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Today, we at the News-Register observe a birthday -- our 133rd. There will be no party or other special recognition to note the date. Instead, we will celebrate the occasion by working as we always do -- to report news that matters to you and this community and to provide principled leadership through commentary on current events -- leadership that helps guide our communities, region and state.
Our first edition hit the streets on Sept. 22, 1890, under the guiding hand of our founder, H.C. Ogden. From the beginning, he practiced a philosophy of journalism that some seem to believe has gone out of style in the 21st century.
Some news outlets, in both traditional media and digital platforms, practice what has been called "advocacy journalism." To better explain it, these outlets guide their coverage in a manner calculated to advance certain policies and assist specific politicians and their agendas.
But that is not genuine journalism and has no place masquerading as news, as Ogden understood. It is not what the people want -- and it certainly is not what they need in helping them understand the issues of the day, and the impact those issues have on their lives.
Since our founding, we at the News-Register have simply reported the news as accurately and fairly as is within our power. No one else has a larger, stronger team of journalists covering our region. Their mission is clear: to give you the local news you want and need in a way upon which you can rely, as fairly and accurately as possible.
Our editorial page philosophy is equally simple. It is to provide leadership to make the lives of our neighbors in the Ohio Valley better.
We owe no allegiance to any special interest or powerful person.
They do not matter.
You do.
For 133 years, doing the right thing for the people of our area, our business partners, our states and the nation as a whole has been our guiding light. It will continue to be so, regardless of what fleeting trends may influence others in the media.
That, we think, is worth noting as we celebrate both a legacy of service and a dedication to doing so for many years in the future.