The end of the Whatcom Independent
The end of the Whatcom Independent
Today’s issue of the Whatcom Independent weekly newspaper is the last issue. Started in November 2003 - almost 5 years ago - it is simply shutting down publication because it has never been able to g
Today's issue of the Whatcom Independent weekly newspaper is the last issue. Started in November 2003 - almost 5 years ago - it is simply shutting down publication because it has never been able to gain enough local advertising to become self sustaining. It has continued to require investor capital. Yesterday afternoon a modest closing party was held in the editorial office for all those involved with the paper over the past 5 years.
Yes this is a loss to the community, in my opinion. I helped found the Indy and was publisher for most of the first three years - but have not been involved the past two years except as a shareholder. These last two months have seen efforts to continue the Indy through several possible scenarios. None worked out. There are five owners. My last investment was over two years ago and the other owners have decided to stop putting their money into it. Few bills remain and they will be paid. It is simply over.
The Indy tried to report news that the Herald overlooked - news that was important to our community of Whatcom County. Not just Bellingham. Ten of the news making stories are listed in today's last issue - in Sheri Ward's 'A Fond Adieu'. The Indy also provided a venue for opinion pieces by local civic activists and political leaders - up to four in some issues. The Indy was truly independent - not serving any far away mega corporate needs nor the hidden agenda of local developers. It did not pretend to be what it was not. It was the real thing - an effort to provide us citizens with the news and opinion we need in order to act intelligently as citizens.
Even as it ends, it is the longest running weekly Bellingham based newspaper since the 1950s. The Lynden Tribune continues to be the the longest running County newspaper - dating back to the early 1900s. It will be interesting to see what evolves over the next year with our other local publications. This website will try to expand to include more good writers who can freely post their opinions anytime they want. And I have ideas to make your visits to this website more productive and informative. The future is always a challenge and then always surprises us. All we can do is our best.
Yes this is a loss to the community, in my opinion. I helped found the Indy and was publisher for most of the first three years - but have not been involved the past two years except as a shareholder. These last two months have seen efforts to continue the Indy through several possible scenarios. None worked out. There are five owners. My last investment was over two years ago and the other owners have decided to stop putting their money into it. Few bills remain and they will be paid. It is simply over.
The Indy tried to report news that the Herald overlooked - news that was important to our community of Whatcom County. Not just Bellingham. Ten of the news making stories are listed in today's last issue - in Sheri Ward's 'A Fond Adieu'. The Indy also provided a venue for opinion pieces by local civic activists and political leaders - up to four in some issues. The Indy was truly independent - not serving any far away mega corporate needs nor the hidden agenda of local developers. It did not pretend to be what it was not. It was the real thing - an effort to provide us citizens with the news and opinion we need in order to act intelligently as citizens.
Even as it ends, it is the longest running weekly Bellingham based newspaper since the 1950s. The Lynden Tribune continues to be the the longest running County newspaper - dating back to the early 1900s. It will be interesting to see what evolves over the next year with our other local publications. This website will try to expand to include more good writers who can freely post their opinions anytime they want. And I have ideas to make your visits to this website more productive and informative. The future is always a challenge and then always surprises us. All we can do is our best.
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