 mcintyrej, Wed, October 7th, 2009 5:23 p.m. Wednesday The phone rings in my office with a bleep, bleep. That means an outside call is coming directly in. Most of the front office was gone so they come through. I pick up. “Hello, this is John McIntyre” “Where is my Damn paper,” a scruffy sounding female voice bellows out. “I am not sure. What does it look like?” A long pause. “I am Mrs. M (shortened by me) and I usually get my paper on Wednesday and It didn’t come.” “You must live in Delmar Mrs. M. We had a problem at the post office last night, but everything is fixed and you will have it tomorrow.” A long pause. “I wanted it today, it is Wednesday.” “Would you like me to drop one off to you on my way home Mrs. M?” A long pause. “Well, no. I guess I can wait until tomorrow,” She said with a sigh. “But could you do something for me.” “What is that Mrs. M?” “Read me the headlines on the first few pages so I know what I am missing.” So I did. On October 1, two partners (Dan and Dave) and I purchased Spotlight and Eagle Newspapers. Mrs. M is one of the reasons why. There was passion behind her sharp tone and she really wanted her Spotlight. We see that same passion in our staff at the newspapers. They dig for stories by talking to people, attending (sometimes very long) meetings, reading everything they can and, the most important way, listening. Even though many of them are not from the community they cover, they become part of the community by being a voice for it. All three of us (the new owners) are publishers that live in one of our communities and take part in what goes on there. We have come to realize that community journalism has a more important role today than it ever has. The newspaper is not just for the big and powerful, it is also for the Mrs. M’s of the world. Keep calling us and we will answer. So back to Mrs. M. “Are you sure I will get it tomorrow?” she asked “I am sure, but if it doesn’t I will drop one off.” “What is your name again?” “John McIntyre. I am the Publisher.” “Oh. I feel better now.” “So do I Mrs. M.” Sometimes it is a special day at the office. I feel blessed to be here. CATEGORY: General Society
TAGS: bethlehem NY spotlight Newspapers delmar blog comments powered by Disqus  |
         |
