Information comes to the attention of North Dakotans in many ways. Recently I became a stockholder in a Bismarck monthly newspaper, The Great Plains Examiner. Published in newsprint and online, I see The Examiner as a link between the old world of paper and ink and the new world of digital technology.
But in the end, it’s about the dissemination of information. Information brings knowledge. It stimulates thought. It promotes dialogue (or so it should.) This is why I am looking forward to this venture.
When The Great Plains Examiner first appeared in June 2011, it immediately captured my attention _ and my imagination. Its slogan was “Local. Independent. Fearless.” Before I even read the headlines, I found myself scanning the page for the name of the person behind this declaration. When I saw Matt Bunk was the paper’s founder, publisher and editor, I made a mental note to contact him. Several conversations and well over a year later, we are working together as kindred spirits.
I have gotten a number of calls, emails and warnings from people since this partnership was announced, perhaps because it includes a few others in the mix. There has been surprise, admiration, confusion, and a fair amount of sarcasm and ignorance.
I doubt I could answer the questions, or respond to the skeptics, in a way that would satisfy everyone. Perhaps I could say it this way:
“What do you get when you take a veteran news reporter known for his unbiased perspective, a conservative talk show host with a flair for the dramatic, and a conservative political activist who gets along with libertarians and liberals?”
I believe this will come out well. I think our product will be nonpartisan, interesting and presented in a way that will be well received and understood by the public.
My new role as publisher of the Great Plains Examiner is the realization of a lifelong dream to be part of moving the process of communication away from sound bites, political agendas and reactionary commentary, and toward thoughtful examination of issues which affect us most directly. I hope all this will encourage more grassroots participation in local government and the state Legislature to ensure that we keep the liberty we possess as people in a free society.
As for the debate, dialogue and discussion _ bring it on. We want be objective and fair, and we have included columns and articles which reflect different philosophies and ideological perspectives. This should serve to help readers reach their own conclusions, and share their ideas in thoughtful ways.
Enough talk. My grandma used to say, “The proof is in the pudding.” I look forward to your response to the paper itself.
~Gary Emineth is the publisher of the Great Plains Examiner and can be contacted via email at Gary@HighPlainsPublishing.com.~