Saying Goodbye to a Stalwart

Morning rain preluded a rather deplorable day for journalism. Today was the last ever edition of the Ann Arbor News, the city’s only daily that had lived for 174 years. To be honest, I was never a dedicated reader of the News, but having lived in Ann Arbor for 3 years as a college student (and now as a photographer), I could see its importance. Without it, this college town would be absolved into ignorance, not knowing what was transpiring around the nation, or even the surrounding counties.

University of Michigan students read more of the school-run Michigan Daily, which focuses more on college-related happenings. Other papers like USA Today and Detroit Free Press won’t necessarily have any coverage in Ann Arbor unless an earthquake split the campus in two. With the News gone, Ann Arbor residents may suddenly find a black hole when it comes to awareness.

Not all is bleak though. AnnArbor.com will be going live tomorrow. A new start-up by the same company that owned (and closed) the News, AnnArbor.com will be manned by a leaner staff and will be published online except for two print editions on Thursday and Sunday. I’ve wondered for a while if I could make it as a photojournalist at this new venture. Something holds me back from actually applying, maybe because I hold it in such high regard and feel I won’t qualify. Of course, this is somewhat unjustified, considering I’ve been applying to photojournalist positions in other papers in other cities.

As I hope to one day shoot for AnnArbor.com, I also hope to see it succeed. Digital news start-ups are as tough as biting through steel, which is why so many aren’t as bold to go the same route. And because it’s Ann Arbor — my second home — there’s a flicker of pride in knowing that this is the city where new ideas blossom and flourish. Part of that success formula is due to the university, but it takes two hands to clap. Both the city and the university will bring AnnArbor.com fruits to savor. I just know it.