Copy of The Latest Stories For You From Salem Reporter
Good morning, Salem.
When a crisis like a major fire hits a community, journalists must take great care to report carefully and accurately. We know what we write literally can mean lives.
That was the case over the weekend with the Vitae Springs Fire, which broke out Friday afternoon. The area of the fire is a maze of two-lane roads, farms and steep hillsides covered in brush and trees. It’s a dangerous place to be trapped by fire.
That made it challenging for responding fire crews to assess – and made it challenging for public safety agencies to get out much information in the early going.
At Salem Reporter, we were determined to get people information as quickly as possible – what are the evacuation areas, where is there shelter, what to do about animals. But above all, we wanted to ensure the right information got out. That means we had to be patient and wait for facts.
This event underscored how critical it is for the people of Salem to have news sources to rely on. We heard from many of you. We’re reviewing our coverage and considering our own “after-action” plans to do even better next time. If you have suggestions, please send them to me.
But even during the long weekend, we heard from readers who appreciated the efforts:
“I wanted to thank you for your reporting on this matter as it has been the best reporting on the situation.”
“I appreciate the way you & your team have adhered to professional standards when reporting the news. It’s so refreshing to see facts, rather than opinions, as the basis for various posts.”
“Thanks for your rewarding journalism.”
But not everyone was a fan of our work:
“You all were very slow to get the fire information out there.”
If you’ve just joined our Salem Reporter family or you’re taking us for a test spin, we welcome you. While the fire brought you to us, we hope we’ll have a long partnership.
–Les Zaitz, editor, Salem Reporter (email: [email protected])
You can find all of our stories anytime by heading to our website. Here are today’s headlines.
salemreporter.com
A years-long fundraising campaign and long-delayed construction has finally paid off as the downtown Salem YMCA, which includes a pool and preschool classes, is slated to open toward the end…
12 Sep 2022
salemreporter.com
A years-long fundraising campaign and long-delayed construction has finally paid off as the downtown Salem YMCA, which includes a pool and preschool classes, is slated to open toward the end…
12 Sep 2022
salemreporter.com
Managing Editor Rachel Alexander provides the background of a parent’s move to recall three directors from the Salem-Keizer School District, a move bringing into focus the political controversies now embroiling…
12 Sep 2022
salemreporter.com
Managing Editor Rachel Alexander provides the background of a parent’s move to recall three directors from the Salem-Keizer School District, a move bringing into focus the political controversies now embroiling…
12 Sep 2022
salemreporter.com
More than 100 people had to evacuate their homes this weekend as the Vitae Springs Fire burned nearly 165 acres.
12 Sep 2022
salemreporter.com
More than 100 people had to evacuate their homes this weekend as the Vitae Springs Fire burned nearly 165 acres.
12 Sep 2022
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