As former Daily Hampshire Gazette reporters, we are shocked and saddened by the devastating cutbacks in staffing at the Gazette over the past few years. We were fortunate to be part of the Gazette’s reporting team back in the early 1980s, when the paper was thriving.
The Gazette has been a vital part of the Pioneer Valley since 1786. A strong local newspaper is critical for keeping citizens informed, holding officials accountable for their actions, giving voice to marginalized populations, and driving change to improve people’s lives. Local news is simply essential to our democracy.
We urge you to reach a fair contract now that respects the skills, hard work, and dignity of the reporters, editors, photographers, and others who keep the paper going. And of course, financial transparency is key.
Thank you for investing in the Gazette and its employees. The community deserves nothing less.
Debra Bradley Ruder
Colleen Fitzpatrick
Former Gazette reporters and 2018 reunion co-organizers