attempt to undermine trusted information sources, spread disinformation, and evade accountability. This weakens our democracy.
The freedom of the press to report fearlessly is a cornerstone of democracy equal to freedom of speech and assembly, and our concern only strengthens our resolve to provide the insightful, professional journalism that Concordians want and deserve. Trying times test our values and force us to show our mettle. As the birthplace of democracy steps up to meet its challenges, we chronicle it as we write the first draft of our local history. And through our reporting, we remind you that you are not powerless — your involvement shapes your community.
We understand that the media may have let you down. You might be avoiding national news due to the overwhelming negativity. From experience, we know it’s easy to vent your frustration with national issues on your local press. Some of our reporting may not square with your view of what we should cover and how we should cover it. We always hope for a civil conversation; we don’t always get one. We each bring our own experiences to whatever we are reading, so it’s no wonder why views differ.
But in the end, we are with you in seeking the unvarnished, unadulterated truth. As a hyperlocal newspaper, we cover state or national news only when it directly impacts Concord, such as threats to federal funding for education and other vital programs. We promise to monitor and report on events that affect Concord.
As Concord’s newest institution, we recognize that we are still in our early stages, but we have a clear vision of who we aspire to be. We look to enduring community pillars like The Concord Public Library, The Concord Museum, Emerson Hospital, and The Umbrella, which have all achieved excellence in their service to the people of Concord.
You are the reason we do this. We are building The Concord Bridge together.
Thank you for your support. The story ideas, interviews, opinion letters, and article feedback — all are invaluable. We admit to pinning your inspiring cards and notes on our bulletin board. Because of your financial support and that of our business marketing partners, we are on the path to sustainability.
We are grateful that you value this relationship as we do, and we hope it continues to grow and improve. Thank you so much for being part of our journey.
Kind Regards,
Maile Hulihan, CEO
