As we approach November 21, a date that marks the unique 33 1/3-year anniversary of The Wanderer, I can’t help but reflect on our journey. It’s a milestone that sets us apart, having published our first edition on July 24, 1992. This must be some record, 33 1/3, a third of a century. It’s not like 45 or 72 years, but I imagine that joke will be lost on a lot of younger folks. For that third of a century, as some folks know, I’ve been running the show, so to speak. Week in and week out for 1,700 editions now. That’s a lot of ink! And it’s all thanks to your unwavering support and readership that we’ve been able to reach this milestone.
Recently, I’ve been thinking about the future, both mine and my legacy, The Wanderer. It’s important to me that The Wanderer continues to support the community. I have some years left; after all, Donald Jason ran the Presto Press for 36 years, another record to pursue. That gives me about three years to find a successor, but it must be the right transition.
Over the years, I’ve gained a profound understanding of the vital role local journalism plays in our community. It’s not just about reporting the news, but also about empowering you, our readers, with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. Did you know that many sources show an increase in local government budget costs without local professional journalism? It’s a fact that underscores the importance of our work. I usually refrain from such discussions, as they might be perceived as self-promotion however, it’s crucial to be transparent and let our readers know the importance of knowledge. Therefore, it is vital to continue The Wanderer, even after I move on, to ensure you continue to have access to this vital information.
While I have time, years even, I want to explore options that will best suit the three towns we have always focused on. One option is for The Wanderer to be “passed down” to a new publisher. The second option I have started exploring is building a nonprofit collective, with a group of experienced members, to guide the newspaper for future generations. With the right board, it could be very successful, leading to a more comprehensive newspaper than our small team can provide. This would also open the door for endowments and grants. Currently, 100% of our operating costs are covered by advertising sales, but this is affected by the loss of local small businesses, which provide the majority of our revenue. Your Tri-Town paper not only provides community and town government news but also serves as an effective way for local businesses to share their message. You’re reading The Wanderer and proving my point for me right now, thank you!
As we look ahead to the next third of a century, we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and readership. The Wanderer exists because of you, and we eagerly anticipate serving as your Tri-town newspaper for many more years. Your feedback is invaluable to us, so please share your thoughts with us at support@wanderer.com. Thank you for being a part of The Wanderer family.
Paul Lopes, Editor