Our Big Horn County newspapers remain strong

The closure of eight newspapers in eastern and southwestern Wyoming last week due to a decision made by News Media Corporation sent shockwaves through the newspaper industry in Wyoming and the communities the papers served.

Thankfully, the papers have been purchased by two knights in shining armor, Robb and Jen Hicks of Buffalo. But in case last week’s news makes our readers nervous or in doubt about our papers here in Big Horn County, our communities need to know that the Lovell Chronicle, Greybull Standard and Basin Republican Rustler are not affiliated with News Media Corp. in any way and are not affected by the closures. News Media is an out-of-state media corporation that has done business in multiple states, but not here in northwest Wyoming.

Our papers in Big Horn County are independent, family-owned businesses that have operated for more than 100 years and will continue to do so.

We were initially saddened by the decision to close so many community newspapers across the region and disheartened for the many dedicated and hardworking employees who had lost their jobs and for the communities left without the important coverage of lives in each of those towns.

But then the good news broke on Tuesday. Locally, our Big Horn County newspapers remain strong, and with your continued support, we plan to be here for many years to come. We urge you to stand with us by subscribing to our papers, advertising with us and continuing to share your news with us. Our relationship with you, our readers, remains strong, and we love what we do with you and for you.

The Wyoming Press Association issued a statement last week that reads, in part: “There are dozens of newspapers (in Wyoming) who are fierce advocates for their communities, whether through reporting on local high school sports or holding their local governments accountable. Newspapers represent the soul of Wyoming, both speaking for and to the communities they serve.”

We wholeheartedly agree and look forward to being a part of your lives well into the future.

We believe in Big Horn County and our communities within. And while there are challenges facing our industry, we know that the very best way for our citizens to receive information about the lives of our friends and neighbors, our schools and our local government is on the pages of the Basin Republican Rustler, the Greybull Standard and the Lovell Chronicle – your community newspapers owned and operated here in your hometown.

Thank you for your support and for working with us to be an effective and vital voice for our communities.