New phases for company, editor

After 39 years of reporting, editing and supervising at five Iowa media outlets, at least one thing is clear to me: Newspapers really aren't privately held entities.

Readers and residents in delivery areas everywhere I've worked have always made it known that they have 'ownership” in the newspaper they read. They frequently communicate their expectations, disappointments and suggestions, whether it's a complaint that an address was wrong or praise for a news story or editorial position.

These days, much of that feedback comes electronically, instead of in person or by phone call. The downside is that sometimes there's little nuance and more potential for misunderstanding when the message comes via email, website or text. But feedback does keep coming - and that's a good thing.

As The Gazette opinion page editor for the past seven years, I've received and responded to a good share of reader input, ranging from outrage to polite requests to even an occasional pat on the back - sometimes all of it directed to the same editorial, guest column or letter to the editor that sparked those responses.

And that's a good thing, too. It reminds me of the wide variety of opinions and priorities that Iowans hold. It reminds me that most issues aren't black and white, that some community and societal problems are downright 'wicked” - the contemporary term for the most difficult, complicated problems.

My longtime work home, the newspaper industry, has wrestled with its own wicked challenge in recent years. An exploding Internet of information and advertising options. The social media phenomenon. Young adults don't buy newspapers, although many read them.

The Gazette Company has been forging new pathways as an information, journalism and advertising provider in order to best serve Eastern Iowa communities. We are in the midst of extensive online ventures and new approaches in our print and KCRG-TV9 products. It's all still evolving, at a fast pace. It's hard, it doesn't all work, but changes are necessary in order to thrive long term.

It's a major new phase in this company's life. Exciting and scary.

And so, too, it is for my wife, Marilyn, and me as I retire Friday. It's a new chapter of our life, one we've elected to take now because it's the right time for our family.

I thank this company and colleagues for the opportunity to work with dedicated people who care about Cedar Rapids and this vibrant region. Keep moving ahead.

' Comments: jeff.tecklenburg@thegazette.com or (319) 398-8262