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Sure, the newspaper business is not what it used to be. Once-mighty dailies are struggling. They lost the bedrock of their operation, classified ads, to the proliferation of free internet websites. Businesses are under increased pressure to advertise on this new medium as well. Soon, web-enabled hand-held phones and GPS devices will steer customers to the local pizza parlor or show what the sale might be at the grocery store.
The recession facing everyone also could not have happened at a worse time. But what makes the newspaper industry feel it deserves a taxpayer bailout? Have we lost every pica of common sense remaining in our great editorial-writing minds?
Barring a bailout or a purchaser, we have been informed that the January 15, 2009 issue of this newspaper, our fourth in our 124th year of publication, will be the final one under Journal Register Company ownership.
That does not equate to the fact that the East Hartford Gazette has outlived its usefulness. No, it has not.
Next week begins a new chapter in our history. East Hartford, a town of 50,010, deserves a weekly newspaper to call its own. And so it shall have one. Look for a new website as well.
Of course, being of service to East Hartford is foremost. As Don Pitkin points out, The Gazette is "devoted to local interests", a slogan former editor Andy Nelson put atop the front page. That should go without saying, but the simple statement keeps us focused on what we do. Our town is a microcosm for the world at large, and if all the predicted economic gloom and doom is to be forestalled it will happen in places such as East Hartford first.
As this newspaper - what it will be called is still unclear - changes its organizational structure, we ask for your patience. We will need to re-contract with your independent carrier. The paper will be delivered to your doorstep, not thrown in the driveway, and our focus will be primarily on the town's 14,600 single family homes. That is not to ignore those in apartments, but it is a business decision we have to make: Homeowners come first.
Toward that end, this issue may be the last one you get thrown in your driveway.
We are also hope to keep the best of our youth carriers, and will seek others to help deliver this newspaper. If your delivery stops for any reason, we will be setting up more honor boxes at convenient locations. But permits are needed, and that will take a little time.
Advertising rates will be adjusted - downward - to more honestly reflect costs and the new format. If requested, the Gazette will also be able to link our new website with your business. Again, that will require time to establish. But we need you. And we hope you will need us.
But if you are presently an advertiser, be assured that The Gazette's new look will come with a re-commitment to the role of a good weekly newspaper: Bringing customers to your business and helping you succeed. And if you have a problem with your ad, you can call me, Bill Doak, the boss.
I would be remiss if I did not also take a moment to thank some of the people behind the scenes at The Herald in New Britain who helped produce the Gazette every week. I will miss our working relationship, and they honestly cared about our town. So thank you Bernie, Christine, Barbara, Maureen, Wayne. I could not have done it without you. Bill in the plate room, Tony in the press room, and others - you will all be remembered. Thanks.
East Hartford is "a great place to live, work and play" as civic organizations such as The Lions Club, Rotary, Exchange, Emblem Club, YMCA, Woman's Club, Gardening Club and all the others attest. All those good deeds, by some great volunteers and their organizations, would likely continue with or without The Gazette. But a lot of good people, working behind the scenes, make the magic of newspapering happen - right down to the kid who did his homework in a hurry just so he could rush out and bring you your weekly newspaper. Neighborhood blogs might replace all this some day, but a blog will never teach a kid the importance of responsibility, will never pay for a weekend at the amusement park or a $200 college textbook.
And you might not like the look of the new Gazette. Call me and let me know. Your thoughts are important and can also be e-mailed to bildoak@hotmail.com
East Hartford is a place that still takes pride in calling itself a town. And it would still be a great place to live even without the Gazette. But it would not be the same. So, goodbye, East Hartford. And, here we go again!
