The Latter-Day Saint Pioneer Legacy of the Deseret News — Now 173 Years Strong By Aaron Shill Tad Walch is on assignment in Africa this week, so I’m pinch-hitting and hoping that I won’t lose him any subscribers. Tad is one of the reasons I’ve been at the Deseret News since 2003. He brought me aboard at the Daily Herald when I was a college senior. Shortly after he made the move to the Deseret News, I did, as well. Several years ago, I was asked to give a presentation about the history of the Deseret News at a Sons of Utah Pioneers event. We gave what we hoped was a thorough and inspiring account of the sacrifices and commitment of early Latter-day Saints that brought about this publication. Tad, in particular, spoke with passion and conviction. At the end of the presentation, we asked if anyone had any questions. One gentleman raised his hand and asked, “Why can’t you deliver my paper on the doorstep?” We no longer deliver print editions on porches and driveways. The news industry has been changing at breakneck speed over the past two decades in particular, and we no longer deliver a daily newspaper, opting instead for two print editions a week and a full daily report on our website. We’re incredibly proud of both what we publish today and the enduring legacy of the Deseret News — which today marks 173 years since its first publication on June 15, 1850, under Editor Willard Richards. To mark the occasion, we have published a statement describing who we are and what we stand for under the byline of Editor Hal Boyd and Executive Editor Doug Wilks. “The Deseret News brand stands for unimpeachable journalism centered on the issues most core to the human heart, including faith and family. While the Deseret News has perpetually evolved to meet the demands of its audience — reimagining print offerings, launching an acclaimed magazine and increasing the visibility and reach of its award-winning website — the publication remains committed to certain timeless ideals.” The statement explains, “The very origins of this publication date back to a band of impoverished refugees huddled on the banks of the Missouri River desperate to procure a printing press whereby they might together furnish their ‘children with books, and the Saints with new things to feast the soul.’” Two images of the publication’s enduring legacy stand out in my mind. One is that press itself, which was hauled across the plains by the pioneers. A replica of it resides at the entry to our newsroom. The other is this photo, with the Deseret News office standing at the corner of South Temple and Main streets in Salt Lake City in 1897 — right at the center of it all. We hope you’ll give our statement a look and some thought. I’d love any feedback or reactions you might have. Just send them to me at [email protected]. |