LETTER: Press brand of journalism is ‘vital to Ozaukee County

To Ozaukee Press:

The Washington Post has reported that since 2005 about 2,200 local newspapers across America have closed. My friends in Baraboo were sad to have their paper sold to the fourth-largest newspaper group in the country and recently a hedge fund has made an offer to buy that.

 I don’t know much about the Schanen family, owners of the Ozaukee Press, but I have figured out they have deep roots in Port Washington and the newspaper has been in their hands for three generations. This is beyond heartwarming. It’s vital to Ozaukee County.

The weekly editorials bring insight to every subject through skillful word-crafting of a thoughtful and knowledgeable point of view. In my opinion, Ozaukee Press editorials are award-worthy.

 Letters to the editor reveal everything from passionate gripes to gratitude. They are the voice of the people.

 The journalists at the Ozaukee Press tell me what I need to know about local governments and what has, might or will happen in various communities. As good journalists do, they cover all sides of an issue in the articles.

From tragedies to triumphs, reports are written today to inform and in the process are archiving who we are for future generations.   

 I have often wondered what it is like inside the Ozaukee Press building as they pull together the many parts of the paper. I got a hint through the documentary film recently shown on PBS about the family-owned newspaper in Storm Lake, Iowa. Beyond the relentless push to get an issue out, there are philosophical questions asked and delicate balances struck to keep a newspaper viable.  

 From articles to advertising, thank you to all of the people involved in publishing this quality family-owned newspaper 52 weeks a year. Thank you, subscribers and advertisers, for supporting the Ozaukee Press, our county’s treasure.

Nancy Camden
Mequon