First off, let me say it’s kind of weird to be on this end. I’m always putting people on the spot, doing interviews and going about the business of gathering the news. It’s been two months since the official launch of Flagler News Weekly and I figured you may be due for an update. These are some of the most common questions I’ve been asked lately as the publisher and editor of Flagler News Weekly.
- What’s it been like launching an entire news organization?
Well, thankfully we aren’t in the old days of news delivered by a horse or telegraph.
News comes in faster than ever these days and it’s important to me that you know what’s happening in Flagler County and across the region if it’s relevant, in a timely manner.
Fortunately with a decade of news reporting including radio, print and digital news, it was like I never took off my running shoes. People I’ve worked with for the past 10 years know, respect and trust my work, and have been excited to see this take off.
As for me, I could never have imagined the amount of work it would take to launch the parent company Sunrise Media Group and the digital news service Flagler News Weekly, but as I hear from readers and people with a story to tell, it’s worth it.
- You’re focusing on positive news a lot. Are we ever going to have those nitty-gritty click bait stories or investigative reporting?
I wanted this to really focus on the good in Flagler County. Of course I get discouraged just like everyone else when there is an overwhelming amount of bad news, and being able to highlight the good stuff really keeps me motivated.
As for the other, yes, anyone who knows me as a journalist, knows there is another side to what I cover and the questions that go with it. There will be a section tagged “Rap Sheet” in the future opening up dialogue on issues that need a spotlight. There will never be ‘gotcha’ questions or innuendo, just the facts.
- What comes next?
The big reveal in the works is a digital statewide magazine – Top Shelf Florida Quarterly. Set for June 2021, it’s something fun that allows for interesting features that have been percolating. Without giving away too much, let’s just say, it will be well worth the read.
- Will Flagler News Weekly or Top Shelf Florida Quarterly ever be in print?
No. Most people consume their news digitally today, and one day unfortunately, I think print will be very limited.
Digital has come with some surprising benefits though.
Rather than limited space in print, there’s room to tell the whole story with details. There’s space for great photos. There’s the ability to share the story with an unlimited number of people using just a link. If you scrapbook or are in charge of collecting history or media for your family, organization or business, you can print the page you need with the click of a button – no wasted paper. And of course, there’s the ability to provide the news to the public for free. No paywalls or subscriptions required.
I did joke with someone in the early days (funny how three months ago now qualifies as ‘the early days’) that when I made my first million I’d print a copy of Top Shelf Florida Quarterly, so there may be a copy or two for a keepsake since I am a scrapbooker, in a galaxy far away.
- Why do it? Why not go get a cushy job with big salary guarantee?
As I said in the beginning, there’s something exciting and challenging about owning your own business – it’s like the American Dream. Couple that with being one of the few women publishers in the business and it’s a heady mix that really pushes me to succeed.
There’s also a real need for the kind of journalism Flagler News Weekly provides. I love what I do. No two days are ever the same. No two stories alike. It’s an honor to be trusted by the community to highlight an issue and ask the questions, provide the information to help solve a problem or be there for those milestone moments in a person or family’s life. It’s what my Class of 2021 graduate Penelope calls a “We Gift”. It’s for all of us.
The support has been tremendous, and greatly appreciated. I hope you’ll continue to share Flagler News Weekly with friends, family and colleagues. You can always contact me about a story, a question or an idea at flaglernewsweekly@gmail.com.
And by the way – if we haven’t met yet, I’ll see you on the street, covering your stories. Real news. Real local. – Dani Anderson
