EAGLE GROVE, Iowa — Residents are invited to a “Meet the Editor” night from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Pop’s Pizza and Pub in downtown Eagle Grove, offering an open forum to ask questions, raise concerns, and discuss ideas to help protect the future of local journalism.
The event will be hosted by Edward Lynn, editor of the Eagle Grove Eagle and CTO of Mid-America Publishing and Printing, Inc., the newspaper’s parent company. Lynn also owns and operates local streaming radio station Eagle Grove Classic Hits.
The evening is intended as a public conversation, with time dedicated to questions about news coverage, editorial priorities, financial pressures and how the newspaper can better serve the community. Lynn will also invite suggestions from attendees and discuss areas where community involvement could strengthen coverage without increasing cost.
Lynn plans to address community feedback, including constructive criticism, while providing a candid overview of the challenges facing local newspapers and the steps being taken to keep the Eagle Grove Eagle viable.
Part of the discussion will focus on the rising costs of producing a newspaper, including increases in printing materials, energy and labor, as well as recent cost-cutting measures such as remote work and the local office closure. Also, the reality of rising subscription rates and newsstand prices across the local area will be addressed, and attendees will be given the opportunity to subscribe ahead of inevitable rate hikes.
Additionally, concepts to expand advertising opportunities for local business in innovative, forward thinking ways which the publisher is planning will be discussed.
Both the kitchen and bar will be open during the discussion. No reservation is required.
The goal of the evening is open, respectful dialogue and a clearer understanding of what local journalism can realistically provide in today’s economic environment.
Following the formal discussion, Lynn will remain after 8 p.m. to speak individually with those who wish to continue the conversation. Residents of all viewpoints are encouraged to attend.
