The New 'Pub' In Town

There's a new "pub" in town. I'm not introducing a new watering hole. I'm referring to the new guy in town…the publisher of The Whitefish Pilot.

During the first three weeks here, I've tried to meet, talk to and shake hands with as many new friends as I can. I've visited with people at the Chamber of Commerce and 'Merry Makers', the Rotary, "Gone Fishin'," local businesses even City Hall.

Amidst all the discussion, there have been a couple of questions that have been asked over and over again: What happened to the editor? And what is a publisher?

The first question is usually framed with concern for the well being of Christine Hensleigh, editor of The Pilot. When I explain that I'm the publisher, not the editor, and that Christine is still very much the editor, I get looks of relief accompanied by… puzzlement.

The perplexed expression is followed by a very carefully, sometimes awkwardly posed question: what exactly is a publisher? Or what do you…ahh…do… exactly?

I have been asked that question so much that I thought a brief response was in order: The Pilot has had a history of very prominent and successful editors, but has not had a publisher in decades. The responsibility of the editor is to supervise a staff of reporters, cover all the news that's fit to print, decide what's in the paper, write and then arrange the paper. It's a handful and you've seen it if you've ever had the pleasure to be here on a Monday or Tuesday.

Or better yet Wednesday morning when we go to press.

A publisher is responsible for overseeing both the editorial and revenue producing (advertising) sides of the operation.

The publisher is involved in the community, while providing direction and vision for the paper. It is in effect the same role a business owner or C.E.O. might hold in any other Whitefish business. The charge is to insure profitability while providing direction, vision and focus.

The fact that the Pilot now has a publisher, after years without one, is a credit to the growth and vitality of Whitefish.

The Flathead Publishing Group and The Hagadone Corporation see the great promise and potential of the community and have made a commitment to insure that the paper keeps pace with that growth and reflects the needs of Whitefish.

Yes, there's a new "pub" in town, and he's right down the street. And I'm working side by side with you editor! I hope you all take the time to stop by and say "hi." I love hearing your community concerns, and you ideas to improve the newspaper. So, when you see me around town, or at a local pub, just take a moment to visit.

All of us at the Pilot, including Christine your devoted editor, Advertising Manager Tracy Eastman, and the rest of our staff hope you continue to support The Pilot and work with us to insure it becomes everything you want in your local hometown paper.

Dave Coombs is the Publisher at the Whitefish Pilot.