A column by Misty Poe, editor/general manager of The Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — How fitting that on the day we announce longtime editor John Veasey’s retirement, National Newspaper Week begins.
This year’s theme is “Way to Know!” and it is the 76th anniversary of the annual observance that celebrates and emphasizes the impact of newspapers to communities.
That’s exactly what John has done through 58 years of being a leader for this newspaper and its predecessors.
When people say “newspapers are dying,” I cringe. Yeah, huge outlets are laying off thousands and sometimes shuttering their doors, but they’re missing something that newspapers like the Times West Virginian have — the best interest of the community in mind. We don’t just cover this community. Our employees are a part of it, too.
From birth through every important event of your life to its end, the newspaper is there to celebrate it with you. But more than that, it’s every day life that is reflected in the newspaper — the score of a junior high football game, water-off notices, reports on utility increases, results of small-town elections. We announce fundraisers, when streets will be closed for construction, what they’re building on that corner lot, who’s coming to town and why you should care.
More than that, in every department of the newspaper, we make an effort to raise community awareness about issues, needs and people who need help.
I’ve seen the publisher climb on the roof in the middle of winter for an entire day to encourage people to donate food to shelters. I’ve seen employees who are terrified of needles be among the first to sign up for a blood drive. I’ve seen coworkers write checks to help make Christmas brighter for underprivileged children and be the first to volunteer to distribute those toys on the day after Thanksgiving.
So yes, this newspaper, your newspaper, is strong because this community is strong. John Veasey’s 58-year career could not illustrate the Times West Virginian any better.
As John heads into retirement, we’ll continue what he’s done for the past six decades, make sure that you have the information that you need and you want to know each morning when you get the newspaper off your front porch.
Your “Way to Know” is through community newspapers like the Times West Virginian.
Thank you for letting us be a big part of your life.
Misty Poe is the editor/general manager of the Times West Virginian and can be reached by email at[email protected] or on Twitter @MistyPoeTWV.
