LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor: As retired journalists and longtime supporters (and subscribers) of the Ouray County Plaindealer, we want to voice our support for the courage exhibited by editors Erin McIntyre and Mike Wiggins in publishing the important story of an alleged sexual assault that reportedly occurred at the home of the Ouray police chief.

The story became national news only after a disgruntled Ridgway resident stole the newspapers from the sales racks in both towns, apparently in an effort to prevent the story from getting out. That thief has since been charged by law enforcement, after confessing and returning the stolen issues, but the fact that someone (in this digital age) would think that stealing the papers would prevent this important story from being reported underscores the reasons why local newspapers are so vital at a time when “news deserts” are growing in areas where local journalism is not supported.

Editors of local newspapers — especially those producing award-winning journalism like the Plaindealer — work long hours for low pay under difficult conditions, not the least of which is the “too close for comfort” syndrome faced by all journalists who report on the community in which they live.

It takes true grit, and not just the cinematic kind, to tell uncomfortable truths about the place you love. The Plaindealer editors regularly print stories that are uplifting and positive. Not because they are mouthpieces for the Chamber of Commerce, but because those positive stories are just part of the whole. The only way local officials can be held accountable is if the free press is performing its vital watchdog role.

Ridgway and Ouray are incredibly fortunate to have such a professional publication keeping them informed of vital developments in their communities.

Judy Muller, retired ABC correspondent and USC Annenberg professor emeritus George Lewis, retired NBC correspondent Norwood