For two evenings next week, the leadership team for the Daily Hampshire Gazette and Amherst Bulletin will reverse its role to let our readers be the ones asking the questions in a virtual community forum.
Join Publisher Shawn Palmer, Managing Editor Dan Crowley and myself at a forum to ask about news coverage and to offer feedback.
The community forums will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, March 16 and Thursday, March 18, 7-8:30 p.m. both days.
“I hope that our forums will provide the platform for you to not only hear from us, but also to share your thoughts and comments directly with Joan, Dan and myself,” Shawn said.
With Shawn and I relatively new to the Gazette and Bulletin, we thought it would be a good time to connect with our readers. And Dan will bring the perspective of someone who has worked 20 years at the Gazette as a reporter and editor.
Certainly, we would prefer to do this kind of event in person, say in a large public place, but with COVID-19 that is not possible at this time.
For a little background, Shawn began as publisher in mid-January, bringing extensive experience with newspapers in Connecticut to the Pioneer Valley, where he also oversees the Greenfield Recorder and Athol Daily News.
Dan is an award-winning journalist, covering local news and doing investigative pieces as a reporter, and now overseeing our news staff as managing editor.
For myself, expanding my role as the Recorder and Athol Daily News editor-in-chief meant a return to the Gazette where I worked for 21 years before I led a newspaper in New Mexico.
During my time as a journalist, I’ve witnessed numerous changes in how news is covered and delivered to readers. Certainly, the economy has had an impact on that, especially in 2020 due to the pandemic.
But that does not deter the Gazette’s commitment to report news that keeps readers informed about their communities. Hyper-local journalism is key to that.
As Shawn notes, for 235 years the Gazette has been a pivotal institution in Hampshire County, and while proud of that history, the newspaper depends on the support of the community, from both readers and advertisers.
“We understand that 2020 was a year of great change for everyone, including the Gazette,” he said. “If you would like to share your questions or comments about the changes we’ve experienced or your thoughts about what we can do to better serve you, please join us.”
Likewise Dan has mentioned the positive responses received from readers.
“The support our readers have shown us during this past year has been remarkable,” he said. “I’m looking forward to hearing more from them about what we’re doing well and what we can do better.”
As for myself, I hope for friendly but informative sessions. And, yes, we are planning similar events for the Recorder and Athol Daily News.
Here are the specifics. In order to participate in a Gazette forum, RSVP to https://www.gazettenet.com/Reader-Services/Community-Forum. Choose which date that you prefer and the link for the forum will be emailed to you. Note that the Zoom link will only work for the date you choose.