The news media is considered “The Fourth Estate,” a societal and political institution whose influence is not officially recognized. The first three estates are the branches of government; executive, legislative and judicial. While San Diego LGBT Weekly and LGBTweekly.com both qualify as a member of The Fourth Estate, we have very clear policies about what the newsmagazine and the Web site represent.
Our news coverage is just that. News. We make every attempt to present you with balanced coverage of the news that is of interest to the LGBT community. Whether it is political, business or entertainment news coverage, we strive to be the best. Of course, we have editorial discretion as to what we cover, but we have shown complete independence from the sacred cows in our community.
Our recent ten awards for journalistic excellence from the San Diego Press Club reflect our commitment to be simply the best. LGBT Weekly was the only LGBT publication recognized with so many awards and we were competing with every other non-daily newspaper in San Diego, straight or LGBT. We are more than proud of this accomplishment.
LGBT Weekly Media also has a number of columnists. Columnists are opinion makers. The problem some readers have with our columnists is that they don’t agree with a columnist’s opinions. That’s what makes the news media interesting and what keeps you reading.
There are national columnists, like Maureen Dowd and David Broder that I read frequently. I often disagree with their opinions, but reading them often gives me a new perspective on a particular issue of the day. LGBT Weekly Media also wants to create the same type of engagement with its readers.
Free speech is the most difficult of our American freedoms. Many want to silence speech they don’t agree with. Fortunately, that is not something with which our forefathers agreed.
Our ability to speak freely has become even more important, because almost anyone with a computer can instantly become a blogger, or express their opinion in the comment section of a Web site.
Many people have handles for their web comments. LGBT Weekly Media has a policy that we simply need to be able to verify your email address for your comment to be posted. We do not require that you provide your full name. That freedom is part of the Internet, interactive age.
LGBT Weekly Media also publishes comments and letters that are critical of columnists, as well as our media properties. We believe that is what civil discourse is about. Different opinions.
My “Message from the Publisher” represents my opinions. Sometimes you may agree with my thoughts, other times you might violently disagree. Either way, we are having a conversation. You can continue the conversation by a letter to the editor or a comment on the Web site. Public civil discourse. Something that makes America unique and great.
Whether it is Joel Trambley, Nicole Murray Ramirez, Autumn Sandeen or any of our other columnists, just remember that they are not reporting news. They are opinion makers, just like me. You are also an opinion maker by engaging the public with your letters and Web site comments.
In the old days, media was a one way street. The likelihood of your letter or comment getting printed was remote. Today, reputable media organizations publish every comment or letter because the Internet allows that to be relatively easy and inexpensive. Your opinions are often read as much as those of the columnists.
We love our readers; whether they agree with our opinions or not. Now if you think our news coverage is biased, that would be a problem. But our columnists are just like you. Imagine a great dinner party where you and the other guests discuss a topic of the day, that’s what our columnists do every week; put out an opinion and then we as a community discuss.
That’s why your engagement is so important. So keep those letters and comments coming. As the LGBT publication and Web site of record in San Diego, we want to hear from you.
The LGBT community is as diverse as the rest of America; we are white, African American, Latino, Asian, young, old, slim, plump, butch, queenie, Democrat, Republican and Independent.
In the end, we all share the same goal, to be accepted for the wonderful people that we are. I hope that LGBT Weekly Media helps you express who you are and if not, let us know. You can rest assured that your opinion will be heard.
STAMPP CORBIN
PUBLISHER
San Diego LGBT Weekly
Thank you Mr. Corbin!